How Does a Plate Heat Exchanger Work

Contenuto Nascondere

1 How Does a Plate Heat Exchanger Work

1.1 What is a Plate Heat Exchanger

1.2 How Does a Plate Heat Exchanger Work

1.3 Plate Heat Exchanger Advantages

1.4 Plate Heat Exchangers Disadvantages

1.5 You Can Trust LNEYA

1.6 Related chillers

1.7 FAQ

1.8 CONTATTO

Heat exchangers help two media at different temperatures transfer heat between each other.Different types of heat exchangers have different characteristics and applicable scenarios. The most commonly used evaporator for chillers is the plate heat exchanger. What components does it consist of? How does it work? What are its characteristics? Keep reading!

>>Click to learn 6 common types of heat exchangers

What is a Plate Heat Exchanger

Plate heat exchanger consists of multiple stacked metal plates, clamped together by bolts, a fixed plate, and a movable pressure plate to form a complete unit. Independent channels are formed between adjacent plates, allowing the refrigerant and coolant to flow in alternate spaces and exchange heat through the plate surface. Each plate is equipped with a gasket to prevent leakage or cross-contamination.

Common plate materials include stainless steel, titanium, titanium alloys, Hastelloy, and nickel alloys—all known for their corrosion and high-temperature resistance. The plates typically feature corrugated patterns, which increase rigidity, promote fluid turbulence, and enhance heat transfer efficiency.

How Does a Plate Heat Exchanger Work

The plate heat exchanger has two holes at both ends, which are the inlet and outlet of the refrigerant and coolant respectively. The two fluids enter from different inlets and flow to adjacent flow channels. Generally, the inlet of the coolant is above the plate, and the inlet of the refrigerant is below the plate, and the two inlets are distributed diagonally.

Multiple narrow closed flow channels are formed between the metal plates, and the paths of the cold and hot media are arranged alternately, and each medium flows only in its own layer of flow channels. The medium flows along the surface of the plate, and turbulence is generated due to the texture, and is evenly distributed in the flow channel.

The coolant will transfer heat to the refrigerant through the plate. Then the two are discharged from different outlets and enter the next link or start a new cycle.

Plate Heat Exchanger Advantages

Low cost – Their simple design and lower material usage make plate type heat exchangers more cost-effective, especially in small to medium-scale applications.

Compact – the plate heat exchanger is composed of multiple plates stacked together, and the footprint is smaller than the traditional shell and tube heat exchanger. It is very suitable for use in places with limited space.

Expandable – one end of the plate heat exchanger is a movable pressure plate. If there is a new heat exchange demand, the number of plates can be changed at any time to adapt to new working conditions.

Easy maintenance – The unit can be easily disassembled by loosening bolts, allowing for quick plate removal and cleaning.

Plate Heat Exchangers Disadvantages

The main limitations of plate heat exchangers come from the gaskets. Sudden pressure fluctuations may cause the gasket to deform. When the seal fails, it will cause leakage or mixing of the media. In addition, the gasket is generally made of rubber or polymer materials. After long-term use, the gasket will age or harden.

The high temperature resistance of the gasket material determines the operating temperature range of the heat exchanger. When the temperature is higher than the limit value, the gasket material has a great risk of aging. Different gasket materials have different temperature resistance limits, please refer to the manufacturer’s parameters for specific details.

You Can Trust LNEYA

LNEYA chillers are trusted by customers in over 30 countries and regions. Our chiller experts will provide you with perfect selection suggestions free of charge.