Since the first commercially successful design was introduced by APV’s founder Dr Richard Seligman in 1923, the plate heat exchanger has become one of the most versatile and cost-effective methods for the indirect heating and cooling of fluids.
The basic concept is to run fluids on either side of a thin metal plate so that heat may be transferred between the two fluids.
Product Range:
APV heat exchanger plates come in over 34 different corrugation patterns and 60 different sizes, so that the heat exchanger can be matched to a particular duty. The largest frame can accommodate up to 1000 plates, giving a heat transfer area of more than 3500 m2 in a single heat exchanger. The plates are typically 0.4-0.6 mm thick.
Features/Benefits:
• The PHE occupies far less floor space and weighs much less than a tubular exchanger for the same application.
• The smaller size means reduced capital outlay for stainless steel, titanium or other costly metals.
• The ease of disassembly and reassembly facilitates cleaning and can make downtime for this purpose minimal. Up to 97% heat recovery can be achieved.
• Low liquid hold-up avoids thermal breakdown of heat sensitive liquids.
• The turbulent flow reduces fouling and sedimentary deposits to an absolute minimum.
• Plates with different but compatible geometry can be alternated to regulate heat transfer to meet precise process demands.
• The number of plates in a frame may be increased or reduced, and plate flow patterns (i.e. thermally long or short) can be varied to meet changed process requirements.