Plate Heat Exchangers

Plate heat exchangers represent a significant advancement in heat transfer technology, offering exceptional thermal efficiency, versatility, and compact design.

What is a Heat Exchanger?

A heat exchanger is a system used to transfer heat between a source and a working fluid. They are versatile as they can be used in both cooling and heating processes. Heat Exchangers are made with a stack multiple plates and use the gaskets inside to obstruct fluids from entering the alternating plates.

The gasket can be rotated to block either the right or left side holes which allows fluids to flow in the alternating channels between the plates. For efficiency, heat exchangers are manufactured so that the surface area of the wall between the two fluids are maximised, whilst simultaneously lessening resistance to fluid flow through the exchanger. Smaller versions tend to be brazed rather than using gaskets. You can find more information in our plate heat exchangers guide.

How do Plate Heat Exchangers work?

Plate Heat Exchangers are more effective than a standard heat exchanger as the fluids are exposed to a larger surface area as they are spread out over the plates. The purpose of a plate heat exchanger is to transfer thermal energy between two fluids using metal and without the fluids mixing. Plate Heat Exchangers can be used in both cooling and heating processes. Stainless steel is a commonly used metal for the plates because of its ability to endure high temperatures and its high resistance to corrosion.

How do Water Heat Exchangers work?

Water heat exchangers are used for a variation of commercial and industrial purposes as they use the heat from wastewater to heat freshwater entering the system. In a standard system, freshwater comes in and circulates around the hotter wastewater that flows out. The heat energy from the wastewater transfers to the fresh water through interior walls and cools the wastewater in the process