Plate heat exchangers

When is a plate heat exchanger the right choice?

Especially when heat has to be transferred between two liquids, or between steam and a liquid, and space is tight. The profiled plates pack a large transfer area into a small footprint and work with small temperature differences between the media. Limits are set by pressure and temperature, and on gasketed units also by the gasket. More on function and design in our plate heat exchanger guide.

Which design suits my application?

Three designs are available. The gasketed design can be opened, cleaned and extended and is the lowest-cost entry for water/water duties. The fully welded design needs no gaskets and handles higher pressures, higher temperatures and aggressive media. The double wall design rules out mixing of the media by design, for example for drinking water or in food production. Guide values for pressure and temperature per design are shown in the design comparison.

Which plate materials and gaskets are available?

Plates come in several stainless steel grades and in titanium, gaskets in EPDM, NBR, HNBR and FKM. Which combinations each design allows is shown on its design page. We match the material to the medium and operating conditions; your own specification is possible and will be reviewed. Which material suits which medium is explained in our guide to materials and gaskets.

How are plate heat exchangers maintained?

Gasketed units can be opened for cleaning, and plates and gaskets can be replaced individually. Fully welded packs cannot be taken apart and are cleaned chemically (CIP). On the double wall design, a leak shows at the gap between the plates before it can reach the system. More in our guide to maintenance and cleaning.

How does the online sizing work?

In the configurator you enter media, temperatures and flow rates or the duty, without a login. The energy balance fills in missing values instantly, and the calculator flags unusual combinations as you type. Our engineers in Düsseldorf then define design, material, gasket and plate count; you will find them in your individual quote. Formula, k value and a worked example are in our sizing guide.