Plate heat exchangers offer numerous advantages, which is why they are increasingly popular. So, what are these benefits?

High thermal conductivity coefficient

Plate heat exchangers are composed of alternating corrugated plates, which results in a higher heat transfer coefficient for the fluid flowing through the channels, up to 3 to 5 times that of shell-and-tube exchangers.

2. Lightweight

The sheet thickness for the panel-style is approximately 0.4-0.8mm, while the tube-shell style is around 2.0-2.5mm, making it significantly lighter.

Large logarithmic mean temperature difference, small end temperature difference.

The fluid in the shell-and-tube heat exchanger flows in a crossflow pattern, resulting in a smaller average temperature difference coefficient. In contrast, the plate heat exchanger operates in a parallel or counterflow manner, minimizing the end temperature difference, allowing for water heat exchange below 1°C.

4. Low pricing

Comparing two heat exchangers made of the same material and with the same heat exchange area, the plate-type is about half the price of the shell-and-tube type.

5. Small land area

The plate heat exchanger boasts a compact structure, with its heat exchange area being 2 to 5 times larger than that of a shell-and-tube exchanger, significantly reducing the floor space required.

6. Easy to alter heat exchange area or process flow combinations

With just a few more or fewer plates, the heat exchange area can be adjusted accordingly. Rearranging the plate layout allows for recombination of the flow.