Gasketed plate heat exchangers

 

Industrial semi-welded GPHEs

Industrial semi-welded gasketed plate heat exchangers are used when gaskets are not suitable as one of the process media. Semi-welded GPHEs can also take a higher design pressure compared to fully gasketed plate-and-frame heat exchangers.

In the Semi-welded heat exchanger the refrigerant flows in laser-welded, sealed plate channels, and in the opposite channel the liquid brine flows in gasketed channels.

Applications

Semi-welded GPHEs are used in refrigeration applications as:

  • Evaporators
  • Condensers
  • Desuperheaters
  • Cascade duties
  • Economizers/subcoolers

Benefits

  • Easy to modify heat transfer area for altered capacities, refrigerants
  • Condenser/desuperheater or condenser/oil cooler combined in single unit
  • Special high pressure version available for CO2 cascade duties
  • Special fitted Surge drum available for flooded NH3 evaporator application
  • Can be optimized with air liquid coolers in indirect cooling systems

 

How it works

The heat transfer area of a gasketed plate-and-frame heat exchanger consists of a series of corrugated plates, assembled between the frame and pressure plates, which retain the design pressure. For the highest thermal performance and to enable a very close temperature approach, fluids normally run counter-currently through the heat exchanger.

The sealing between the plates on the Industrial semi-welded line alternates between laser welds and gaskets. The laser welded channel allows use of fluids that are not compatible with normal gaskets and also allows for higher design pressure than fully gasketed plate-and-frame heat exchangers. Additionally, the Alfa Laval RefTight™ sealing system guarantees equal sealing force over the entire porthole gasket.

Industrial semi-welded line is available with various pressing depths and angles of the chevron pattern and various shapes of the corrugation which are carefully designed and selected to achieve optimal performance. The CurveFlow™ and the chocolate pattern distribution area are two design features available that ensure fluids are evenly distributed across the entire plate.  The result is that the entire heat transfer surface is fully utilized and stagnant zones that can result in fouling are avoided.

High flow turbulence between plates results in higher heat transfer; however, the consequence is pressure drop. Our thermal design engineers will help you design and select the model and configuration that is suitable for your application needs while delivering maximum thermal performance and minimizing pressure drop.

Configurations

The Industrial semi-welded line can be configured in many ways. The animation shows single pass configuration of a fully gasketed plate-and-frame heat exchanger. The flow principle of a semi-welded heat exchanger is the same. The difference is that every second channel is sealed with a laser weld instead of a gasket. Multi pass with 2 or more passes on each side is also possible. 

Liquid/Liquid GPHE

Steam heater GPHE

2-pass GPHE

 

Features that matter

It's important to understand that all gasketed plate heat exchangers are not the same. The features highlighted below are important components to look for in a GPHE, and when combined, these features offer extensive benefits, such as reduced total cost of ownership, higher efficiency and increased staff safety.

RefTight sealing system

What is it?

The sealing weld is positioned separately - outside the ring gasket, which ensures equal sealing force over the entire port hole gasket, guaranteeing higher performance through the welded channel.

Risks with other designs

The sealing weld is commonly placed inside the ring gasket groove. This combined with an uneven port hole groove can lead to gasket material stress and can eventually lead to gasket failure.

Distribution system - CurveFlow

What is it?

One of the most important features of a plate heat exchanger, the distribution area ensures full use of the heat transfer area and minimizes fouling.

Risks with other designs

An inefficient distribution area with uneven flow causes maldistribution and fouling build up.

ClipGrip gasket

What is it?

A glue free gasket with superior alignment that ensures a perfect seal and trouble-free maintenance. Fastening to the plate is improved by having five fastening points.

Risks with other designs

Other gasket designs, such as snap-in gaskets, only have one fastening point to the plate. If this one point is lost, there is no gasket fastening function.

 

Downloads

Technical brochures

Model M10-BW

Model M10 W

Model MK15-BW 

Model MK15 W

Model TK20

Model T20 W

Model MA30

Model MA30-S

Model MA30 W

 

Servicing your heat exchangers

Plate heat exchangers have an essential role in most applications. If they function poorly, they may lead to lower product quality, reduced safety and higher energy costs. And if they fail, they can lead to costly downtime and major losses in production. This makes it important to perform maintenance – and important to do it correctly.

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