Optimizing the use of heat energy

^{In any form of heating and cooling, one path to greater profitability is to extract maximum benefit from all the heat energy already available within the system – rather than producing or buying expensive additional heat energy.}

^{Heat transfer involves bringing two substances at different temperatures close to each other, so that one either heats or cools the other. This means that energy already within the system which is already paid for – is simply transferred to another part of the process where it can be put to greatest\ effect. This saves you money, saves energy and reduces the overall environmental impact of your production processes.}

^{Only the biggest and best companies in this field have the resources and the know-how to provide a comprehensive range of heat exchanger solutions. Alfa Laval is one of those companies, able to supply the optimal heat transfer technologies to meet your needs.}

^{Heat transfer technologies – the choice}

^{Broadly speaking, shell-and-tube heat exchangers are the large, traditional solution, spiral heat exchangers are the smaller, simple solution and plate heat exchangers are the compact, modern solution with significantly better thermal efficiency and by far the greatest technology development potential.}

^{At Alfa Laval, we want to provide you with optimal solutions. Alfa Laval has therefore focused strongly on plate heat exchanger technology.}

^{Optimizing heat transfer}

^{Plate heat exchangers are designed to optimize heat transfer, because the corrugated plates provide by far the greatest surface area through which the heat can be drawn from one gas or liquid to the other. Despite this substantial area for heat transfer, plate heat exchangers are usually relatively compact. For example, an Alfa Laval Compabloc solution, one of the most compact installations currently available, only takes up about 20% of the physical space needed for a traditional installation.}

^{The design of the channels also ensures maximum turbulence as each fluid passes through. This results in maximum efficiency in transferring heat from one medium to the other.}

^{Working principle}

^{The basic plate heat exchanger consists of a series of thin, corrugated plates that are gasketed or welded together (or any combination of these) depending on the liquids passing through and on whether it is practical to be able to subsequently separate the plates, for whatever reason.} 

^{The plates are then compressed together in a rigid frame to create an arrangement of parallel flow channels. One fluid travels in the odd numbered channels, the other in the even.}

The difference lies on the inside

^{All plate heat exchangers look similar from the outside. The differences lie inside, in the details of plate design and the sealing technologies used. Alfa Laval is the largest manufacturer of plate heat exchanger solutions in the world. We use plate heat exchanger design and manufacturing processes that are quite simply in a class of their own:}

^{● single-step pressing of plates – resulting in greater uniformity, less physical stress, thinner plates and more efficient heat transfer}

^{● patented distribution area design – resulting in maximum use of the heat transfer area, the greatest turbulence in the flow, optimum fluid distribution, higher design pressure capabilities and minimal fouling}

^{● the ability to provide you with a complete range of fully optimized plate heat exchanger designs, sizes and applications that can meet virtually any operational specification.} 

^{Plate heat exchangers from Alfa Laval are available:}

^{● gasketed or welded together (or any combination of these) using a vast range of carefully researched gasket materials and adhesives.}

^{● as single–phase containing two liquids or for two-phase applications containing a gas and a liquid, and serving as condensers, evaporators and reboilers.}

^{● for a huge range of different temperatures and pressures, and fluids with differing purity, viscosity and solids/fibre content.}

^{● as two-in-one units because the temperature profile and flow through the unit can be managed exactly as required.}

^{● for a vast range of different applications, ranging from the most aggressive and demanding environments, such as the nuclear power industry and offshore oil and gas installations, to the processing of delicate beverages and foodstuffs.}

^Welded

^{Completely welded plates expand temperature and pressure limitations to 350°C (650°F) and 40 bar 625 psig.}

^{Glued gaskets}

^{Should your operating condition promote gasket swelling, glued gaskets provide increased reliability, especially for repeated openings. Replacement of glued gaskets is not necessary for servicing. Our oven-cured epoxy affixes the gasket firmly and will not dissolve.}

^{Glue-free gaskets}

^{Glue-free gaskets provide fast and easy gasket replacement on site.}

 Plate innovations

Diabon Graphite® nonmetallic

^{A composite of fused graphite and fluoroplastic, this unit provides excellent resistance to hydrochloric acid, AlCl3, and other corrosive materials. Unlike traditional graphite, Diabon F® has no porosity or permeability. It resists cracking and breakage during handling and use.}

^{Wide-gap plate}

^{With 17 mm channels free of contact points, this plate is ideal for fluids containing fibres or coarse particles. Each channel has been designed to eliminate bridging of solids in the entrance area.}

^{Double-wall plate}

^{Composed of plates pressed simultaneously and laser welded at the port, this is designed for applications where additional reliability against intermixing is necessary to prevent catastrophe. Failure of one plate results in external detection without interleakage. The second wall provides a double barrier between fluids, meeting local health code regulations.}

^{Semi-welded plate}

^{Welded channels for process fluids allow aggressive and difficult fluids to be handled in a plate heat exchanger and expands the pressure range. The gasket exposure is minimal on the welded side.}