Function of Plate & Shell Heat Exchangers

XPS – heat exchangers consist of two independent pressure sections:

  • the plate side consists of a pack of round corrugated plates, which are alternately welded together on the circumference or on the two openings in the plates.
  • the shell side is a cylindrical shell either fully welded, openable at one side or openable at both sides.
Plate and Shell heat exchanger

The gaps between the corrugated plates form flow channels, which primary and secondary media flow through alternately. Flow directors in the shell side prevent any bypass – flow between shell and plate pack, which reduces thermal performance.

The flow direction of both media can be arranged as counter-flow, co-current or cross-flow. The heat is transferred via the corrugated plates, which create turbulence and enhance heat transfer. When one or both media are evaporating or condensing partly or completely, it is called a two-phase application.

Counterflow

Counter flow

the most common form of flow configuration

Crossflow

Cross flow

for a reduced resistance on the primary and secondary side

Co-current flow

Co-current flow

for maximum temperature differences at the inlet, or to avoid temperature crossing

By means of deflections the plate and shell side can be configured for multi passes. This increases the thermal length.

Crossflow

Inlet and outlet on both ends

For large volumetric flows on the plate side

Crossflow

Plate side deflection

For large differences in volumetric flow rates between plate and shell side

Co-current flow

Shell and Plate side deflection

For optimizing the pressure loss and heat transfer on both sides

XPS plate heat exchangers are available in five sizes and with different corrugation patterns, i.e. with different corrugation angles and pressing depths.

Crossflow

Plates with H-, L- and G-corrugation

Crossflow


Co-current flow


H-plates allow high heat transfer rates caused by a high turbulent flow. L-plates are used in applications which are optimized for a minimal pressure loss, or hydraulically limited. In gas / gas – applications or when the media is contaminated with solids G-plates are often used, which has a larger cross-sectional area.

Design data

  • Design pressure: -1 to 400bar

  • Design temperature: -196°C to +500°C 

  • Plate material: 1.4404, Titan and Nickel alloys

  • Shell material: Carbon steel, Stainless steel, Titan, Nickel alloys

  • Nozzle sizes: DN25(1") to DN1000(40")

... more about sizes and materials
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XPS

XPS – Plate & Shell heat exchangers are highly suitable for heat transfer between liquids and gases or for evaporation and condensation duties. The gasket-free and cylindrical design allows operating pressures from full vacuum to 400bar and temperatures ranging from -200 to 500°C.

XPT

XPT – Thermoplate heat exchangers can handle dirty media and show low pressure drop even with high volume flows. The all welded plate-pairs are used from vacuum to 60 bar and from -200 to 800 °C.