Products
Plate heat exchanger
Brazed design · Gasketed design · Semi-welded design · Free-flow plate heat exchanger · Evaporators · Condensers · Special designs
ETS offers plate heat exchangers as an efficient and economical alternative to conventional heat exchangers for a wide variety of applications in almost every field. The brazed plate heat exchangers are suitable for a differential pressure of up to 25 bar and temperatures from -20 °C to +185 °C. With special gaskets, bolted plate heat exchangers can also be used when processing aggressive liquids.
Designs
Brazed (SL), gasketed (S), free-flow (SF), semi-welded (SW), circumferentially welded (SPS), welded plate chambers (WW) and double-wall (SS).
Brazed design (Type SL)
Brazed plate heat exchangers have no gaskets and can be used in the temperature range from -20 °C to +185 °C at a max. working pressure of 25 bar. The high turbulence guarantees excellent heat transfer with a minimal footprint. They are used as heat exchangers for liquid media in industry and building services, and as condensers and evaporators in refrigeration systems.
Gasketed design (S series)
Gasketed plate heat exchangers of the S series are used for high heat duties, primarily for liquid media in industry, marine applications and building services. The max. working pressure is 16 bar at 160 °C.
Free-flow plate heat exchanger
Free-flow plate heat exchangers allow cooling or heating of fouling media, e.g., media containing fibers or solid particles, without deposits forming on the plates. Typical applications are the cooling or heating of orange juice, yogurt, ice cream, wort, tomato sauce, wastewater and cellulose.
Semi-welded plate heat exchangers
Semi-welded plate heat exchangers are mainly used for high-pressure applications and for aggressive media, where no gaskets and no brazing are permitted. The weld seam lies outside the gasket groove, which rules out corrosion attack.
Circumferentially welded plates (SPS)
The “circumferentially welded” plate heat exchanger works like a shell-and-tube heat exchanger, except that the tubes have been replaced by more efficient plates. These are welded together into a pack using laser/TIG welding and installed in a shell. Advantages: no gaskets, safe operation, up to 250 °C and 25 bar, space-saving. The SPS is used for district heating, as a steam or oil heat exchanger, and as an evaporator and condenser.
Welded plate chambers
These unit types are made from flat plate chambers and are highly versatile. The plate channels are alternately welded together using dimpled or round spacers. No gaskets are needed between these chamber plates. The two sides are separated by welds, so product mixing is not possible. Advantages: no gaskets, safe operation up to 300 °C and 16 bar, compact design.
Double-wall heat exchanger
For applications where regulations or operational reasons require an additional level of safety. Both media are separated by double plates made of stainless steel. In the very unlikely event of an internal leak, the medium escapes visibly to the outside via the safety chamber instead of mixing with the second medium.
Advantages of ETS plate heat exchangers
Higher duty with less material – the modern approach to process cooling and heating.
Thermal efficiency
Compared to tubular and spiral heat exchangers, plate heat exchangers offer higher thermal efficiency, simple installation and operation, a compact design, more flexibility and better heat recovery. Close temperature approaches of under 1 Kelvin enable almost complete heat transfer in counterflow.
Compact design
Minimized space requirements and light weight simplify transport, the foundation and on-site installation. This heat exchanger type allows simple operation.
Expandable system
For gasketed units, the duty can be adjusted flexibly at any time by adding or removing plates.
Self-cleaning
The embossed plate patterns create a highly turbulent flow that effectively prevents deposits.
Which process data determine the design
A plate heat exchanger has several plates, between which there is a narrow gap. This gap is filled with liquid that absorbs heat. The next gap, by contrast, releases heat.
ETS brings many years of experience and works to a high standard of quality in the calculation and sizing of plate heat exchangers. Plate heat exchangers are one of our specialties.
To choose between a bolted, brazed or welded design, ETS reviews the medium, pressure, temperature, fouling risk and maintenance access together with you.
- Medium and compatibility: Material, gasket concept and channel geometry are determined by the media used and their properties.
- Pressure and temperature: Operating and design data determine the plate pack, connections and the appropriate construction type.
- Cleaning and maintenance: Whether the unit needs to be opened, expanded, or operated with particle-laden media is clarified in the technical review.
Original photograph of an ETS plate heat exchanger. The specific design is engineered for each project.
Relevant for technical sizing
- MediaComposition and fouling
- Operating dataPressure, temperature and duty
- MaterialsCorrosion and gasket concept
- Installation conditionsMaintenance access and space requirements
Technical specifications at a glance
The standard limit values for our series. Higher values available on request via special sizing.
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Typical fields of application for this heat exchanger type
Where plate heat exchangers are used
In numerous industrial operations, working economically and in an environmentally friendly way is not possible without the use of plate heat exchangers. Plate heat exchangers are popular in industry and food production. In the food industry, the units are very popular. When manufacturing or processing food, very high or very low temperatures are sometimes required so that the products remain free of fungi, bacteria, and other pathogens.
The more plates the pack contains, the larger the transfer surface in the same installation space. That is why this heat exchanger type is used wherever a lot of heat must be transferred in a confined space – and, in the gasketed design, wherever the plates need to be taken apart again for cleaning.
- Industry
- Marine
- Food production
- Dairies
- Heating
- District heating
- Solar technology
Downloads
Product brochure
Plate heat exchanger
Frequently asked questions & concerns
Useful information on the sizing, installation and maintenance of plate heat exchangers.
How does ETS advise on selecting a plate heat exchanger?
Plate heat exchangers are one of our specialties, with a range for nearly every application. Fill out the inquiry form for a no-obligation consultation.
When are special plate heat exchangers used?
At high process temperatures, conventional heat exchangers are often inadequate. The special plate heat exchanger is designed for these cases and performs significantly better under such conditions.
Which designs and production volumes does ETS supply?
Customer-specific designs as well as large and small production runs can be delivered at short notice.
How is the optimal size of the heat exchanger determined?
With the help of specially developed computer programs, an optimal solution can be sized quickly and reliably at a competitive price. Based on your operating parameters (mass flow rates, inlet/outlet temperatures, maximum pressure loss and media properties), our engineers calculate the thermodynamically most efficient plate configuration.
Can aggressive or abrasive liquids be handled?
With special gaskets, the bolted plate heat exchanger can also be used with very aggressive liquids. Special materials such as titanium, titanium-palladium or Hastelloy, together with special free-flow geometries, allow aggressive acids, alkaline solutions or solids-laden slurries to be cooled or heated without difficulty.
What about gasket wear and service?
Gasketed plate heat exchangers allow individual gaskets to be replaced easily on site. We offer high-quality gaskets with a long service life. Alternatively, our brazed (type SL) or circumferentially welded (type SPS) heat exchangers eliminate the gasket risk entirely.
Start your sizing with our engineers
Send us four pieces of information: mass flow rates, inlet and outlet temperatures, the maximum permissible pressure loss and the properties of your media. Our engineers use this to size the plate configuration and prepare a quote for you. Fill out the contact form and one of our team members will respond as quickly as possible.
If you have questions, we are available by phone. Discuss your requirements with one of our knowledgeable team members. We are happy to assist you personally.