4 replies to this topic

[bios16]

Hi,

I wanted to find out if using a plate and frame heat exchanger for heating hot water with steam is a do-able application. I am trying to reduce the foot print of the heat exchanger due to space constraints and am trying to learn if this is better compared to a Shell and tube for this kind of service. Any advice in this regard is welcome. Thanks again.

Regards,

[Jiten_process]

Hi,

I wanted to find out if using a plate and frame heat exchanger for heating hot water with steam is a do-able application. I am trying to reduce the foot print of the heat exchanger due to space constraints and am trying to learn if this is better compared to a Shell and tube for this kind of service. Any advice in this regard is welcome. Thanks again.

Regards,

hi,

We do use PHEs widely for our projects. I have also sized PHE for the application which you are talknig about. Just for your info. there are two types of PHEs, one is gasketed PHE and the other one which is new these days are brazed PHE (welded plate). In latter the plates are welded to each other so it is basically use and throw type of phe (non cleanable), but for hot water generation by steam we do use it for our projects. So this is what my experience.

Its better that you discuss your prob. here in detail for better answers.

All the best.

[katmar]

I have used gasketed PHE's for heating water and process liquid streams with flash steam. If you are using higher pressure steam the welded or brazed units suggested by Jiten may be better, although I have used a gasketed PHE as a reboiler with 2 barg steam.

Your local supplier should be able to guide you. If he can't, don't buy from him.

[djack77494]

You could also consider the use of an injection heater; e.g. Pick Heater. These heaters operate by directly injecting the heating stream (steam) into the water stream. They are quite compact and possess a number of advantages. Of course, the "loss" of the steam into the water stream would have to be acceptable, but this generally is "no big deal".

[oldman]

i have just joined and that explains late response. In principle there is no limitation in using plate and frame heat exchanger for yr application. But note that their is limitation in max design/operating pressure of these exchangers ( 20-25 barg). please contact or visit website of Alfalaval or Tranter International for further details