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A plate heat exchanger is a specific type of heat exchanger which

consists of a number of thin, corrugated plates.
These plates are pressed against each other in a frame, in which the edges of the plates are provided with a rubber gasket or welded together depending on the application of the heat exchanger.

In this way parallel channels between the plates are created . One of the liquids is guided through the even channels, while the other liquid is guided though the odd channels.

If there is a temperature difference between the two liquids, a heat transfer will take place through the plates from the hot liquid side to the cold liquid side.

A high degree of turbulence can be obtained  ( with a self-cleaning effect ) and at low flow rates high heat transfer coefficient can be achieved.

Gasketed Plate Heat Exchanger

This is the most flexible plate heat exchanger which is on the market today.

These plate heat exchangers consists a plate pack with a series of thin, corrugated plates which are mentioned above The plates are compressed together in a rigid frame and are easy to open.

The advantage is that they are easy to adapt to possible process changes such as, e.g. capacity, pressure drop, material, product and temperature.

If required the heat exchanger is easy to open for cleaning, inspection or to replace the gaskets.

Brazed Plate Heat Exchangers

The advantage of the brazed plate heat exchangers is that they can withstand high pressure, higher and lower temperatures compared to the gasketed plate heat exchangers and  their compact construction.

They are suitable for closed systems and in basically maintenance free.

Principle of a Plate Heat Exchanger