Plate & Shell Heat Exchanger Technology
Our unique Plate & Shell Heat Exchanger (PSHE) is at the forefront of heat exchanger technology. The core of this heat exchanger is a fully welded plate pack enclosed in a strong shell structure, which eliminates the need for a gasket. Due to its advanced construction, Vahterus PSHE combines the best features of plate & frame and shell & tube heat exchangers.
Plate & Frame Heat Exchangers
+ compact
+ low fouling
+ close approach temps
- low pressure (<15bar)
- low temperature (<150°C)
- gasket (hydrocarbons corrosion)
Shell & Tube Heat Exchangers
+ high pressure
+ high temperature
+ no gasket
- large size and weight
- high fouling
Plate & Shell Heat Exchangers
+ high pressure (200bar)
+ high temperature (-196°C~+600°C)
+ no gasket
+ compact (~1/5 S&T)
+ low weight (~1/10 S&T)
+ low fouling
+ close approach temps
+ big temperature difference
+ batch process
Our Plate & Shell Heat Exchanger has numerous benefits over traditional heat exchangers. It’s compact and light in weight, and since it has no gaskets, it can withstand higher pressure and temperatures than plate & frame heat exchangers. The structural properties of our Plate & Shell Heat Exchangers also make them durable, easy to maintain and energy-efficient.
Construction
The core of Vahterus heat exchanger is a fully welded plate pack. After pressing and cutting, the plates are welded together, with the gaps between the plates functioning as channels for hot and cold heat circulation.
The plate pack is then installed in a cylindrical shell structure, which eliminates the need for a gasket. Hot and cold circulations run in opposite directions on each side of the plates, and each gap has alternately a ‘plate side’ circulation and a ‘shell side’ circulation. The circulation is directed into the pack of plates and out through combination pipes.
Like the plate pack, the surrounding shell is fully welded. The plate pack and shell are not, however, welded together, which allows them to expand and contract with heat variation. The plate pack consists of circular plates, which guarantees even distribution of stress.
Benefits
Energy efficient
The strong turbulent flow between the plates in a Plate & Shell Heat Exchanger makes the process highly energy-efficient. Unlike with traditional plate heat exchangers, circulation is possible at higher temperatures and pressure. They are also compatible with strict temperature programmes. In district heating applications, for example, every extra degree of temperature recovered translates directly to money saved.
Compact
Our Plate & Shell Heat Exchangers are 60–70% smaller than traditional shell & tube heat exchangers. Thanks to the compactness, they are an excellent choice for retrofitting. Plate & Shell Heat Exchangers are also light, and thus easy to transport and install. They can be used in locations where weight limits apply, and require no additional support structures.
Custom-built
To achieve the best possible solution for your needs, the heat exchanger is designed with your input from the very beginning. Our years of experience mean we know heat exchangers inside out, so you can count on us to supply systems optimised for even the most challenging conditions. Accurate thermal sizing maximises benefits while minimising costs and material consumption.
Fully welded
Plate & Shell Heat Exchangers are constructed to be strong, compact and safe. They withstand extremely high pressure, stress variation and thermal shocks. Like the plate pack, the surrounding shell is fully welded. The plate pack and shell are not, however, welded together, which allows them to expand and contract with heat variation. The plate pack consists of circular plates, which guarantees even distribution of stress.
Easy maintenance
The welded construction of our heat exchangers makes them reliable and easy to maintain. They have no gaskets, so there’s no risk of them breaking or leaking. In addition, Plate & Shell Heat Exchangers are not susceptible to fouling. We can customise efficient heat exchanger cleaning systems for even the toughest of environments.
