A plain-language explanation of plate heat exchangers — how the corrugated plates transfer heat, the main types, and typical applications.
Definition
A plate heat exchanger (PHE) transfers heat between two fluids using a stack of thin, corrugated metal plates. The fluids flow through alternating channels formed between the plates, so heat passes from the hot fluid through the plate wall into the cold fluid without the two streams mixing. The corrugations create turbulence, which dramatically increases heat transfer in a small footprint.
How it works
Each plate has gasket grooves or brazed/welded seals that direct one fluid up the odd channels and the other fluid down the even channels. Because the plates are thin and the flow is turbulent even at low velocity, plate heat exchangers achieve very high heat transfer coefficients and close temperature approaches — often within 1–2 °C of the opposing fluid.
Main types
Gasketed plate heat exchangers can be opened for cleaning and expansion. Brazed plate units are compact and sealed for refrigerants and high pressures. Fully welded and welded plate-and-block units handle aggressive media and higher temperatures. The right type depends on pressure, temperature, fluid and maintenance needs.
Where they are used
Plate heat exchangers are used in HVAC and district heating, food and dairy pasteurization, breweries, marine cooling, chemical processing, swimming pools, heat pumps and energy recovery. They suit clean liquid-to-liquid duties where efficiency and compact size matter.
Get a selection from Jiangxing
Shanghai Jiangxing manufactures gasketed, brazed and welded plate heat exchangers and sizes them free from your process conditions. Send your media, temperatures, flow and pressure to Blair, blair@shheatex.com, or WhatsApp +86 133 1175 6331.
Frequently asked questions
What is a plate heat exchanger?
A plate heat exchanger transfers heat between two fluids through a stack of thin corrugated metal plates. The fluids flow through alternating channels, so heat passes through the plate without the streams mixing.
What are the main types of plate heat exchanger?
Gasketed (openable for cleaning), brazed (sealed, compact, for refrigerants and high pressure), and fully welded or welded plate-and-block (for aggressive media and higher temperatures).
Where are plate heat exchangers used?
In HVAC and district heating, food and dairy pasteurization, breweries, marine cooling, chemical processing, swimming pools, heat pumps and energy recovery.
Send your working conditions to Blair
Share your medium, temperatures, flow rate and pressure — Blair will return a thermal selection and indicative pricing after reviewing the available data.