Heat exchangers are an integral part of mechanical systems, serving a simple yet crucial purpose. Selecting the right heat exchanger can significantly enhance a system's efficiency, capacity, and reliability, while a poor choice may lead to increased maintenance and operating costs. As a global leader in heat exchange technology, Alfa Laval has pioneered a variety of innovations, including the AlfaQ™ gasketed plate-and-frame heat exchanger
An Alfa Laval heat exchanger facilitates the transfer of heat between two fluids without mixing them. Key design objectives include maximizing heat transfer by increasing the surface area between fluids, minimizing pressure drops, and reducing the overall size to save floor space. Several liquid-to-liquid heat exchangers have been developed for specific applications, including tube-in-tube, shell-and-coil, and shell-and-tube. Among these, the gasketed plate-and-frame heat exchanger offers numerous advantages. One of those advantages is that Alfa Laval was the first to offer a broad range of heat exchanger innovations – the AlfaQ™ range – that are certified to AHRI 400. Alfa Laval has accomplished a 100% success rate in the AHRI performance certification program for more than a decade. The AlfaQ™ Series are part of our gasketed plate heat exchanger portfolio.
Each plate features patterned channels that guide the flow of media. The plate pack is sandwiched between a stationary frame plate and a movable pressure plate, held together by long bolts. Stainless steel is commonly used for heat exchanger plates, with corrugated and chevron-style channels ensuring optimal heat exchange efficiency.
The design of plate patterns significantly affects GPHE efficiency. Selecting the appropriate pressing depths, corrugation patterns, and chevron angles optimizes heat exchanger performance. Ensuring evenly distributed flow across the plate surfaces and avoiding stagnant zones are crucial factors. The ideal selection takes into account both turbulent flow and pressure drop considerations.
Reduce Energy Usage: Alfa Laval GPHEs are up to five times more efficient than conventional shell-and-tube designs. With approach temperatures as low as 1°F, these gasketed plate-and-frame heat exchangers can substantially improve system performance.
Gasketed plate-and-frame heat exchangers, like those from Alfa Laval, offer multiple advantages and are ideal for applications with low approach temperatures – they are nearly universal in free cooling applications using cooling towers and dry coolers. Alfa Laval provides a broad portfolio of GPHEs, including the AlfaQ™.
Alfa Laval's broad product portfolio includes AHRI 400 performance-certified options, ensuring reliable operation. Explore Alfa Laval GPHEs and learn more about their features and benefits by visiting https://www.alfalaval.us/microsites/gasketed-plate-heat-exchangers/.
Mechanical Resource Group proudly represents Alfa Laval and operates state-of-the-art manufacturer-provided selection software. Don’t hesitate to contact us to learn more about the features and benefits of Alfa Laval gasketed plate heat exchangers.