Compact
Cost Effective
Efficient
Working Principle
BPHE consists of corrugated stainless steel plates vacuum brazed together using copper as the brazing material. Brazing the stainless steel plates together eliminates the need for sealing gaskets and thick frame plates. Stainless steel plates forms the channels and the working fluids flow through the channels where heat is transferred from hot to cold side. Since the hydraulic diameter is small and all surfaces of the brazed plate heat exchanger actively contribute to heat transfer, the BPHE is very compact in size, and it has a low weight and a low hold-up volume.
BPHEs are suitable for high viscosity fluids, which tend to flow in the laminar regime in most heat exchangers because of their swirl-producing characteristics; helical vortices are often generated at rather low Reynolds numbers in cross-corrugated flow passages. This mitigates fouling as well in many cases. Only the plate edges are exposed to the atmosphere. Thus, the heat loss is negligible and no insulation is generally required.
- Compact design with very small footprint
- No gaskets design where copper plates are brazed together
- No risk of leaking due to the fully sealed design
- Cost effective as it is maintenance free and no gaskets required
- Up to 90% heat recovery attainable
- High turbulent flow enable usage of small temperature differences efficiently
What is a brazed plate heat exchanger?
A brazed plate heat exchanger (BPHE) is a compact unit made from multiple thin, corrugated plates that are vacuum-brazed together. The design creates separate channels for hot and cold fluids to flow, allowing efficient heat transfer without the fluids mixing.
What are the main advantages of brazed plate heat exchangers?
BPHEs are very compact (up to one-tenth the footprint of shell-and-tube units), highly efficient (up to about 90% heat recovery), and can withstand high temperatures and design pressures. They are also maintenance-free and cost-effective over their lifetime.
Where are brazed plate heat exchangers commonly used?
They are widely used in HVAC systems, industrial cooling and heating, refrigeration, heat recovery systems, and processes where heat is transferred between liquids, or between liquids and gases/vapours, such as in combustion and chemical applications.
How do I choose the right brazed plate heat exchanger for my application?
Selection depends on factors like operating temperature range, fluid type, flow rates, allowable pressure drop, and required heat duty. A specialist can help calculate the correct plate size, number of plates, and connection type for your process.
Does Thermac provide support and services for brazed plate heat exchangers?
Yes. Thermac Engineering supplies brazed heat exchangers and also offers consultation, design and selection support, plus heat exchanger maintenance, repair and cleaning services for heat exchangers used across various industries in Malaysia and Southeast Asia.