A plate heat exchanger uses a stack of thin, corrugated plates to expose a large surface area in a small volume. In air-to-air duty the plates separate the streams; in liquid duty they carry the fluids. No moving parts means low maintenance and easy cleaning.
How a plate heat exchanger works
Counter-flow and cross-flow plate stacks force the two media through alternating channels. Brazed and fully welded builds handle higher pressure and aggressive fluids; gasketed builds open for inspection. For air, the plate core is the same principle used in HRV/ERV units.
Common builds
- Brazed plate – compact, high pressure, copper or nickel braze.
- Gasketed plate – serviceable, larger duties.
- Welded / all-welded – corrosive or high-temperature air and liquids.
- Air-to-air plate core – the fixed-plate exchanger above.
Key specifications
| Parameter | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Effectiveness | 60–90% |
| Plates | 20–200+ |
| Pressure | up to 30 bar (brazed) |
| Materials | SS304/316L, titanium, Hastelloy |
| Cleaning | CIP or plate removal |
Typical applications
HVAC heat recovery, process liquid heating/cooling, marine and corrosive environments. See frost protection for plate cores.
Back to the heat exchanger guide, or see the air-to-air heat exchanger.
Need a specification? Solicitar cotización or download our selection checklist. Our engineers size the core to your airflow, temperature and pressure-drop budget.