By utilising our global supply chain, we are able to supply genuine heat transfer plates for all types of plate heat exchanger. Combined with the holding of extensive stocks, this enables us to keep prices competitive and keep lead times to a minimum. Non-genuine plates are also available for some models if required.
A plate heat exchanger is designed to give the best thermal efficiency, with a specific combination of high and low theta heat transfer plates. To maintain the correct duty, it is important that the same type of plates are used and installed in the correct order. Each plate heat exchanger is supplied with a plate configuration sheet, which contains all the relevant information for ordering spare parts and rebuilding the plate pack.
In most heat exchangers this type of heat transfer plate is identified by a chevron pattern with an obtuse angle. This pattern creates a higher amount of turbulence and in turn, heat transfer. Unfortunately the pressure drop is also increased.
In most heat exchangers this type of heat transfer plate is identified by a chevron pattern with an acute angle. This pattern creates a lower amount of turbulence and in turn, heat transfer, but the pressure drop is also reduced.
Heat exchangers are designed for a specific duty. The computer programme calculates the best heat transfer plate arrangement, to give the best heat transfer within the pressure drop constraints. The plate arrangement could be all high theta plates, all low theta plates or a mix of both high and low plates, which creates a medium theta pattern.
Plate Heat Exchanger (PHE) gaskets are an essential component of plate heat exchangers, as they provide a seal between the individual plates and prevent fluid leakage between the different channels. Here’s a description of PHE gaskets and their characteristics:
1. Material: PHE gaskets are typically made from various elastomeric materials, such as nitrile rubber (NBR), EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer), Viton, or other synthetic rubbers. The choice of gasket material depends on the specific application and the fluids being processed.
2. Sealing Function: The primary function of PHE gaskets is to seal the channels between the plates, preventing the mixing of hot and cold fluids. The gaskets create a barrier that ensures that the two fluids flow through their respective channels without intermixing.
3. Compatibility: The choice of gasket material is crucial for compatibility with the fluids being processed. Different gasket materials have varying levels of resistance to temperature, chemicals, and pressure, so it’s important to select the right material to suit the application.
4. Durable and Resilient: PHE gaskets need to be resilient to withstand the operating conditions and to maintain their sealing properties over time. They should resist deformation, wear, and damage from the heat and pressure.
5. Easy Replacement: Gaskets in plate heat exchangers may require periodic replacement due to wear or deterioration. PHE gaskets are designed to be relatively easy to replace without the need to disassemble the entire heat exchanger, making maintenance more straightforward.
6. Various Shapes and Sizes: PHE gaskets come in different shapes and sizes to fit the specific design of the heat exchanger plates. They are custom-made to match the plate patterns and dimensions, ensuring a precise and secure fit.
7. Food-Grade Options: In applications where the heat exchanger is used in the food and beverage industry, gaskets may need to meet food-grade standards and regulations to ensure the safety of the products being processed.
8. Heat and Chemical Resistance: The choice of gasket material should consider the temperature and chemical resistance required for the application. For example, in applications with corrosive or high-temperature fluids, gaskets with excellent chemical resistance and thermal stability are necessary.
9. OEM and Aftermarket: PHE gaskets are often available from the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) as well as aftermarket suppliers, offering options for replacement parts and maintenance.
Overall, PHE gaskets play a critical role in the efficient and safe operation of plate heat exchangers. Proper selection and maintenance of gaskets are essential to ensure the longevity and performance of the heat exchanger system.
When it comes to the efficiency and reliability of a plate heat exchanger, one of the most crucial components is the rubber gasket. As a professional OEM/ODM factory specializing in the manufacturing and export of plate heat exchangers, heat exchanger plates, and heat exchanger gaskets, QCHE understands the vital role that sealing components play in industrial thermal systems.
In a plate heat exchanger, thin corrugated metal plates are stacked together with rubber gaskets strategically installed in the sealing grooves of each plate. The purpose of these gaskets is to create leak-proof channels for the fluids that flow through the system - one hot and one cold - ensuring effective heat transfer without mixing the two media.
The rubber gasket operates based on the principle of elastic deformation. When the plates are pressed together during assembly, the gasket is squeezed into its groove, causing it to deform slightly. This deformation generates contact stress between the gasket and the metal plate. The more the gasket is compressed, the greater the contact stress becomes, forming a tight seal.
As the heat exchanger begins operation, internal pressure builds from the flowing medium (such as water, oil, or steam). This pressure further squeezes the gasket beyond its initial compression, enhancing the contact stress. Importantly, the contact stress must always remain higher than the pressure of the working medium to prevent leaks.
This dynamic response to pressure is one of the key benefits of rubber gaskets in plate heat exchangers. Thanks to the natural elasticity of rubber, the gasket maintains consistent sealing performance over time, even under fluctuating pressures and temperatures.
At QCHE, we pay close attention to the design of the sealing groove, the geometry of the gasket, and the rubber material composition. These factors directly influence the performance and longevity of the gasket. Our gaskets are available in various shapes - such as trapezoid, rectangle, pentagon, and hexagon - and are made from materials like NBR, EPDM, and Viton to suit diverse industrial applications.
Our heat exchanger gaskets and plates are widely used across sectors like metallurgy, petrochemical, food processing, pharmaceuticals, shipbuilding, power generation, and HVAC. These components are essential for processes like cooling, heating, condensation, evaporation, sterilization, and waste heat recovery.
QCHE offers both standard and customized heat exchanger gaskets, supporting OEM and ODM orders. With ISO9001-certified production, in-house R&D, and strict quality control, we ensure that every product meets global standards.
With years of experience servicing all of north America and expanding Worldwide.
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Contact QCHE today to discuss your requirements.
Whether you need bulk orders or tailored solutions, our experienced engineering team is here to support your business. We are able to change the plates and gaskets for all makes and models of heat exchangers with an equal quality at a lower cost.
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