Can you share your experiences using plate & frame heat exchangers on steam to water heating? We are considering using a unit for our HTST (high temp short term) process.
With out going into detail. Initial cost of the unit will be higher as well as maintenance.
Do you propose on adding sections to your HTST unit for this, and also on your HTST do you have regen section on your unit. This is more cost effective.
You may want to consider a shell and tube heat exchanger, to heat your hot water.
phoenix911
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“ When people get what they want, they are often surprised when they get what they deserve " - James Wood
1) U-factor of PHE is about 3 times the S&T corresponding one. Then exchange surface is one third. Price difference is dramatical in case of heavy services requiring special materials (for instance titanium). For steam/water services a S&T can be built on carbon steel, while the poorest material you can find for plates is AISI 304 s.s. In this case a medium sized PHE will be "only" 3 times cheaper than S&T.
2) P/T limits for a gasketed PHE are approx 300 psig/300 °F. In case of heavier conditions you need welded plates instead gaskets, but in this case the price difference will drop, as well as you will have cleaning problems if involved water has fouling capabilities.
3) Other advantages of PHE: few space required, possibility to increase exchange surface (if necessary) adding more plates.
Do not know how much experience you have on pasturizers, But normally on a HTST one would want to avoid having a carbon/steam plate unit, due to the fouling factors the heated water will have to the stainless plate unit on the HTST.
(You will still have fouling though)
Other than that your points are quite valid.
phoenix911
__________________
“ When people get what they want, they are often surprised when they get what they deserve " - James Wood
Plate & Frame HX on Steam to Water Heating
Re: Plate & Frame HX on Steam to Water Heating
