The contrast between plate heat exchanger and shell and tube heat exchanger

In some conditions, the plate heat exchanger can completely replace the traditional shell and tube heat exchanger.  Now let us show you the way.

1. Comparison of heat transfer efficiency 

Cooling water inside the shell and tube cooler was on a smooth pipe wall, which usually forms the laminar flow, so the heat transfer coefficient is low. In terms of water-water working conditions, its heat transfer coefficient K value is generally 800-1200W/m2*K. 

The cooler's flow was passing corrugated through the metal plates, which forms the turbulence flow. Thus, the medium in the flow channel is constantly exchanging heat and cold through the metal plate. 

In addition, the flow on the cold side and the medium on the hot side form convection. So the heat transfer efficiency is high while the heat transfer temperature difference can reach 1 degree, which realizes the maximum recovery of waste heat and residual heat. In terms of water-water working conditions, its heat transfer coefficient K value is generally 4000-7000 W/m2*K. Compared with the traditional shell and tube heat exchanger, the heat transfer efficiency is 3-5 times higher, and the heat transfer area is much smaller under the same working conditions.  

2. Investment comparison 

Due to the compact structure and higher heat transfer efficiency than shell and tube heat exchanger, plate heat exchanger requires less material, and the plate heat exchanger's price will decrease. So it has better cost performance, especially when precious metal materials are needed. 

3. Installation comparison 

The weight of shell and tube heat exchanger is generally about five times that of plate heat exchanger. So in the transportation and installation of the shell and tube heat exchanger, it is necessary to use larger transportation equipment, such as large trucks, cranes. In addition, due to its considerable weight, its infrastructure is also significant, both in terms of cost and time, the charge is relatively higher. At the same time, ample maintenance space needs to be preserved during maintenance, and the equipment maintenance costs also will be higher. Because the weight of the plate heat exchanger is only 20% of shell and tube heat exchanger, so it is relatively easier to transport and install, and basically, there's no need to do equipment foundation. 

Therefore, the plate heat exchanger can significantly save installation costs and time. Furthermore, the maintenance space can also be saved more after the volume and weight are greatly reduced. 

4. Comparison of the occupied area 

Shell and tube heat exchangers must consider the length of the core for maintenance. In addition, the nozzles of the shell and tube heat exchanger are on both sides, so its total area of occupation is much larger than the equipment itself.  

The structure of the plate heat exchanger is very compact, and the equipment itself covers an area of only about 20% of the shell and tube type, and there is no need to consider the extra space for maintenance and repair. In addition, the nozzles of the plate heat exchanger are on the one side of the fixed plate, and so its total occupied area is much less than the total occupied area of shell and tube type. 

5. Life comparison 

Shell and tube heat exchanger is enough to meet the long-term use of enterprises from the design of both the shell and the tube. However, because the side pressure of cooling water can't be completely constant, the pressure wave acts on the expanding pipe, so the leakage is easy to happen, and the maintenance cost is high. 

The metal of the plates can form a rigid whole without vibration, so the lifetime is enough to meet long-term use requirements. The lifetime of the gaskets depends on the temperature of the medium. Generally speaking, if the temperature of the medium is 70 ℃, the average life of gaskets is around 12 years. If there is leakage, users only need to replace the corresponding gaskets. 

All the above is the comparison between plate heat exchanger and tube& shell heat exchanger. It is not difficult to see that plate heat exchanger has obvious advantages compared with shell and tube type. With the continuous development of plate technology, there are tremendous breakthroughs in circulation capacity, high temperature, and high-pressure resistance. As a result, the plate heat exchanger market share is also constantly improving. In addition to some special working conditions, plate heat exchangers can better meet the needs of users.

Shanghai Accessen Co., Ltd. professionally specializes in heat exchangers R&D, manufacturing, sales, and service. We founded in 2002. Accessen’s three manufacturing bases are located in Shanghai and Jiangsu, China. Over 100,000 square meters in total, producing up to 30000 heat exchangers and 5000 heat exchanger skids annually. The core of Accessen´s operations is based upon one key technology: customized products. We are also complying with the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, CE-Pressure Equipment Directive, American Petroleum Institute, Japanese Industrial Standards, International Electro technical Commission, Bureau Veritas, American Bureau of Shipping, Det Norske Veritas, China Classification Society, and other.