The regular operation of the heat exchange system

In the use and operation process of civil and industrial conditions, the plate heat exchanger will appear to have problems like leakage, abnormal pressure or temperature, blockage and other faults due to improper operation, material blockage, gasket aging, or equipment loss, and other factors.  These problems will reduce the heat transfer efficiency of plate heat exchanger equipment, even directly leading to the use of the equipment and ultimately affecting the whole production process. Therefore, in the use of heat exchangers, it needs to configure the relevant operators or technical personnel, who should master the appropriate knowledge of the heat exchanger cleaning and maintenance, to ensure the regular operation of the heat exchange system. 

What are the common problems in the use of plate heat exchangers?  

There are three common problems in using plate heat exchangers: leakage, abnormal heat exchange temperature, and abnormal pressure drop. 

1. Leakage 

（1）Stop leakage (often called cold leak): The main reason is the frequent opening and stopping operation. Therefore, a user needs to plan the use time properly. The user needs to reduce the temperature to avoid cold leakage slowly.  

（2）External leakage: We can find it from the appearance. The main reason is dislocation deviation from the sealing groove, damage, or aging of the gasket. It is also possible that the plate is rusted and deformed, the clamping size is not uniform, or in place, the clamping bolt is loose, etc.,

（3）Internal leakage: In the operation of the heat exchanger, the pressure and water quality on both sides change. The main reason is the plate corrosion and perforation; in rare cases, the sealing gasket is aging or damaged. 

（4）Leakage between the blind plate and clamping plate: The main reason is that complex objects break down the blind plate or the first gasket assembly is not in place. 

2. Abnormal heat exchange temperature 

（1）The outlet temperature of the hot side is too high: The main reason is that the inlet temperature of the hot side is too high; the plates are blocked; the flow rate of the cold side is low; the selection is too small; the heat exchange area is insufficient; the flow rate of the hot side is greater than the design value; and the scale of the plate, etc. 

（2）The outlet temperature of the cold side is too low: The main reason is that the hot side flow rate is small or the temperature is lower than the design value; plates scale or block, etc. 

Long-term use of plate heat exchanger will cause typical scaling due to water quality problems, which requires regular cleaning and maintenance. 

3. Abnormal pressure drop 

（1）The pressure drop is higher than the design value. 

（2）The actual flow is higher than the design value. 

（3）The passage between plates is blocked. 

（4）Plate corner hole entrance is blocked 

Therefore, users should choose professional heat exchanger manufactories when selecting, purchasing, and installing plate heat exchanger equipment. With the support of a professional and technical team, who can provide an excellent after-sales service, users should choose the appropriate heat exchanger equipment and ensure regular operation.