PHE Hofmann

The Frame

The plate heat exchanger, as shown in Figure 1, consists of a stationary head and end

support connected by a top carrying bar and bottom guide rail. These form a rigid frame,

which supports the plates and moveable follower. In most units, plates are securely

compressed between the head and follower by means of tie bars on either side of the

exchanger.

In a few models, central tightening spindles working against a reinforced end support are

used for compression. When PHEs are opened, the follower moves easily along the top

bar with the aid of a bearing supported roller, to allow full access to each individual plate.

With the expectation of some sanitary models, which are clad with stainless steel.

PHE frames are fabricated of carbon steel and finished in chemical resistant epoxy paint.

Frame ports accept bushings of stainless steel or alternative metals, which with various types 

of flanged or sanitary connections, from the inlet and outlet nozzles. By using

intermediate connector plates as shown in Figure 2, units can be divided into separate

sections to accommodate multiple duties within a single frame.

The Plates

The closely spaced metal heat transfer plates have through or corrugations, which
induced turbulence to the liquids flowing as a thin stream between the plates. The plates
have corner ports, which in the complete plate pack from a manifold for even fluid

distribution to the individual plate passage.

The Gaskets

The seal between the plates is established by a peripheral gasket which also separates
the thru port and flow areas with a double barrier. The interspace is vented to atmosphere
to prevent cross-contamination in the event of leakage.

Gasketed plate and frame exchanger, in this type the plates are sandwiched together by
an outside frame with tie rods that provide uniform sealing of the plate gaskets. The plates
are 0.02 to 0.04 in (0.6 to 1 mm) thick. The size of the individual plates ranges from a
minimum of approximately 0.5 ft x 1.5 ft (0.15 m x 0.46 m) to as large as 4 ft x 10 ft (1.220
m x 3.05 m). Plate and frame exchangers have heat transfer surface areas ranging from

5 to 13,000 ft2 (0.5 to 1210 m2).

The maximum temperature and pressure limits on a gasketed PHE are approximately

450oF and 350 psia [230oC and 2400 kPa(a)].

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Hofmann is a one-stop supplier for full categories of plate heat exchangers, brazed heat exchangers, plate heat exchangers’ plates, gaskets, as well as the frames and other accessories. http://www.hfm-phe.com/

The plates are all made of internationally wide used materials, stainless steel 304, 316 and titanium. And can be well suitable to Alfa Laval, APV, Kelvion (former GEA), SWEP, Tranter, Sondex and many other brands. Hofmann is serving to provide custom services for you. You may feel free to contact service@hfm-phe.com for more information and free quotation.