Gasketed Plate-and-Frame Heat Exchangers
Alfa Laval doesn’t do average. Whether it is our multi-purpose Industrial range; the Semi-welded industrial range for refrigeration and exacting processes; the Hygienic range for food, beverage and pharma applications; or the Specialized range for condensation, evaporation and fibrous media – you buy into reduced cost of ownership and increased efficiency and safety.
Industrial line
Our wide range of industrial gasketed plate heat exchangers is suitable for all types of industry and multiple applications from heating, cooling and heat recovery to condensation and evaporation. We are constantly looking to extend and upgrade the range, adding new performance criteria and greater flexibility. What’s termed ‘next-generation’ today will soon be standard for the entire Alfa Laval Industrial line.
Towards new standards in efficiency, reliability and serviceability
- High energy efficiency
- Flexible – configurable for broad range of applications
- Ensures optimal performance in specific applications based on specific needs
- Easy to install
- High serviceability
Our industrial plate heat exchangers are energy efficient, compact, simple to maintain, easy to adjust for capacity changes and represent a relatively low capital investment. The vast range of options when it comes to size, plate and gasket material and add-ons means they can be specifically designed and configured for your application, from the simplest of duties to the most demanding where requirements on both performance and documentation are high.
How it works
The heat transfer area of a gasketed plate heat exchanger consists of a series of corrugated plates, assembled between a frame and pressure plates to retain pressure. Gaskets act as seals between the plates. Fluids normally run counter-currently through the heat exchanger. This gives the most efficient thermal performance and enables a very close temperature approach, i.e., the temperature difference between the exiting process medium and the entering service medium.
Alfa Laval liquid/liquid gasketed plate-and-frame heat exchanger
Alfa Laval steam heater gasketed plate-and-frame heat exchanger
Alfa Laval 2-pass gasketed plate-and-frame heat exchanger
For efficiency
By improving the efficiency of your heat exchanger, you can maximize production and minimize energy consumption to reduce your power bill and improve your environmental footprint.
CurveFlow™ distribution area
Improves media flow and minimizes risk of fouling.
OmegaPort™ noncircular port holes
Enhances media flow and thermal efficiency.
FlexFlow™ plate design
Improves thermal efficiency and optimizes pressure drop utilization.
Offset gasket groove
Ensures plate utilization for maximum heat transfer efficiency.
For serviceability
The simple opening and closing of the plate-and-frame design with gaskets enables hassle-free inspection and service. It also enables you to easily adapt the unit to new process conditions.
ClipGrip™ gasket attachment
Ensures perfect seal and trouble-free maintenance.
T-bar roller
Provides a lower unit that is easy to service.
Bearing boxes
Guarantees an easy-to-open unit for smoother, more efficient maintenance.
Compact frame
Facilitates maintenance and minimizes service area requirement.
For reliability
We are always looking to increase the reliability of every aspect of our gasketed plate heat exchangers. We focus on durable designs based on robust materials and safe manufacturing processes.
PowerArc™ plate pattern divider
Improves plate rigidity for longer lifetime.
Five-point alignment
Ensures reliable plate positioning and easy to service for large units.
SteerLock™ plate alignment
Ensures reliable plate positioning and easy service.
Guidance
Every detail in our next-generation plate heat exchangers has been designed to support efficient operation and maintenance from installation to long-term use. With smarter tools and components, service becomes faster, more reliable and more cost-efficient.
Gasket glue
A smart glue that simplifies regasketing.
Lock washer
Makes service easier, faster and more secure.
Fixed bolt head
Speeds up service with simplified bolt handling.
Industrial semi-welded line
Alfa Laval provides an extensive range of industrial semi-welded plate heat exchangers, designed for handling liquids and gases that are incompatible with standard gaskets or require operation at higher pressures. These heat exchangers are widely used in refrigeration applications, particularly for the evaporation and condensation of ammonia and CO2 for their exceptional resistance to ice formation and fatigue stresses caused by pressure and temperature fluctuations.
Product benefits
- Highly efficient and flexible
- Space-saving compact unit
- Low operating cost due to superior energy efficiency and prolonged service intervals
- Safe and reliable sealing with no risk of cross-contamination
- Pressure and temperature fatigue resistant
You can order the Alfa Laval Industrial semi-welded line for various temperature programs, pressure drop limitations, media and operating pressures. The various sizes in the product line cover a full range of heat transfer capacities and flows. All are carefully designed and selected to achieve optimal performance.
Performs under pressure
Semi-welded heat exchangers offer superior efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and flexibility over shell-and-tube heat exchangers, making them a preferred choice in many industrial applications.
- Compact and Space-Saving: Semi-welded heat exchangers are significantly smaller and lighter compared to shell-and-tube heat exchangers, making them ideal for installations with limited space.
- Easier Maintenance and Flexibility: While the welded sections provide durability, the gasketed side allows for easier cleaning, inspection, and plate replacement.
- Energy Efficiency and Cost Savings: Their high heat transfer efficiency and compact design reduce both initial and ongoing expenses.
What makes our plate heat exchangers so reliable, efficient and serviceable?
Equipped with well-designed features that make a difference, Alfa Laval Industrial semi-welded line of heat exchangers are easy to maintain and have a long service life.
Uniport™
Two innovations in one – High performance gasket sealing for high-pressure duties.
RefTight™ sealing system
High performance gasket sealing for high-pressure duties.
CurveFlow™ distribution area
Improves media flow and minimizes risk of fouling.
GasketGuard™ groove protection
Extended gasket lifetime through innovative protection.
OmegaPort™ noncircular port holes
Enhances media flow and thermal efficiency.
ClipGrip™ gasket attachment
Ensures perfect seal and trouble-free maintenance.
How it works
The sealing between the plates on the Industrial semi-welded line alternates between laser welds and gaskets. The laser welded channel allows use of fluids that are not compatible with normal gaskets and also allows for higher design pressure than fully gasketed plate-and-frame heat exchangers.
Alfa Laval Industrial Semi-Welded Line Product Leaflet
Hygienic line
Take process hygiene and product safety to a higher level with the Alfa Laval Hygienic line. This premium range of plate heat exchangers optimizes process hygiene and energy efficiency. Specifically developed for hygienic applications, it raises the bar on hygiene overall while reducing the carbon footprint for food, beverage, pharmaceutical and other manufacturers who demand outstanding performance and total efficiency.
Hygienic heating and cooling for maximum product safety, uptime and energy efficiency
- Enhanced product safety due to unique design features on plates and gaskets
- Superior cleanability due to innovative plate pattern for enhanced hygiene
- Longer run times between cleaning cycles thanks to optimized media distribution
- High heat transfer efficiency, minimizing the use of energy and materials
- Straightforward maintenance with easy access and ClipGrip™ gasket attachment
Accelerate sustainability with the Alfa Laval Hygienic line. These premium plate heat exchangers have been developed with a focus on hygiene and reducing the use of energy, water and cleaning media.
Optimized flow distribution and a smoother plate pattern improve heat transfer efficiency, improving energy efficiency by up to 15%. These features also contribute to lowering the pressure drop by up to 10% while enabling the heat exchanger to perform the same duty.
Using 10% less steel, on average, to produce the unit compared to previous models reduces the carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions embedded in the product in a similar way. Durable and energy-efficient, these hygienic plate heat exchangers help reduce the environmental footprint of hygienic applications in food and pharma manufacturing.
Features for improved hygiene
SmoothPort™ – The streamlined SmoothPort™ prevents buildup and maximizes cleanability and drainability.
EquiFlow™ – EquiFlow™ optimizes media flow, enabling uniform heat treatment with minimal fouling.
CleanChannel™ – CleanChannel™ facilitates the removal of particles during cleaning, securing the highest standards of hygiene.
Hygienic line heat exchangers – Innovating hygienic performance
Minimized fouling, superior cleanability, and simplified maintenance. All come together in Alfa Laval Hygienic line—a complete range of premium heat exchangers with unparalleled hygienic performance.
A secure path to heating and cooling
Food safety standards are on the rise worldwide. With the new Hygienic line, Alfa Laval answers the call for a complete range of heat exchangers optimized for hygienic processing.
SmoothPort – Optimization is in the details
If you are looking for optimized heat exchanger hygiene, you should pay extra attention to the plate port. SmoothPort is one key to the unparalleled hygienic performance of the new Alfa Laval Hygienic line range of heat exchangers.
Thin plates – the evolution of efficiency
Thinner plates are more thermally efficient. Are they also less durable? Not when you rely on 100+ years of Alfa Laval innovation.
Improving cleanability and service
After many years of supporting food and beverage manufacturers, Palle Melchart understands the importance of cleanability and easy service in hygienic heating and cooling.
Increasing efficiency and sustainability
Belen Villalba helps our customers improve their food and beverage processes. She knows the difference a well-designed heat exchanger can make.
How Alfa Laval Hygienic line plate heat exchangers work
The space between the plates forms channels. The ports at the top and bottom of the plate enable two different media to flow through alternate channels. The hot media flowing in one channel transfers heat through the thin plates to the cold media in the other channel. Counter-current flow makes it possible to achieve the highest heat transfer efficiency.
Several hygienic heat exchangers are combined in the same frame using connection plates for certain process steps, such as pasteurization. Using several connection plates enables the creation of additional sections. If a redesign is required, changing the inlet and outlet of these connection plates is easy.
Alfa Laval Hygienic Line Product Leaflets
FrontLine – Hygienic Line Plate Heat Exchangers
Alfa Laval's new Hygienic Line portfolio is designed to elevate process hygiene and product safety across various industries, including food, beverage, and pharmaceuticals. This premium range of plate heat exchangers optimizes both hygiene and energy efficiency, featuring innovative design elements that enhance cleanability and reduce fouling. The Hygienic Line includes unique features such as the SmoothPort™ for preventing buildup, Equiflow™ for uniform heat treatment, and CleanChannel™ for efficient operation.
Benefits
- Designed for gentle, uniform heat transfer for sensitive hygienic products
- Superior hygienic performance from plates developed specifically for food and other hygienic applications (FCM compliant)
- Gentle, uniform treatment and reliable performance ensured by wide choice of heat exchanger plate materials and plate patterns
- Flexible configuration and easy to maintain for long service life
- Specific fouling-resistant design provides for long running times
- Range of plates makes FrontLine heat exchangers easily scalable to ensure consistent product quality
- See Alfa Laval's Hygienic line portfolio for more demanding hygienic applications
Alfa Laval’s FrontLine range of plate heat exchangers uses glue-free gaskets made from FDA-compliant materials that are easy to maintain and have a long service life. The frame can be used for multi-section applications (e.g. for pasteurization) and is easy to disassemble for inspection, cleaning, and service. Connection plate corners are interchangeable and heat transfer plates can easily be added or removed, so it is quick and easy to modify if process conditions change.
Plate types for different hygienic needs
FrontLine plate heat exchangers are available with three different types of plates, all of which are designed for sensitive, hygienic applications and uncompromising cleanliness.
- Clip plate – has a chevron plate pattern designed for hygienic conditions. The entry points, the distribution area, and the shape and depth of the pressed plate pattern allow for optimal performance.
- Clip plate Gemini double wall – consists of two plates pressed together. This prevents cross contamination between fluids in case of leakage through the plates.
- Clip plate WideStream – has a wider plate pattern with fewer contact points, which makes it ideal for products containing pulp or fibres.
FrontLine’s plate pattern and pressing depth are designed for gentle, uniform heat treatment of sensitive dairy, food and beverage products. Examples of applications in the food industry include:
- Pasteurization of yoghurt, ice cream and beer
- Pasteurization of fruit juice with fibres
- Heating and cooling of viscous products
Alfa Laval BaseLine heat exchangers is recommended for less demanding hygienic applications.
How it works
Channels are formed between the plates and the corner ports are arranged so that the two media flow through alternate channels. The heat is transferred through the plate between the channels, where the counter-current flow helps attain the highest possible efficiency. The corrugation of the plates provides the passage between the plates, supports each plate against the adjacent one and enhances the turbulence, resulting in efficient heat transfer. Our thermal design engineers will help you design and select the model and configuration that is suitable for your application needs while delivering maximum thermal performance and minimizing pressure drop.
Features
Adjustable feet
Bearing box
Connection plate roller
Elongated nuts
Fixed bolt head
Key hole bolt opening
Lock washer
Pressure plate roller
Tightening bolt cover
BaseLine – Hygienic Line Plate Heat Exchangers
Alfa Laval's new Hygienic Line portfolio is designed to elevate process hygiene and product safety across various industries, including food, beverage, and pharmaceuticals. This premium range of plate heat exchangers optimizes both hygiene and energy efficiency, featuring innovative design elements that enhance cleanability and reduce fouling. The Hygienic Line includes unique features such as the SmoothPort™ for preventing buildup, Equiflow™ for uniform heat treatment, and CleanChannel™ for efficient operation.
Benefits
- Design and construction enables combination of plates and material – vast choice of gasket material
- Service-friendly – FDA compliant gaskets for easy opening, inspection and cleaning
- Fouling resistance and thermal efficiency thanks to range of pressing depths and chevron patterns as well as various corrugations
- Flexible – heat transfer area can be modified by adding or removing plates or combining different plates and material if process parameters change
- Suitable for multi-section plate heat exchangers for pasteurization
- See Alfa Laval's Hygienic line portfolio for more demanding hygienic applications
Optimization of duties: BaseLine plate and frame heat exchangers are available in four different sizes (Base 3, 6, 10 and 11) and work with various plate types to ensure optimal performance for your dairy, food or beverage application.
Plate types for different hygienic needs
Two different plate types are available for BaseLine & M Line gasketed plate heat exchangers:
- Chevron type plate pattern ensures good distribution of the product as well as high thermal efficiency and is used in food, dairy, beverage and pharma industries.
- Gemini double-wall plates ensure a fully mix-proof design. It consists of two plates pressed together and prevents cross contamination between fluids in case of leakage through the plates.
The chocolate pattern distribution area ensures that the fluids are evenly distributed across the entire plate to avoid stagnant zones that can result in fouling.
How it works
Channels are formed between the plates and the corner ports are arranged so that the two media flow through alternate channels. The heat is transferred through the plate between the channels, where the counter-current flow helps attain the highest possible efficiency. The corrugation of the plates provides the passage between the plates, supports each plate against the adjacent one and enhances the turbulence, resulting in efficient heat transfer. Our thermal design engineers will help you design and select the model and configuration that is suitable for your application needs while delivering maximum thermal performance and minimizing pressure drop.
Features
Adjustable feet
Bearing box
Connection plate roller
Elongated nuts
Fixed bolt head
Key hole bolt opening
Lock washer
Pressure plate roller
Tightening bolt cover
AlfaQ™ – Gasketed Plate Heat Exchangers for HVAC
Alfa Laval AlfaQ™ heat exchangers are used for HVAC applications such as district cooling substations, ice-storage systems, data centers, and free cooling systems. The range is certified according to the AHRI Liquid to Liquid Heat Exchangers (LLHE) Certification Program which ensures thermal performance according to manufacturers’ published specifications. AHRI certification is the only global, third-party performance certification for plate heat exchangers.
Benefits
- New standards in efficiency, reliability and serviceability
- High energy efficiency
- Flexible configuration
- Easy to install
- High serviceability
- Access to Alfa Laval’s global service network
Our AHRI certified plate-and-frame heat exchangers are energy efficient, compact and simple to maintain. The vast range of options when it comes to size, plate and gasket material means they can be specifically designed and configured for your needs.
How it works
The heat transfer area of a gasketed plate-and-frame heat exchanger consists of a series of corrugated plates, assembled between the frame and pressure plates, which retain the design pressure. The sealing between the plates is made of gaskets. For the highest thermal performance and to enable a very close temperature approach, fluids normally run counter-currently through the heat exchanger.
AlfaQ™ is available with various pressing depths and angles of the chevron pattern and various shapes of the corrugation which are carefully designed and selected to achieve optimum performance. The CurveFlow™ and the chocolate pattern distribution area are two design features available that ensure fluids are evenly distributed across the entire plate. The result is that the entire heat transfer surface is fully utilized and stagnant zones that can result in fouling are avoided.
High flow turbulence between plates results in higher heat transfer; however, the consequence is pressure drop. Our thermal design engineers will help you design and select the model and configuration that is suitable for your application needs while delivering maximum thermal performance and minimizing pressure drop.
Liquid/Liquid GPHE
Steam Heater GPHE
2-pass GPHE
AHRI performance certification
The Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) certification is an independent, third-party verification of thermal performance. Through its certification program and standards, AHRI strives to help customers save energy, improve their productivity and help to ensure a better environment.
AHRI Liquid to Liquid Heat Exchanger (LLHE) Certification Program ensures that the product performs in accordance with manufacturers' published specifications, and is particularly useful in applications such as district cooling substations, ice-storage systems, data centers and free cooling systems.
For more information, visit Alfa Laval's HVAC AHRI performance certification page.
Well-designed and long service life
Alfa Laval AlfaQ™ gasketed plate-and-frame heat exchangers are available to meet most heat transfer requirements – whether large or small – demonstrating our commitment to optimizing the performance of our customers’ processes.
Equipped with well-designed features the heat exchangers are easy to maintain and have a long service life. Some of the features available include:
- ClipGrip™ gasket – a glue free gasket with superior alignment that ensures a perfect seal and trouble-free maintenance.
- Glued gasket – a two-component, oven-cured epoxy glue that keeps the gasket in place during any possible cleaning condition.
- CurveFlow™ distribution area – ensures full use of the heat transfer area and minimizes fouling.
Additionally, the pressure plate roller, the bearing boxes on tightening bolts, and the 5 point alignment system with reinforced hangers make opening and closing the heat exchanger quick and easy without the need for heavy tools or the risk of damaging the plates.
AlfaQ™ is quick and easy to modify if process parameters change. Our team’s expertise and the availability of parts bring you peace of mind.
Plate types for different needs
- Single plate with a chevron pattern design for parallel flow allowing for optimum thermal performance and pressure drop.
- Single plate with a chevron pattern design for diagonal flow through the heat exchanger when it is mounted horizontally and requires draining.
AlfaVap – Semi-Welded Heat Exchanger for Evaporation
AlfaVap is a semi-welded heat exchanger designed for rising film evaporation systems involving medias with high concentration and viscosity or as thermosiphon reboiler. It is powerful, robust, thermal efficient and easy to serve.
Benefits
- Maximized heat transfer and energy efficient
- Minimized fouling and scaling
- Compact unit easy to install and service
- Adaptable to changing capacity demands
AlfaVap provides higher thermal efficiency than the traditional shell-and-tube evaporators. The efficient utilization of heat transfer area enables a more compact unit that is easy to install. AlfaVap heat exchangers are cost-efficient especially when exotic metal materials are required.
How it works
AlfaVap is designed for high efficiency rising film evaporation. It has two inlet feed connections located centrally at the bottom of the frame plate and a large outlet for the vapour and concentrate at the top. The heating steam condenses in the welded channels and the evaporating product passes through the gasketed channels.
Alfa Laval AlvaVap Product Leaflets
AlfaCond – Plate Condensers for Vacuum Applications
Alfa Laval AlfaCond condensers are specifically designed for condensing of vapour under vacuum. These plate surface condensers are ideal for use in applications such as vacuum condensers in evaporation systems, ethanol condensers in bioethanol plants, pan vapour condensers in sugar refineries, and as turbine condensers in small power plants. With its compact design, AlfaCond is easy to install where space is crucial.
Benefits
Highly efficient and very compact, AlfaCond is the world's first plate condenser specifically designed for condensing under vacuum. Due to its compact size and efficient design, AlfaCond has become the preferred alternative to bulky indirect shell-and-tube condensers. Also, AlfaCond is easy to clean by means of Cleaning-in-Place (CIP) or mechanically.
AlfaCond is an alternative to direct condensers when condensate recovery is the goal and when there are space constraints. The AlfaCond can be configured with or without subcooling of the condensate. Non-condensables are removed from the condensate outlet pipe and led to the vacuum system.
Equipped with well-designed features, AlfaCond heat exchangers are easy to maintain and have a long service life. AlfaCond features the glued gasket, which is a two-component, oven-cured epoxy glue keeps the gasket in place during any possible cleaning condition. Additionally, the pressure plate roller, the bearing boxes on tightening bolts, and the Five-point alignment system with reinforced hangers make opening and closing the heat exchanger quick, and easy without the need for heavy tools or the risk of damaging the plates.
How it works
The heat transfer area of a gasketed plate-and-frame heat exchanger consists of a series of corrugated plates, assembled between the frame and pressure plates, which retain the design pressure. The sealing between the plates on the AlfaCond alternates between laser welds and gaskets. It has a unique porthole configuration that is specifically designed for vacuum condensation. Vapour condenses in the welded channel and the cooling water passes through the gasketed channel.
The channel gap size is asymmetric with a larger gap on the vapour side and a smaller gap on the cooling water side. The result is a very low pressure drop on the vapour side and high velocity and turbulence on the cooling water side. Together, these maximize heat transfer efficiency and minimize fouling.
Alfa Laval AlfaCond Product Leaflets
WideGap – For Fibrous and Particle-Heavy Fluids
Alfa Laval WideGap gasketed plate-and-frame heat exchangers are suitable for fibrous fluids and for fluids containing coarse particles. Typical applications for Alfa Laval WideGap heat exchangers are sugar, bioethanol and pulp and paper processes. Depending on the duty, WideGap heat exchangers can be configured either with wide-wide or wide-narrow channels. This makes the units suitable for heating, cooling and interchanging duties.
Tailor-made
Alfa Laval WideGap is tailor-made for handling fibrous fluids and for fluids containing coarse particles. The smooth port design ensures that fibres don’t get stuck at the entrance.
Equipped with well-designed features, Alfa Laval WideGap heat exchangers are easy to maintain and have a long service life. Some of the features available include:
- ClipGrip™ gasket – a glue free gasket with superior alignment that ensures a perfect seal and trouble-free maintenance.
- Glued gasket – a two-component, oven-cured epoxy glue keeps the gasket in place during any possible cleaning condition.
Additionally, the pressure plate roller, the bearing boxes on tightening bolts, and the 5 point alignment system with reinforced hangers make opening and closing the heat exchanger quick and easy without the need for heavy tools or the risk of damaging the plates.
Alfa Laval WideGap is quick and easy to modify if process parameters change. Our team’s expertise and the availability of parts bring you peace of mind.
How it works
The heat transfer area of a gasketed plate-and-frame heat exchanger consists of a series of corrugated plates, assembled between the frame and pressure plates, which retain the design pressure. The sealing between the plates is made of gaskets. For the highest thermal performance and to enable a very close temperature approach, fluids normally run counter-currently through the heat exchanger. The WideGap heat exchanger is tailor-made to handle fibrous fluids, highly viscous fluids, and fluids containing coarse particles. Because of the plate pattern and pressing depth design, these fluids flow easily through the heat exchanger.
High flow turbulence between plates results in higher heat transfer; however, the consequence is pressure drop. Our thermal design engineers will help you design and select the model and configuration that is suitable for your application needs while delivering maximum thermal performance and minimizing pressure drop.
The WideGap heat exchanger can be configured in many ways. The channels can have either a wide/wide gap or a wide/narrow gap with different channel gaps. WideGap heat exchangers are usually configured as multi-pass in order to ensure enough turbulence.
Liquid/Liquid GPHE
Steam Heater GPHE
2-pass GPHE
Alfa Laval WideGap Product Leaflets
Diabon™ – Graphite Plate Heat Exchangers for Corrosive Media
Alfa Laval Diabon combines the highly efficient heat transfer ability of a compact plate heat exchanger with an exceptional corrosion resistance in a graphite material. The Diabon™ range offers an ideal solution for duties where metallic, glass or Teflon® plates don’t match the requirements for a corrosion resistant, easy serviceable and thermally efficient heat exchanger.
Efficiency, reliability and serviceability
- Reliable operation with high resistance to corrosion
- Saving energy with a high thermal efficiency
- Great heat recovery with a close temperature approach
- Prolonged service intervals with reduced fouling
- Space saving compact units easy to install and service
Our Diabon heat exchanger can be used as heaters, coolers, interchangers, condensers and evaporators for corrosive media involving a variation of acids and other organic and inorganic media.
How it works
Alfa Laval Diabon™ plate heat exchangers function as conventional gasketed plate heat exchangers, except that the plates separating the media are made of special graphite materials. Diabon™ plates are available in three different graphite grades; F100, NS1 or NS2.
The plates are sealed in the plate pack by PTFE rope gaskets resistant to aggressive chemicals and temperatures above 180°C (356°F). At assembly the gasket is flattened to a very thin film of approximately 0.2 mm (0.078”), which secures minimal contact to the corrosive media and long intervals of reliable operation. The gasket can be kept in storage for virtually unlimited periods.
Tightening bolts with springs on the frame compensate for thermal expansion of the plate pack, which minimizes risk of plate cracking.
A combination of high turbulence and counter-current flow offers maximum heat recovery. Two media flow in channels between corrugated plates creating turbulence which results in better heat transfer than alternative shell-and-tube or block alternatives. The counter-current flow allows for close temperature approaches enabling great heat recovery.