Brazed (BPHE) vs. Gasketed (PHE):
| Feature | Brazed Plate Heat Exchanger (BPHE) | Gasketed Plate Heat Exchanger (PHE) |
| Construction | Permanently brazed plates. | Plates held by bolts in a frame with gaskets. |
| Serviceability | Cannot be opened. Unrepairable. | Fully serviceable. Plates can be cleaned, gaskets replaced. |
| Pressure/ Temp | Very High (e.g., 45 bar, 200°C+) | Moderate (e.g., 25 bar, 150°C) – limited by gaskets. |
| Fouling Resistance | Poor (only chemical cleaning) | Good (can be opened for mechanical cleaning) |
| Size/Footprint | Extremely compact | Compact, but larger than a BPHE due to the frame |
| Ideal For | Sealed, high-pressure systems with clean fluids (e.g., refrigeration). | Applications with fouling fluids or requiring maintenance (e.g., food, chemicals). |