The Brazed Plate Heat Exchanger (BPHE)
A popular variant is the Brazed Plate Heat Exchanger. In this type, the plates are brazed together in a vacuum furnace using copper or nickel as the brazing material. This creates a permanent, sealed unit without gaskets or a frame.
- Advantages: More compact, can handle higher pressures and temperatures, lower cost for a given capacity.
- Disadvantages: Cannot be opened for cleaning or servicing; if it fails, the entire unit must be replaced.