Brazed Plate Heat Exchanger – How It Works
The operating principle is identical to other plate heat exchangers but in a more robust package:
- Alternating Channels: The corrugated plates are stacked so that the crests of each plate contact each other, creating two separate, alternating channel systems.
- Fluid Paths: One fluid (e.g., hot refrigerant) flows through every other channel. The second fluid (e.g., cooler water) flows through the channels in between, in the opposite direction (counter-flow).
- Heat Transfer: The thin stainless steel plates and the highly turbulent flow created by the corrugated pattern allow for extremely efficient heat transfer from the hot fluid to the cold fluid.
- No Mixing: The brazed seals at the contact points ensure the two fluids are completely separated and cannot mix.