What is a Brazed Plate Heat Exchanger?
A BPHE is constructed from multiple thin, corrugated metal plates (typically stainless steel) stacked together. Unlike a gasketed plate heat exchanger, a BPHE has no rubber gaskets or a frame. Instead, the entire plate pack is assembled and then placed in a vacuum furnace where a brazing material (usually copper, but sometimes nickel for more corrosive applications) is melted. The molten braze flows by capillary action into the contact points between the plates, creating a strong, leak-proof, permanent bond.
Characteristics & Design
- Construction: Stainless steel plates brazed with copper or nickel.
- Sealing: Permanent braze joint, no gaskets.
- Structure: Monobloc (one solid unit), no external frame.
Flow Pattern: Counter-current flow for maximum efficiency.