A plate heat exchanger and a brazed heat exchanger are devices found in the world of industry. Both are heat exchangers, but they are quite different. Their principle is to allow two fluids in close proximity to each other to circulate without touching or mixing. Discover the differences between plate heat exchangers and brazed heat exchangers.
What are heat exchangers?
Before revealing the differences between plate and brazed heat exchangers, it’s essential to understand the principle behind the system. Heat exchangers are systems used to transfer heat from a hot fluid to a cold one, without the two fluids touching or mixing. These fluids circulate within a wall without any direct contact. The separation of the two fluids takes place within the exchange surface, through which the heat flow passes. Fluids can be liquids or gases. They can be water/air, water/water or air/air. The principle is that the hot fluid loses its temperature to the cold water, and the cold water heats up due to the hot water.
The difference between plate and brazed heat exchangers
The difference between plate and brazed heat exchangers lies in their characteristics, efficiency and resistance to pressure.
Characteristics of plate and brazed heat exchangers
The characteristics of plate and brazed heat exchangers differ. A plate heat exchanger is made of stainless steel, while a brazed plate heat exchanger is made of copper, a more conductive material than the former. Both types contain a set of plates. In the case of plate heat exchangers, the plates are fixed or welded together. The separation between the plates refers to the channels through which the fluids circulate and exchange heat. Brazed exchangers, on the other hand, use a welding technique. Brazing the plates provides optimum resistance over time.
Efficiency of plate and brazed heat exchangers
The efficiency of plate and brazed heat exchangers is not the same. Both are highly efficient, yet they are used in different systems. The plate heat exchanger is ideal for both cooling and heating systems. Its efficiency is based on the entire temperature exchange surface. The brazed plate heat exchanger, on the other hand, is smaller and more suitable for air-conditioning and refrigeration systems. Thanks to the use of copper, this type of exchanger is also highly efficient.
Pressure resistance of brazed and plate heat exchangers
The pressure resistance of brazed and plate heat exchangers is different. Brazed plate heat exchangers are designed to withstand high pressure. In contrast, plate heat exchangers can withstand moderate pressure. The brazed heat exchanger model presents no risk of seal deterioration depending on the fluids present in the system. In fact, the brazed design is more resistant than standard models, thanks to the metal junction created between the exchanger plates. As for the plate heat exchanger, this model is not subject to exceptional working conditions. It withstands pressure variations in the most common applications, and within well-defined limits.
Plate heat exchanger or brazed plate heat exchanger: which to choose?
You can’t choose between a plate heat exchanger and a brazed plate heat exchanger for the same application. In fact, these two types of equipment offer different functionalities and are designed for specific uses. The choice therefore depends on the purpose, pressure, technology and efficiency you’re looking for, not on price.
