A copper brazed plate heat exchanger consists of a special arrangement of plates made of copper or copper alloys that are connected to each other by brazing. The structure of such a heat exchanger can be described as follows:
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Plates: The core of the plate heat exchanger consists of a number of thin metal plates, usually made of copper or a copper alloy. These plates are arranged at a close distance from one another and form parallel channels through which the fluids to be exchanged flow. The plates may have wavy profiles to increase surface area and increase turbulence of fluid flow.
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Inlet and outlet: Each plate heat exchanger has separate inlet and outlet openings for the two fluids to be exchanged. These inlet and outlet openings are positioned so that fluids can be directed through the channels between the plates.
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Seals: There are seals between the plates to ensure that the two fluids do not mix together. The gaskets are often made of elastic material and ensure an efficient seal between the plates.
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Soldered joints: The metal plates are welded together using soldered joints. Copper is a suitable material for this type of connection because it bonds well with silver solder alloys. These solder connections secure the position of the panels and create a durable and leak-free structure.
- Frame and casing: The plate heat exchanger can be mounted in a frame or casing to stabilize and protect the plates. This housing is often provided with inlet and outlet openings to facilitate access to the fluid streams.
The design of a copper-brazed plate heat exchanger is aimed at creating the largest possible surface area for heat transfer while at the same time separating the fluids from each other. The combination of copper plates, solder connections and efficient fluid guidance enables rapid and effective heat transfer between the liquids to be exchanged. This design makes copper brazed plate heat exchangers the optimal choice for temperature control and heat transfer in many applications.