Plate heat exchanger and shell-and-tube condenser are two common thermal equipment in modern society, and both belong to heat exchanger.
Structure and characteristics of plate heat exchanger: Plate heat exchanger and heat exchanger are simple in structure and easy to use. They are mainly made of 304 stainless steel plate die-casting, and then added with sealant gasket, flange, lever and other accessories to form an integrated equipment for use. No matter what industry you choose flat plate thermal equipment, we can customize the thickness and plate characteristics according to your specific requirements. It can be said that it is not easy to block, has good performance, is easy to use, high quality and low price, and is suitable for the application of modern society.
The structure and characteristics of the shell-and-tube heat exchanger condenser are more humanized. The main materials used are stainless steel and carbon steel. The national standard quality is the essence of ensuring the long-term use of our condenser.
The heat exchanger pipe is connected to the tube sheet, which is welded to both sides of the casing, and a cover is connected to it. The cover and the casing are equipped with fluid inlet and outlet docking. Usually, a series of partitions are installed outside the water pipe to divide the pipe vertically.
In addition, the connection between the water pipe and the tube sheet and the casing is rigid, and there are two fluids of different temperatures in the tube and outside the water pipe. It has better high pressure resistance, corrosion resistance and heat resistance, and the motor selection is more flexible and popular, which is a must for modern manufacturing systems.
Here’s a concise technical comparison of Plate Heat Exchangers (PHEs) and Shell-and-Tube Condensers (STCs) in table format:
Comparison: Plate Heat Exchanger vs. Shell-and-Tube Condenser
| Parameter | Plate Heat Exchanger (PHE) | Shell-and-Tube Condenser (STC) |
|---|---|---|
| Design Structure | Stacked corrugated metal plates with gaskets/seals | Cylindrical shell containing tube bundles |
| Heat Transfer Efficiency | High (TDHTC*: 3,000–7,000 W/m²·K) due to turbulence | Moderate (TDHTC: 500–2,000 W/m²·K) |
| Footprint & Weight | Compact (60–80% smaller than STC), lightweight | Large space requirement, heavy structural design |
| Pressure Limit | ≤ 25 bar (standard) / ≤ 40 bar (brazed/welded types) | High (≥ 100 bar possible with thick-walled tubes) |
| Temperature Limit | ≤ 180°C (gasketed) / ≤ 350°C (welded) | Extreme (> 500°C with alloy tubes) |
| Maintenance | Easy plate access for cleaning; gasket replacement | Tube brushing/chemical cleaning; complex disassembly |
| Fouling Resistance | Low (narrow flow paths) | Moderate (tube diameter customizable) |
| Applications | HVAC, food processing, low-pressure steam | Power plants, refineries, high-pressure chemical processes |
| Cost | Lower upfront cost; higher gasket maintenance | Higher initial investment; lower long-term maintenance |
| Scalability | Modular (add/remove plates) | Fixed capacity; redesign needed for scaling |
Key Technical Notes:
- TDHTC* = Typical Design Heat Transfer Coefficient
- Materials:
- PHE: Stainless steel (AISI 316/304), titanium, Hastelloy® plates
- STC: Carbon steel shells + copper/brass/titanium/stainless steel tubes
- Approx. Efficiency Advantage: PHE offers ~3x higher heat recovery in low-viscosity fluids (e.g., water-glycol) due to turbulent flow.
- Condensation Performance: STCs excel in vapor-phase condensation (e.g., refinery overhead vapors), while PHEs suit partial condensation duties.
When to Choose:
- PHE: Space-limited installations, low/medium pressures, sanitary duties (e.g., dairy), frequent fluid changes.
- STC: High-pressure steam, corrosive/viscous fluids, large-scale continuous processes (e.g., petrochemicals).