Types of plates used in heat exchangers

Besides the dimensions of the plates, the type of corrugation also affects the thermal performance.

- Short duty plates – the angle of shevrons (embossing) is low

Also known as soft plates, they give a low heat-transfer coefficient and a low pressure drop. And they have high flow rates. These plates are usually wide and short in length; used for general duties.

- Long duty plates - the angle of shevrons (embossing) is high

Also known as hard plates, they give a high heat-transfer coefficient, high pressure drop and low flow rates. These plates are usually narrow and long and are used when temperature approach is small so as to achieve high heat recovery.

- Medium duty plates – with intermediate properties and angles of chevrons.

Generally, a mixed pack of the above types of plates is used to match both the heat transfer and pressure drop requirements.