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The differences between PHV and Shell and Tube heat exchanger

Release time:

2025-03-25

Plate heat exchanger and shell and tube heat exchanger are two types of heat exchange equipment commonly used in industry, but there are also differences, the main differences are as follows:

1. Structural differences

Plate heat exchanger:

It consists of multiple corrugated metal plates superimposed and separated by gaskets to form a fluid channel. Heat transfer between hot and cold media is carried out through adjacent plates.

Shell and tube heat exchanger:

Composed of a shell and an internal tube bundle, one fluid flows inside the tube (tube pass), and the other flows outside the tube and inside the shell (shell pass), transferring heat through the tube wall.

2. Heat transfer efficiency

Plate heat exchanger:

The corrugated plate design increases the degree of turbulence, and the heat transfer coefficient is high (about 3-5 times that of the shell and tube type), which is suitable for rapid heat transfer.

Shell and tube type:

The heat transfer efficiency is low, but the structure is stable, suitable for high temperature and high pressure or large flow conditions.

3. Application scenario

Plate heat exchanger:

Advantages: small size, easy to disassemble and clean, suitable for dealing with low viscosity, clean media (such as water, oil).

Disadvantages: pressure is generally ≤2.5MPa, temperature ≤200℃; Gaskets are easy to age and need regular maintenance.

Shell and tube type:

Advantages: High pressure (up to 30MPa), high temperature (over 500℃), suitable for dirty or corrosive media.

Disadvantages: large volume, difficult to clean (need to stop the tube bundle).

4. Pressure drop and energy consumption

Plate heat exchanger: Narrow flow path and large pressure drop, but energy consumption can be reduced by optimizing plate design.

Shell and tube type: wide flow path, small pressure drop, suitable for large flow conditions.

5. Cost and maintenance

Plate heat exchanger: The initial cost is low, but the gasket is replaced frequently and the maintenance cost is high.

Shell and tube type: the initial cost is high (especially when the material requirements are high), but the maintenance cycle is long and the life is longer.

In conclusion

Plate heat exchanger: Medium and low pressure scenarios with limited space, high heat transfer efficiency and clean media (such as HVAC, food processing).

Select shell type: High pressure and high temperature, medium containing particles or corrosive, need long-term stable operation scenario (such as petrochemical, electric power).