1. What is a plate heat exchanger?
A plate heat exchanger (PHE) is a type of heat exchanger that uses metal plates to transfer heat between two fluids. Compared to shell-and-tube heat exchangers, PHEs offer higher heat transfer efficiency, a smaller footprint, and easier maintenance. THT has manufactured plate heat exchangers since 1986 and is the drafting unit of China's national standard GB/T29466-2012.
2. What is the difference between gasketed and brazed plate heat exchangers?
Gasketed plate heat exchangers use rubber gaskets to seal the plates, allowing for disassembly, cleaning, and plate replacement. They are ideal for applications that require regular maintenance.
Brazed plate heat exchangers are sealed through a brazing process (copper or nickel), making them more compact and capable of withstanding higher pressures and temperatures, but they cannot be disassembled. THT offers both types to suit different industrial needs.
3. What industries does THT serve?
THT serves over 15 industries including: nuclear energy, military, petrochemical, metallurgy, marine, district heating, HVAC, food and beverage, pharmaceutical, seawater desalination, biogas, and distributed energy. We have delivered over 200,000 successful installations worldwide.
4. What certifications does THT hold?
THT holds multiple international certifications including: ASME, AHRI, CE, ISO9001, ISO14001, ISO45001, BV, CCS, and NB. We are also the drafting unit of China's national standard GB/T29466-2012 for plate heat exchanger units.
5. What materials are available for THT heat exchanger plates?
THT offers a wide range of plate materials including: 304, 316L, 316Ti, 310S, 904L, duplex stainless steel (S31803/S32205), titanium (Gr.1, Gr.11), Hastelloy (C276, C22), Incoloy 825, Inconel 625, Monel 400, nickel 200, and tantalum. Gasket materials include NBR, EPDM, Viton, and silicone.
6. How does a plate heat exchanger save energy?
Plate heat exchangers achieve high heat transfer coefficients (up to 5-7 times higher than shell-and-tube exchangers) through turbulent flow created by plate corrugation patterns. This means more heat is transferred with less energy input. THT's first-class energy efficiency plate designs help customers reduce energy consumption by 20-40% compared to traditional solutions.
7. What after-sales service does THT provide?
THT provides comprehensive after-sales support including: plate replacement, gasket replacement, spare parts delivery, on-site technical support, and maintenance training for customers worldwide.
8. What is the maximum pressure and temperature for THT plate heat exchangers?
THT's gasketed plate heat exchangers can operate up to 25 bar pressure and 200°C temperature. Brazed plate heat exchangers can operate up to 35 bar and 300°C. Welded plate heat exchangers can handle even higher temperatures and pressures depending on the specific design.
9. How does THT compare with Alfa Laval and other international brands?
THT offers comparable quality to international brands at significantly lower costs. With 70+ national patents, cooperation with Tsinghua University and Xi'an Jiaotong University, and ASME-certified manufacturing, our products meet or exceed international standards. Many global companies including BASF, Sinopec, and PetroChina have chosen THT as their heat exchanger supplier.
10. How do I choose the right heat exchanger for my application?
Contact our engineering team with the following information: flow rates, inlet/outlet temperatures, pressure drop limitations, fluid types, and any special requirements (corrosive media, high pressure, etc.). Our team will provide a tailored solution with thermal design calculations and a quotation. Email: yuqun1@tht.cn