Discover the answers to the most common questions about the care, cleaning, and performance of your equipment. And if you need more details or have a specific request, our dedicated team is always ready to support you.
What a plate heat exchanger is used for ?
A plate heat exchanger efficiently transfers heat between two fluids without mixing them. Widely used in heating, cooling, air conditioning, and industrial processes, it optimizes thermal management while reducing energy consumption.
What are the different types of plate heat exchangers?
Heat exchangers are also referred to as: pasteurizers, sterilizers, coolers, thermizers, heaters, condensers, evaporators, refrigerants, recuperators, flash pasteurizers, domestic hot water production (DHW), CIP heat exchangers (cleaning in place)…
When should I clean my plate heat exchangers ?
Regular cleaning is strongly recommended to ensure your equipment maintains its peak performance over time.
How can I tell if my heat exchanger is fouled?
Fouling in the heat exchanger usually appears as a decrease in performance. You can also open the exchanger to visually inspect the condition of the plates.
How descale a plate heat exchanger?
Descaling can be carried out either through mechanical cleaning (using brushes or high-pressure water jets) or chemical cleaning (acid, caustic soda, etc.).
How maintain a plate heat exchanger?
To ensure the longevity of a heat exchanger, regular maintenance is essential. This includes routine inspection of the equipment (checking the impermeability of plates and gaskets), pressure monitoring, regular cleaning, and occasional gasket replacement.
Can I clean the plate heat exchangers myself ?
Yes, but it depends on the level of expertise and the equipment available:
Chemical cleaning (CIP) is easier to perform on your own, as it involves circulating a cleaning solution through the heat exchanger.
Disassembly and mechanical cleaning, however, require expertise in order to avoid damaging the plates and gaskets.
How clean a heat exchanger filled with oil?
A chemical cleaning, either in place (CIP) or in a service center, is recommended for heat exchangers containing oil.
What should I do if my plate heat exchanger is clogged?
If the heat exchanger is blocked/ clogged, you quickly should call a specialist. They will identify the problem origin (sediment, obstruction, clogging) and do the appropriate cleaning (chemical or mechanical) to quickly restore the equipment’s performance.
My plate heat exchanger is leaking, what should I do?
Start by checking the tightening dimension. If the problem persists, it is recommended to replace the gaskets and/or the plates. To ensure an effective repair and avoid further damage, contact a maintenance specialist.
My heat exchanger leaks when cold but not when hot, what should I do ?
It means that the gaskets have reached the end of their service life. It is therefore necessary to replace them to restore optimal impermeability and prevent long-term issues.
When should I do a cleaning- in-place (CIP) ?
Cleaning-in-place (CIP) should be carried out as a preventive measure, as it becomes ineffective on a clogged heat exchanger. Specialized companies can quickly advise you on the appropriate CIP procedure.
Which gaskets are suitable for my heat exchanger?
Depending on your type of application, it is recommended to choose the appropriate elastomer (NBR, nitrile, FKM, EPDM, HNBR, Viton). Within each elastomer family, there are several variants offering specific performance characteristics to make the requirements of your plate heat exchanger.
Who can provide gaskets ?
There are many sources of supply available. However, we recommend turning to specialized manufacturers of gaskets for plate heat exchangers.
Can I change only a few gaskets ?
It is possible, but we recommend replacing all gaskets to ensure uniform impermeability.
Test on an end-of-life heat exchanger
It is recommended to use a non-opening test, such as an internal pressure test or a leak detection test, to evaluate the integrity of the heat exchanger.
Which glue should I use to regasketing my heat exchanger ?
A gasket may be glued either hot or cold temperature depending on the application. It is important to choose a glue compatible with the type of elastomer. Epoxy glue, bi-component or nitrile are commonly used.
How often should I replace my gaskets?
It is recommended to replace your gaskets every 3 to 4 years. However, this interval may vary depending on several factors, such as the type of fluid used, temperature, pressure, and the cycles of your heat exchanger.
The life of a gasket can extend beyond 4 years depending on how your equipment is used.
What is the cost of maintenance ?
The cost varies depending on the size of your heat exchanger. Maintaining a heat exchanger will always be less expensive than an unplanned production shutdown. Taking care of your exchanger also helps extend its service life.
What is the purpose of an integrity test?
An integrity test is used to check the impermeability and performance of the gaskets in a plate heat exchanger. It helps detect potential leaks or anomalies to ensure safe and optimal operation.
When should I perform an integrity test?
There are several key moments to perform an integrity test:
When your equipment is first installed.
After each maintenance operation.
Preventively, once a year, to comply with regulatory requirements (IFS, BRC).
Whenever you suspect an internal leak or cross-contamination.
Do you need to open your heat exchanger to perform an integrity test?
This is not mandatory, but opening the exchanger allows us and you to check the cleanliness of the plates.
Duration of an integrity test
Between 30 minutes and 3 hours. The duration varies depending on the number of sections and the number of plates.