Plate-Shell Heat Exchanger (PSHE)
What is a Plate-Shell Heat Exchanger?
A Plate-Shell Heat Exchanger (PSHE) is a high-efficiency heat transfer device that combines the advantages of plate-type and shell-and-tube heat exchangers. Its core consists of a corrugated plate bundle enclosed in a pressure-resistant shell, offering both high heat transfer efficiency and high-pressure tolerance.
Key Features
Typical Structure
Multiple corrugated metal plates welded/bonded into modules.
Cylindrical or rectangular pressure vessel (carbon steel/stainless steel).
Plate-side: Narrow channels for one fluid.
Shell-side: Wider space for the other fluid (counter/cross-flow).
Applications & Process Examples
Hydrocracking, catalytic reforming
Hot reactor effluent (400°C, 15 MPa) exchanges heat with feed oil in PSHE.
Hydrogen is preheated before entering the reactor.
Handles high pressure & thermal stress better than shell-and-tube exchangers.
LNG plants, import terminals
Liquefaction: PSHE cools natural gas in stages (propane → ethylene → methane, down to -160°C).
Regasification: Seawater vaporizes LNG in terminals.
Aluminum plates resist cryogenic brittleness; compact design saves space.
Gas turbine waste heat recovery
Turbine exhaust (550°C) preheats boiler feedwater via PSHE.
Compact, resistant to thermal fatigue from frequent cycling.
LNG carriers
Boil-off gas (BOG, -162°C) cools engine jacket water while being vaporized as fuel.
Vibration-resistant welded construction.
Dairy UHT sterilization
Milk is heated to 135°C (sterilization), then cooled via regenerative heat exchange.
Sanitary design (electropolished surfaces, Ra <0.8 μm) meets FDA/3-A standards.
Material Selection Guidelines & Examples
Key Selection Factors
Corrosiveness (e.g., H₂S, chlorides, acids).
Temperature/Pressure (high-temp creep resistance, low-temp toughness).
Hygiene Requirements (food-grade polishing, sterile design).
Typical Material Applications
Comparison with Traditional Exchangers
Future Trends
Nickel alloys (e.g., Inconel 625) for extreme corrosion.
Quick maintenance, reduced downtime.
IoT sensors for real-time fouling/performance tracking.
Conclusion
PSHEs excel in energy, petrochemicals, and marine applications due to their efficiency, pressure resilience, and compactness. Material selection depends on fluid properties, temperature, pressure, and cost, e.g.:
Their adaptability will drive adoption in hydrogen energy, carbon capture (CCUS), and nuclear cooling.
Our Production Plant
Frequently Asked Questions
Answer: We are a factory manufacturing plate heat exchangers in Jiangsu, China. More than 15 years ofproduction experience.
Answer: Sure, Welcome coming to visit our factory! We are located in No.198 Zhongshan Road, Qiaoqi, Xuxiake Town, Jiangyin City, Jiangsu, china.
Answer: It depends on which product you purchased, factory workload, outsourcing period of specialmaterial etc.Our fastest delivery time for Gasketted plate heat exchanger is ex-works 2~3 weeksafter replacement oforder.
Answer: We guarantee our product quality in the process of manufacturing, such as:
Raw material check,e.g.PMl, traceability.
Manufacturing process inspection.
Plate pressing inspection.eq.PT RT.
Welding inspection,eg.WPS,PQR,NDE,dimension.
Assembly inspection.
Final assembly dimensionalinspection.
Final hydraulic test.
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