PHE as condenser

[lana]

Hi everybody,

I was wondering if anyone used a Plate Heat Exchanger as water cooled condenser?
If so, what about scaling?

I would appreciate any comments.

Cheers

[smpsmp45]

One of our customers is using these PHE. I shall get his feedback on this.

[NoNickName]

As long as the condensing circuit is a closed circuit, no scaling is produced. I've used a lot of those without problems.

[nike123]

Closed circuit is the way!

[Greengrocer]

Hi everybody,

I was wondering if anyone used a Plate Heat Exchanger as water cooled condenser?
If so, what about scaling?

I would appreciate any comments.

Cheers

Most chiller manufacturers also include or recommend the use of minimum 100micron mesh filter in the field piping to protect the very narrow waterways in the PHE.

[US Iceman]

Hi lana.

Depending on capitol equipment costs a cooling tower may be less expensive than an evaporative fluid cooler. I think the piping costs for either would be similar. However, if you look at life cycle costs including maintenance the evaporative fluid cooler may be less. The need to regularly clean strainers for the PHE circuit would be eliminated, while the chemical treatment should be similar for either case (in the evaporative sections of the heat rejection device).

Closed circuit would be preferable I think for the PHE, but the above are my wondering thoughts on how you might justify either one.

Hope things are well with you and your family.

[lana]

Hi everybody,

Thank you for your replies.

What I was wondering is actually an open circuit with a cooling tower. Obviously if the water circuit was closed then the scaling would be minimal.
Because of narrow passage ways between the plates, If scaling occurs then ....
On the other hand if the condenser is acid washed then those scales could not get out.

Thanks again.
Cheers

[smpsmp45]

I checked with the customer on this aspect. They are openign up the Condenser once in a year & are doing the cleaning operation. Inspite of all the precautions, they still find small particles which sip in through the filter though. But in general they are happy about it.

[WINJA]

Hi everybody,

Thank you for your replies.

What I was wondering is actually an open circuit with a cooling tower. Obviously if the water circuit was closed then the scaling would be minimal.
Because of narrow passage ways between the plates, If scaling occurs then ....
On the other hand if the condenser is acid washed then those scales could not get out.

Thanks again.
Cheers

Even with a tds (total disolved solids)controller and regular water treatment scale will still occur when used with a cooling tower , some of the bphe scaled within 3 years on one of our sites , the tube in tube copper ones seemed to last a little longer but are only good for small units

[swaminathan van]

hi all, i was on a job where we had 154 units manufactured by denco and they all had plate heat exchangers,individual units upto 105 kw cooling with three circuits.
but the system was a primary and secondary type, primary being cooling towers and huge plate heat enchangers and secondary being the flow and return to and from the building.worked fine because the water in the secondary was very clean.
uniflair also make these units which have plate heat exchangers as standard.hope this helps.

[lana]

Hi there,

Thank you everybody for your replies.

Personally I would prefer shell and tube condensers and also PHE which is the gasket type (can be opened). BUT the brazed type ......

Most appreciated guys.

Cheers

[PVA]

Hello!

I also had situation with PHE and open system. But there are no problems in this case. Customer cleans this PHE ones a year.

[hendry]

Hi Iana,
knowing the high requriement necessary in PHE design, normally it is not advisable to use it in condensing pack.
moreover, its maintenance at the mercy of plant owner.
i feel the operation cost should be the key considerations.

hope that helps.

Hendry, on wesak day holiday.

[lana]

Thanks for the input.
Cheers

[monkey spanners]

Hi hendry,

It's not Wesak day is it just had a beer with my dinner


Jon

edit: just checked and it is too, still i've only broken two of the eight precepts

[yangchenchen]

PHE is not suitable for open cooling water system, maybe dust filter and water treatment such as water softening be used .