Printed Circuit Heat Exchanger Application in Different Fields
A printed circuit heat exchanger (PCHE) is a type of heat exchanger that is popular for its robustness, high NTU, and compactness. Diffusion bonding and chemical etching is an essential fabrication procedure for PCHE. Such technologies create adequately hefty heat transfer with several micro-channels. However, PCHE may show the downsides of dropping high pressure and loss of axial conduction. In this article, we will discuss different printed circuit heat exchanger application areas along with PCHE benefits and other relevant information.
Printed Circuit Heat Exchanger Application Areas and Working Principle
A high-quality PCHE combines superior integrity and robustness with a higher rate of heat transfer. In one unit, it is approximately 85% smaller but lighter than a comparable shell-and-tube exchanger. They ensure excellent performance due to their unique design. Apart from that, there will also be better safety and lower operational and installation costs. Therefore, printed circuit heat exchanger application becomes viable in many situations. It is possible to customize every single unit fully to specific needs.
Working Principle
A PCHE works with at least two media on the bonded plate’s opposite sides. You can have both sides with high-pressure flows. It is also possible to optimize 3D or 2D plate patterns to offer needed pressure drop and thermal length.
Application Areas
A high-quality PCHE has a specific design to ensure unmatched efficiency and compactness in high-pressure and clean duties. Those can be above the capabilities of some welded plate heat exchangers. A robust design heat exchanger can easily handle vacuum to 1000barg pressures.
One example of printed circuit heat exchanger application in marines is the high-pressure vaporization in the FGSS (fuel-gas-supply-systems), regasification LNG on SRV and FSRU vessels. The use of a PCHE is also common in cryogenic LNG and gas processing applications in energy sectors. Normally, these are offshore systems of gas compression, water dew-pointing, and hydrocarbon gas.
In the LNG, where you require high-energy recovery, PCHEs are suitable in the BOG handling and End-Flash-Gas systems. We can also find PCHEs in fuel gas turbine preheating and sCO2 (supercritical-carbon-dioxide) applications amid power generation.
The combination of high-quality PCHE design advantages and special technologies like 3dPlate proves extremely advantageous. Now, let’s take a look at the design of a printed circuit heat exchanger to clear your concept about it.
PCHE Design
The design of a PCHE has a complicated flow pattern etched chemically on the material’s flat sheets. You can optimize the pattern of flow for different customers to offer the needed hydraulic and thermal characteristics. Every single pattern of the circuit flow plate can be unique, offering the probability of 2-phase optimized behavior and asymmetric flows. Then, engineers stack all plates individually into the diffusion and block bonded in an advanced furnace at higher pressure and temperature.
It is possible to weld multiple blocks together for creating the needed heat transfer or thermal capacity area. Outlet and inlet flow manifolds, drain connections (if required) and customer connections, cleaning, or ventilation are attached to the finished core for finalizing a heat exchanger. We can achieve up to 1000barg design pressure in the 316L SST using this configuration.
Heat Exchanger Benefits
Heat exchangers vary in size and shape. They can use several inventive heat transfer methods which depend on specific requirements of the application. The ability of heat exchangers can fit into almost any design. Due to this, they are recognized as a highly versatile solution. The many benefits result in various printed circuit heat exchanger application areas with reliability and perfection. Although there are many benefits of using PCHEs, we will discuss the top 3 benefits of this solution below.
1. Compact Spatial Footprint
The things that are more powerful in this modern age are also compact in today’s technologically advanced world. Smaller personal gadgets, and more versatile and smaller manufacturing equipment, etc., are so common. The small space in an electrical cabinet promotes the risks like heat pockets. As a result, the electrical components can malfunction. Therefore, there is a need for efficient and compact cooling solutions, like heat exchangers. This is one of the most significant benefits that come with the printed circuit heat exchanger application.
2. Minor Environmental Impact
A heat exchanger needs to run unceasingly for effectiveness. Continuous running of PCHEs makes sure that the high-power control panel doesn’t overheat. One great advantage of the latest PCHEs is that there is no need for additional equipment, like an air compressor or air conditioner to operate. Therefore, a heat exchanger uses considerably low energy, while producing no or little pollution than more traditional cooling methods.
3. Lowest Operating Costs
A heat exchanger doesn’t require any complex external equipment. They also have a special design that helps in eliminating most contamination. Therefore, they require less maintenance as compared to air conditioning units. PCHEs are durable and don’t get damaged often. Therefore, they have a longer lifespan than air conditioners. Because there is less need for repairing or replacing printed circuit heat exchangers, they ensure the lowest operating costs.
Heat exchangers are the more efficient, greener, and highly durable solution, making them a perfect alternative to most air conditioners and air compressors. Due to this, the printed circuit heat exchanger application areas are so wide and they are rising in popularity, worldwide.
What to Look for in a printed circuit heat exchanger application?
When looking for a printed circuit heat exchanger, you must pay attention to the quality and unique features. Make sure that the PCHE developers are having years of experience and are known for quality and reliability. A credible and reputable PCHE developer should be continuously developing the latest innovations for improved performance, sustainable impact, and reliability of their equipment.
Make sure that the PCHE has various unique features, making the solution stands out from the rest in the competition. Here are the two most important features that you must look for in a printed circuit heat exchanger:
Compact and Robust
Make sure that the heat exchanger is compact and tough enough to fulfill high-pressure requirements. It must need to have top-of-the-line bonding technology that ensures the highest thermal efficiency and durability.
Prevents Clogging
The heat exchanger must prevent clogging in freezing temperatures. A patented three-dimensional late pattern retains maximum uptime and higher efficiency while utilizing water-based fluids, such as glycols.
If the PCHE has these qualities, then your printed circuit heat exchanger application should be successful. You must not compromise on any of these qualities if you want to finish your project successfully.
Contact us for further information about printed circuit heat exchanger application and relevant information.
