Vahterus Customizes Plate Shell Heat Exchangers for Industrial Applications

Industrial manufacturers facing unique thermal processing challenges now have access to customized plate-and-shell heat exchanger (PSHE) technology that moves beyond standardized offerings. Unlike conventional one-size-fits-all solutions, these engineered systems adapt to specific process requirements through precision thermal design.

The design process begins with detailed thermal calculations to determine required heat transfer surface area. Unlike conventional plate heat exchangers, the shell configuration isn't fixed but undergoes optimization to match each application's parameters. This adaptability represents a fundamental advancement in heat exchanger technology.

The plate bundle's position within the shell can be modified to create optimal vaporization space in evaporation applications, enhancing operational efficiency.

For large-volume gas processing, specially designed shell-side connections minimize pressure drops while maintaining system stability - particularly valuable in air separation plants and LNG regasification.

Condensation applications benefit from either built-in condensate receivers or separate collection vessels, reducing piping complexity and installation footprint while providing flexible drainage options.

Specialized flow directors ensure uniform fluid distribution across heat transfer surfaces. Standard axial directors employ 90° angles, while 45° configurations suit condensers. Some applications, like certain evaporators, operate optimally without flow directors.

Several optimized designs are available to accelerate project timelines:

• Fully Welded Construction: Eliminates gasket leakage risks for handling hazardous media
• Accessible Designs: Permit internal inspection and maintenance
• Kettle-Type Evaporators: Specialized for evaporation processes
• Exhaust Gas Economizers: Recapture waste heat for energy savings
• Demister-Equipped Systems: Protect downstream equipment from liquid carryover
• Multi-Pass Condensers: Handle complex multi-component condensation

The all-welded approach withstands extreme pressures and temperatures while eliminating gasket maintenance. This compact design proves particularly valuable when handling dangerous substances or in space-constrained installations.

Openable designs simplify internal access for cleaning and inspection, extending service life while reducing maintenance expenses through simplified procedures.

Kettle-type evaporators distribute liquid uniformly across heat transfer surfaces while resisting fouling from contaminated streams, delivering consistent performance in demanding applications.

Exhaust gas heat exchangers capture thermal energy from process streams for secondary heating applications, reducing fuel consumption and environmental impact through improved energy utilization.

External demister systems remove entrained liquid droplets from vapor streams, protecting sensitive downstream equipment while improving overall system efficiency.

Multi-pass condensers achieve precise temperature control through staged cooling, enhancing separation efficiency for complex multi-component systems while optimizing energy use.