PLATE HEAT EXCHANGER
This heat exchanger is a set of metal plates separated by spacers (gaskets). The plates and gaskets have holes that make the hot and cold flow run on alternate sides of the plates, therefore transferring heat. The metal plates have flow disturbers on their sides to help improve the heat transfer. Plate heat exchangers are compact and therefore good for applications with limited space. It is also easy to alter their design to change their capacity - you simply add or remove plates and spacers.
The Service Module (TD360) provides hot and cold water to the heat exchanger and all the instruments needed to measure its performance. All fluid connections to the heat exchanger are self-sealing quick connectors - for safety and simplicity. The hot and cold fluid streams have different connectors to reduce errors. Connecting the heat exchanger takes less than one minute.
The heat exchanger is on a bedplate that has a clear schematic diagram showing the connections. The bedplate fixes to the Service Module with thumbscrews.
Learning outcomes
- Demonstration of heat transfer from one fluid to another through a solid wall.
- Energy balance and efficiency calculations.
- Demonstration of parallel-flow and counter-flow operation of heat exchangers.
- Measurement of the heat transfer coefficient, and the effect of fluid flow rates and the driving force (temperature differential) upon it.
- Introduction to the logarithmic mean temperature difference in heat exchangers.
- Comparison of different types of heat exchanger in terms of performance, size and relative cost (only if you have two or more optional heat exchangers).
TD1360v - Base Unit
