Understand how a circular welded plate pack separates the two media and how the shell shapes the flow around it.
Heat passes through the metal plate between the hot and cold streams. Alternating channels carry the two fluids; the streams remain separated during normal operation. Inlet and outlet arrangements must be checked against the approved flow diagram before connection.
Corrugated plates are assembled into pairs. Welding around the port openings and the outside perimeter forms the plate-side and shell-side passages. Plate thickness, corrugation and the number of plates are engineering selections, rather than interchangeable catalogue options.
The cylindrical shell forms the surrounding pressure vessel and guides shell-side flow. Its volume and connections can be adapted to a gas stream or a phase-change process. The plate pack and the shell must each be evaluated against the required pressure and temperature conditions.
Maximum steady-state values do not describe the entire duty. Include start-up, shutdown, temperature changes, pressure transients and any possible differential pressure between the two sides in the enquiry.
An openable shell provides access according to its construction. The heat-transfer plate pack remains welded. Access through the cover does not automatically provide mechanical access to every internal channel; the cleaning method must be reviewed with the selected design.
Side assignment depends on pressure drop, flow rate, phase change, fouling, materials and connection requirements. Include both streams in the selection data.
No. Use the project general arrangement for nozzle locations, support details, overall dimensions and the clearance required for servicing.
Circular plates are joined in pairs at their ports; adjacent pairs are joined around the perimeter. The welded boundaries separate plate-side channels from shell-side passages without interplate gaskets.
Weld layout and plate support must accommodate pressure differences and temperature changes. Shell-cover sealing is a separate design choice and depends on the mechanical configuration.
Ports, shell-side passages and flow directors guide the inlet stream through the available surface. Unequal channel loading can leave part of the area underused and increase local pressure loss.
Vapour volume, liquid feed, drainage and orientation are reviewed for condensing or boiling duty. Distribution and outlet routing must limit stagnant zones and unwanted liquid accumulation.
Seam position, penetration and heat input must form a continuous flow boundary while controlling the heat-affected zone and distortion of thin plates. The joining method depends on material and joint geometry.
Consistent fit-up and process control support repeatable joints. Material compatibility and the agreed inspection scope are part of weld qualification and channel-integrity review.
Provide both fluids, flow rates, inlet and outlet temperatures, operating and design pressures, allowable pressure drop and material requirements. For an existing installation, include the nameplate and arrangement drawing.