Function of Plate & Shell Heat Exchangers

XPS – heat exchangers consist of two independent pressure sections: the plate side consists of a pack of round corrugated plates, which are alternately welded together on the circumference or on the two openings in the plates. the shell side is a cylindrical shell either fully welded, openable at one side or openable at both sides. The gaps between the corrugated plates form flow channels, which primary and secondary media flow through alternately. Flow directors in the shell side prevent any bypass – flow between shell and plate pack, which reduces thermal performance. The flow direction of both media can be arranged as counter-flow, co-current or cross-flow. The heat is transferred via the corrugated plates, which create turbulence and enhance heat transfer. When one or both media are evaporating or condensing partly or completely, it is called a two-phase application.