Why Specify Plate & Frame Instead Of Shell & Tube?
SUPERCHANGER® Plate & Frame Heat Exchangers transfer heat more efficiently than shell & tube units in most applications, due in large measure to the turbulent flow created by the corrugated patterns of their plates. They use only 10% to 50% of space required by shell & tube units and are much lighter in weight. And, they cost less.
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Plate & frame | Shell & tube |
| “U” values several times greater than shell and tube | Low efficiency |
| Can be designed for less than a 1°C(2°F) temperature approach | Typically designed for greater than a 3°C to 5°C(5°F to 10°F) temperature approach |
| Easy disassembly within its own footprint | Requires twice its length to pull tube bundle; complex disassembly—tube bundle must be pulled |
| Low fouling due to corrugations and inherent turbulence | 3 to 10 times greater fouling due to circular cross-section and laminar flow |
| Practically no heat loss—no insulation required | Great amount of heat loss—insulation required |
