Heating Applications
PHEs in heating systems
Plate heat exchangers are commonly used in all types of heating applications with demands on comfort, reliability and safety. In addition to transferring heat from one circuit to another, the heat exchanger also efficiently handles the pressure differences that normally exist between the primary and secondary sides. The Alfa Laval range of gasketed plate heat exchanger models covers all comfort heating duties like tap water heating and swimming pool heating, from small to large capacities. Thanks to a flexible design, the PHE can be tailor-made to fit your specific needs exactly.
Tap water heating
The advantages of using a plate heat exchanger to produce hot tap water compared to traditional coil in tank systems are numerous. The PHE instantly heats the tap water to the required temperature when it passes through the heat exchanger. This means that hot water is available immediately and at any time. Another benefit with using plate heat exchangers for hot tap water production is that the system requires much less space than a traditional tank and coil system. If solar energy is used to produce hot tap water, a PHE makes it possible to separate the treated water in the solar panels from the tap water circuit. Also, scaling problems and corrosion risks in the solar panels are reduced when separating the circuits with a PHE.
Swimming pool heating
During the summer season when the building’s heating system is not used to full capacity, excess heat from the existing heat source can be used for heating outdoor pools. A heat exchanger installed between the swimming pool’s circulation system and the building’s ordinary heating system separates the circuits and provides pool
heating. It’s important to remember that addition of chlorine should take place after the water has passed the heat exchanger in order to avoid a high concentration of chlorine flowing through the heat exchanger. It is recommended to use titanium plates when the chloride concentration is high.
