American Wheatley HVAC offers a full range of ASME Shell & Tube and Plate & Frame heat exchangers available in sizes 4″ through 30″. It also offers a complete line of Plate & Frame Heat Exchangers.
Whether heating or cooling, these heat exchangers are dependable and powerful with or without fluid separation, American Wheatley HVAC has what one needs to complete the projects.
What is a Heat Exchanger?
A heat exchanger is a device that transfers thermal heat from one medium to another. Often this device is manufactured into numerous types of Heat Exchangers such as Shell & Tube and Plate & Frame.
All exchangers are an important part of assisting in cooling and heating of homes and business, but also help in machines work more efficiently.
What types of Heat Exchangers are available?
American Wheatley’s shell & tube exchangers range from size 4” through 30”
American Wheatley HVAC offers a full range of ASME Shell & Tube and Plate & Frame heat exchangers which affords higher efficiencies, lower fouling, and modular construction that can easily be field modified. The high turbulence of a plate heat exchanger reduces fouling risks while increasing performance.
An optimized PHE will be ½ the size (or less) than an equivalent shell & tube while reaching approach temperatures as low as 2°F. American Wheatley’s shell & tube exchangers range from size 4” through 30”.
Shell and Tube Heat Exchangers
Shell &Tube Heat Exchangers consist of a large number of small tubes which are located within a cylindrical shell.
These tubes are positioned into cylinders using a tube bundle that is often referred to as “tube sticks” which can either have fixed tube plates or a floating tube stack which allows the tube bundle to expand and contract with varying heat conditions.
Standard Features
- Constructed by ASME Section VIII
- U-Tube construction
- The high degree of flexibility in materials to meet varying conditions
- Available in 2. 4, or 6 passes construction
- All fabrication is done in-house
- National board registration
Optional Features
- Additional materials for heads, tube sheets, baffles, and tie rods
- CRN registration
- Optional saddles
- Computerized selections available through authorized HVAC representatives
Plate and Frame Heat Exchangers
The plates are usually blazed or gasketed depending on the application and fluids being used Plate Heat Exchangers are operated similarly to Shell & Tube Heat Exchangers, though plates are used instead of tubes. These plates are usually blazed or gasketed depending on the application and fluids being used.
This more compact and stainless steel option makes them ideal for use in refrigerants or food and beverage processing.
Capability
- Port diameter sizes from 1” to 20”
- Up to 20,000 GPM (4,450 m³/hr)
- The maximum pressure rating of 450 psi
- Maximum temperature rating of 374°F (190°C)
- ASME certified.
Features
- Modular frame design allows for easy plate pack modification if the working medium or thermal requirements change.
- Optimized plate corrugation ensures even flow distribution across the entire plate surface.
- Tool-less and adhesive-free gaskets for quick maintenance.
- Self-aligning plate pack geometry virtually eliminates plate pack problems even after repeated service.
How To Install a Heat Exchanger?
As with any installation, be sure to allow sufficient clearance at the end of the unit for removal or tub bundle. Install the unit so that the pipe connections can be made without forcing them to fit into place.
Next, appropriately install the valves and by-passes to permit both the shell & tube bundle to be shut off for inspection, repairs, and cleaning. Finally, the tubing must be full of water before introducing steam or hot water into the shell, otherwise flashing or noise may occur.
Before start-up, all nuts should be checked to prevent leaks and blown gaskets. Open the cold side first, then gradually start the hot side, bringing unity to the operating conditions. Always remember to use caution when starting up the heat exchanger and to slowly start up the device to avoid temperature shock to the device.
