Alfa Laval’s new plate design reduces pressure drop and raises operating reliability in Packinox heat exchangers

Alfa Laval introduced its new Wide Opening Design plates in its Packinox heat exchangers during the second half of 2018. The new plates increase robustness and operating reliability, while reducing the pressure drop and improving operability.

Reduced pressure drop

The Wide Opening Design heat exchanger plates offer a 50% lower pressure drop over the distribution areas compared to the previous design. This makes it possible to either increase the pressure drop over the heat transfer area of the plates, and thereby increase heat recovery and reduce the size of the heat exchanger, or to lower the overall pressure in the process, which can increase yield in processes such as catalytic reforming and paraxylene production.

Improved operating reliability

Plate bundles with Wide Opening Design plates will have 30% higher mechanical strength and therefore have a higher resistance to thermo-mechanical stress and improved operating reliability. The new design will also offer better performance in case of catalyst or debris migration.

Improved lifting and greater flexibility

The new plates have an improved flow and pressure distribution which improves operability and lifting of the liquid feed in combined feed/effluent applications. This will make it possible for plant operators to run their processes with a lower flow of recycle gas and thereby increase yield.

Thierry Sourp, Managing Director at Alfa Laval Packinox, explains: “With our new Wide Opening Design plates we take a big step towards better performance, greater flexibility and higher operating reliability. Our customers will benefit from higher yield, lower fuel consumption and, in the end, increased profitability,” he says.

To learn more about Alfa Laval Packinox and the new Wide Opening Design heat exchanger plates, visit www.alfalaval.com/packinox

 

Editor's notes

About Alfa Laval

Alfa Laval is a leading global provider of specialized products and engineering solutions based on its key technologies of heat transfer, separation and fluid handling.

The company’s equipment, systems and services are dedicated to assisting customers in optimizing the performance of their processes. The solutions help them to heat, cool, separate and transport products in industries that produce food and beverages, chemicals and petrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, starch, sugar and ethanol.

Alfa Laval’s products are also used in power plants, aboard ships, oil and gas exploration, in the mechanical engineering industry, in the mining industry and for wastewater treatment, as well as for comfort climate and refrigeration applications.

Alfa Laval’s worldwide organization works closely with customers in nearly 100 countries to help them stay ahead in the global arena. Alfa Laval is listed on Nasdaq OMX, and, in 2018, posted annual sales of about SEK 40.7 billion (approx. 4.0 billion Euros). The company has about 17 200 employees.

www.alfalaval.com