Gasketed plate heat exchangers


AlfaVap evaporator


AlfaVap’s advantage is that they work also when the temperature differential between the hot and cold fluids approaches as low as 2.5°C (4.5°F) meaning that lower grade steam and more effects in series can be use in an evaporation system compared to the shell-and-tube systems. This saves steam costs.


  • Sugar refinery evaporation systems
  • Sweeteners evaporation systems
  • Bioethanol and caustic evaporation
  • Thermosiphon reboiler

AlfaVap benefits vs. shell-and-tube heat exchanger

  • AlfaVap provides substantially higher thermal efficiency than shell-and-tube units, meaning much less heat transfer area is needed and cost savings
  • The compact, versatile design of AlfaVap means that that transportation, erection and installation costs are drastically reduced
  • AlfaVap heat transfer surfaces are easily accessible for inspection or cleaning
  • Due to low hold-up volume, AlfaVap only requires a very small amounts of cleaning chemicals compared to shell-and-tube
  • Unlike shell-and-tube units, where capacity is fixed, it’s easy to adjust AlfaVap capacity to meet changing needs by simply adding or removing plates on the existing frame
  • Compared to shell-and-tube, AlfaVap plate heat exchangers save up to 50% space (as illustrated above)


How AlfaVap works

The heat transfer area of a gasketed plate-and-frame heat exchanger consists of a series of corrugated plates, assembled between the frame and pressure plates, which retain the design pressure. The sealing between the plates on the AlfaVap alternates between laser welds and gaskets. AlfaVap is tailor-made for evaporation. It has two inlet feed connections located centrally at the bottom of the frame plate and a large outlet for the vapour and concentrate at the top. The heating steam condenses in the welded channels and the evaporating product passes through the gasketed channels. 


Features that matter

It's important to understand that all gasketed plate heat exchangers are not the same. The features highlighted below are important components to look for in a GPHE, and when combined, these features offer extensive benefits, such as reduced total cost of ownership, higher efficiency and increased staff safety.

ClipGrip gasket

What is it?

A glue free gasket with superior alignment that ensures a perfect seal and trouble-free maintenance. Fastening to the plate is improved by having five fastening points.

Risks with other designs

Other gasket designs, such as snap-in gaskets, only have one fastening point to the plate. If this one point is lost, there is no gasket fastening function.

Bearing box

What is it?

A device between the tightening bolt head and the frame that reduces friction forces and makes service easier.

Risks with other designs

Opening and closing the PHE without bearing boxes is time consuming and increases the risk of paint damage, which can lead to corrosion damage.

Pressure plate roller

What is it?

The pressure plate must be easy to move and slide along the carrying bar in order to gain access to the plate pack. The most common solution is a roller on top of the carrying bar, making it easy and less time consuming to conduct service. The roller should be made out of metal to be able to carry the weight of the pressure plate.

Risks with other designs

The mechanical solution of the roller can be more or less robust. The risk is a pressure plate that is jammed and impossible to move when it is time to conduct service. 

Five point alignment

What is it?

Keeps the plates aligned during closing of the plate heat exchanger that facilitates service.

Risks with other designs

Many alignment systems do not close the vertical gap between the carrying bar and the plate, leading to wavy plate packs with leaking problems.


Servicing your heat exchangers


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