Description
This heat exchanger is a set of metal plates separated by spacers (gaskets). The plates and gaskets have holes that make the hot and cold fl ow run on alternate sides of the plates, therefore transferring heat. The metal plates have fl ow disturbers on their sides to help improve the heat transfer. Plate heat exchangers are compact and therefore good for applications with limited space. It is also easy to alter their design to change their capacity – you simply add or remove plates and spacers. The Service Module provides hot and cold water to the heat exchanger and all the instruments needed to measure its performance. All fl uid connections to the heat exchanger are self-sealing quick connectors – for safety and simplicity. The hot and cold fl uid streams have diff erent connectors to reduce errors. Connecting the heat exchanger takes less than one minute. The heat exchanger is on a bedplate that has a clear schematic diagram showing the connections. The bedplate fi xes to the Service Module with thumbscrews (students need no tools).
Learning outcomes
- Demonstration of heat transfer from one fluid to another through a solid wall
- Energy balance and efficiency calculations
- Demonstration of parallel-fl ow and counter-flow operation of heat exchangers
- Measurement of the heat transfer coefficient, and the effect of fluid flow rates and the driving force (temperature diff erential) upon it
- Introduction to the logarithmic mean temperature difference in heat exchangers
- Comparison of different types of heat exchanger in terms of performance, size and relative cost (only if two or more optional heat exchangers have been bought)
Specifications
ATICO is committed to a programme of continuous improvement; hence we reserve the right to alter the design and product specifi cation without prior notice.
Nett dimensions and weight:
500 mm x 260 mm x 100 mm and 2.4 kg
Other details:
• Transparent top cover
• Four stainless steel plates each 0.005 m2 and 1 mm thick with fl ow disturbers on surface
• EPDM rubber plate spacers
• Heat transfer area 0.02 m2
• Connection to Service Module with quick connectors
Operating Conditions
Operating environment:
Laboratory
Storage temprature range :
–25°C to +55°C (when packed for transport)
Operating temprature range :
+5°C to +40°C
Operating relative humidity range :
80% at temperatures < 31°C decreasing linearly to 50% at 40°C
