Evaporator / Process Heat Exchanger for Chillers

Product Specifications

Technical details and manufacturing context for Evaporator / Process Heat Exchanger

Definition

The evaporator/process heat exchanger is a critical component in a chiller unit, where the refrigerant undergoes a phase change from liquid to vapor, absorbing thermal energy from the water, brine, or air being cooled. This heat absorption process is fundamental to the chiller's refrigeration cycle, enabling temperature control for industrial processes or air conditioning systems. The evaporator operates on the principle of latent heat transfer. Low-pressure, low-temperature liquid refrigerant enters the evaporator tubes or plates. As the process fluid (e.g., water) flows over the external surfaces, heat is transferred from the fluid to the refrigerant, causing the refrigerant to boil and evaporate into a vapor. This phase change absorbs a significant amount of heat (latent heat of vaporization), effectively cooling the process fluid. The unit is available in various configurations and materials, including copper, stainless steel, and aluminum, to suit different applications. Key parameters include nominal heat transfer area (0.5–100 m²), design pressure (1.0–1.6 MPa per GB/T 151), design temperature (-40–85 °C), and compatible refrigerants (R134a, R410A, R407C per ISO 817). Other specifications include refrigerant flow rate (0.5–10 kg/s), process fluid flow rate (1–50 m³/h), pressure drop on the process side (10–50 kPa), heat transfer coefficient (500–2000 W/(m²·K)), tube material (316L, Cu, Ni per ASTM A312), shell material (Q345R, 304 per GB/T 713), weight (50–2000 kg), and dimensions (500×300×400 to 3000×1500×2000 mm). These values are reference ranges and must be verified for the specific model and application. The evaporator is designed for integration into chiller systems, and its selection depends on cooling capacity, fluid flow rates, and operating conditions. Proper maintenance and monitoring of pressure drop and heat transfer performance are essential to ensure efficient operation and prevent issues such as fouling or refrigerant leakage. Always consult the legal manufacturer or supplier to confirm model-specific values and compliance with applicable standards.

Working Principle

The evaporator operates on the principle of latent heat transfer. Low-pressure, low-temperature liquid refrigerant enters the evaporator tubes or plates. As the process fluid (e.g., water) flows over the external surfaces, heat is transferred from the fluid to the refrigerant, causing the refrigerant to boil and evaporate into a vapor. This phase change absorbs a significant amount of heat (latent heat of vaporization), effectively cooling the process fluid.

Common Materials

Copper, Stainless Steel, Aluminum

Technical Parameters

Parameter	Typical range	Notes & selection driver
Nominal Heat Transfer Area	0.5–100 m²	Select based on required cooling capacity and process fluid flow rate.
Design Pressure	1.0–1.6 MPa	GB/T 151
Design Temperature	-40–85 °C	Ensure materials and gaskets are rated for the full range.
Refrigerant	R134a/R410A/R407C	Compatibility with materials and ODP/GWP requirements.ISO 817
Refrigerant Flow Rate	0.5–10 kg/s	Match to compressor capacity and evaporator load.
Process Fluid Flow Rate	1–50 m³/h	Determine pressure drop and heat transfer coefficient.
Pressure Drop (Process Side)	10–50 kPa	Higher pressure drop increases pumping cost.
Heat Transfer Coefficient	500–2000 W/(m²·K)	Depends on refrigerant type, flow regime, and fouling.
Tube Material	316L/Cu/Ni	Corrosion resistance and thermal conductivity.ASTM A312
Shell Material	Q345R/304	Pressure rating and weldability.GB/T 713
Weight	50–2000 kg	Affects installation and structural support.
Dimensions (L×W×H)	500×300×400–3000×1500×2000 mm	Check space constraints and maintenance access.

Ranges are indicative industry figures for RFQ preparation, not a supplier commitment. Confirm every value and standard with the legal manufacturer before ordering.

Components / BOM

Tube Bundle
Contains the refrigerant and provides the primary heat transfer surface.

Material: Copper or Stainless Steel
Fins Part
Increase the external surface area for enhanced heat transfer with air (in air-cooled designs) or provide structural support in plate designs.

Material: Aluminum
Distribution Header
Evenly distributes liquid refrigerant into multiple tubes or channels within the evaporator.

Material: Steel or Copper
Heat Exchange Plates Optional
The plate pack version of the heat-transfer surface, used instead of a tube bundle.

Industry Taxonomies & Aliases

Commonly used trade names and technical identifiers for Evaporator / Process Heat Exchanger.

Applied To / Applications

This component is essential for the following industrial systems and equipment:

Chiller Unit

View system integration details

Manufacturers of Evaporator / Process Heat Exchanger

Manufacturer profiles associated with Evaporator / Process Heat Exchanger.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the function of an evaporator in a chiller?

The evaporator absorbs heat from the process fluid (water, brine, or air) by evaporating the refrigerant. This cools the fluid, which is essential for the refrigeration cycle.

What materials are commonly used for the evaporator?

Common materials include copper, stainless steel, and aluminum for tubes and shells. Specific grades like 316L, Cu, Ni, Q345R, and 304 are listed as reference options.

How do I select the right evaporator for my application?

Selection depends on required cooling capacity, process fluid flow rate, design pressure and temperature, refrigerant type, and allowable pressure drop. Verify all parameters with the manufacturer.

What maintenance is required for an evaporator?

Regularly monitor pressure drop and heat transfer performance. Inspect for fouling, corrosion, and refrigerant leaks. Follow manufacturer guidelines for cleaning and servicing.

Data Basis

Editorial classification, named public sources where available, and source-reviewed manufacturer records.

Preliminary Technical Classification

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pressure:	Up to 30 bar (standard), up to 60 bar (high-pressure designs)
other spec:	Flow Rate: 0.5-500 m³/h (liquid), Slurry Concentration: ≤30% solids by weight (depending on design)
temperature:	-40°C to 150°C (typical), -60°C to 200°C (specialized)

Evaporator / Process Heat Exchanger

Product Specifications

Industry Taxonomies & Aliases

Applied To / Applications

Industrial Ecosystem & Supply Chain Structure

Application Fit & Sizing Matrix

Reliability & Engineering Risk Analysis

Compliance & Manufacturing Standards