Heat Exchanger (Cooling Tower/Plate)

Product Specifications

Technical details and manufacturing context for Heat Exchanger (Cooling Tower/Plate)

Definition

Within a cooling water system, this component serves as the primary heat transfer mechanism, facilitating the removal of thermal energy from process fluids (e.g., machinery coolant, chemical streams) to the cooling water loop. It is a critical part that ensures system thermal efficiency and process temperature control. The heat exchanger is available in two main configurations: cooling tower type and plate type. In cooling tower applications, heat is rejected to the atmosphere, often through direct contact with air or indirect airflow over wetted surfaces. In plate heat exchangers, fluids flow in alternating channels separated by corrugated plates, maximizing surface area for efficient conductive and convective heat transfer. The unit is designed for use in industrial machinery and equipment manufacturing, serving as a component in larger systems. Key selection inputs include heat transfer area, design pressure, design temperature, plate thickness, gasket material, maximum flow rate, pressure drop, connection diameter, weight, and corrosion allowance. These parameters must be verified against the specific model and application requirements. The heat exchanger is manufactured from materials such as stainless steel, carbon steel, copper alloys, and titanium, depending on the process conditions. It is important to confirm the suitability of materials for the intended fluids and operating environment. The design pressure and temperature ranges are provided as reference values; actual values must be confirmed with the manufacturer. The unit's performance is influenced by factors such as flow rate, temperature difference, and fouling. Regular maintenance is required to ensure optimal heat transfer and prevent issues like gasket degradation or plate corrosion. Failure to operate within specified limits may lead to reduced efficiency, leaks, or structural damage. Always consult the legal manufacturer or supplier to verify model-specific values and standards before procurement or installation.

Working Principle

Heat is transferred from a hotter fluid to a cooler fluid through a solid barrier (plate or tube walls). In cooling towers, this often involves direct contact or indirect airflow over wetted surfaces. In plate exchangers, fluids flow in alternating channels separated by corrugated plates, maximizing surface area for efficient conductive and convective heat transfer. The design promotes turbulent flow to enhance heat transfer coefficients while maintaining manageable pressure drops.

Common Materials

Stainless Steel, Carbon Steel, Copper Alloys, Titanium

Technical Parameters

Parameter	Typical range	Notes & selection driver
Heat Transfer Area	1–500 m²	Determines cooling capacity; larger area for higher heat load.
Design Pressure	1.0–1.6 MPa	Nominal design pressure class; confirm with the exchanger data sheet Below 1.0 MPa seat load insufficient.GB/T 151
Design Temperature	-20–200 °C	Exceeding limit may damage gaskets or plates.
Plate Thickness	0.5–1.2 mm	Thinner plates improve heat transfer but reduce corrosion allowance.
Gasket Material	NBR/EPDM	NBR for oils, EPDM for chemicals and high temperature.
Max Flow Rate	10–1000 m³/h	Higher flow increases heat transfer but also pressure drop.
Pressure Drop	20–100 kPa	Affects pumping cost; lower is better for energy efficiency.
Connection Diameter	DN25–DN300	Must match piping system.GB/T 9115
Weight	50–5000 kg	Affects installation and structural support.
Corrosion Allowance	1–3 mm	Extra thickness for corrosive fluids.

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

Heat Transfer Plates/Tubes Part
Primary surface for conductive heat transfer between separated fluids.

Material: Stainless Steel
Gaskets/Seals Part
Prevent fluid leakage between channels or at connections.

Material: EPDM, Nitrile Rubber
Frame/Header Part
Structural support and fluid distribution manifold.

Material: Carbon Steel
Wetted Surface Section Optional
The fill and distribution surfaces a cooling tower needs; plate exchangers do without them.

Application & selection

Application Fit & Sizing Matrix

Operational Limits

pressure:	Up to 25 bar (plate type), Up to 10 bar (cooling tower)
flow rate:	0.5 to 5000 m³/h (plate), 10 to 10000 m³/h (cooling tower)
temperature:	-20°C to 150°C (operating range), -40°C to 200°C (design range)
slurry concentration:	Max 15% solids by weight (plate), Not recommended for slurries (cooling tower)

Media Compatibility

✓ Clean water/glycol mixtures ✓ Industrial process water ✓ HVAC chilled water systems

Unsuitable: Highly corrosive chemical solutions (e.g., concentrated acids, chlorinated hydrocarbons)

Sizing Data Required

Heat load (kW or BTU/hr)
Inlet/outlet temperature differential (ΔT)
Available pressure drop (kPa or psi)

Risk, maintenance & compliance

Reliability & Engineering Risk Analysis

Failure Mode & Root Cause

Fouling

Cause: Accumulation of scale, biological growth, or debris on heat transfer surfaces, reducing thermal efficiency and increasing pressure drop.

Corrosion

Cause: Chemical attack from water treatment chemicals, microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC), or galvanic corrosion due to dissimilar metals in contact.

Maintenance Indicators

Significant drop in heat transfer efficiency (e.g., higher outlet temperatures than normal)
Unusual noises such as banging, rattling, or excessive vibration indicating loose components or flow issues

Engineering Tips

Implement regular water treatment and chemical dosing to control scaling, biological growth, and corrosion, and conduct periodic cleaning (e.g., mechanical or chemical cleaning).
Install strainers or filters upstream to prevent debris ingress, and use corrosion-resistant materials or coatings for critical components.

Indicative industry ranges for design and RFQ preparation. Confirm the exact figures and applicable standard with the manufacturer before specifying.

Compliance & Manufacturing Standards

Applicable Standards

ISO 13706:2011 - Air-cooled heat exchangers ANSI/ASHRAE 90.1 - Energy standard for buildings except low-rise residential buildings DIN EN 308:1997 - Heat exchangers - Test procedures for establishing performance

Quoted from the published standard.

Manufacturing Precision

Plate flatness: +/- 0.1 mm per meter
Gasket groove depth: +/- 0.15 mm

Quality Inspection

Hydrostatic pressure test (1.5x design pressure)
Dye penetrant test for plate surface cracks

Procurement Evaluation Criteria

A practical evidence checklist for RFQ preparation and supplier evaluation.

Technical documentation

Request current drawings, revision history, and a signed specification sheet.

Manufacturing capability

Verify equipment lists, process limits, capacity, and representative production evidence.

Inspection readiness

Confirm test methods, calibrated equipment, sampling plans, and traceable reports.

Supplier transparency

Check the legal entity, factory address, ownership, certifications, and direct contacts.

Compare the published product scope and source details, then include your specifications and quantity in an enquiry.

Manufacturers of Heat Exchanger (Cooling Tower/Plate)

12 companies list this product among what they make. Company figures are quoted from each company's own website; every card states where the relationship came from.

Guangdong Jiema Energy Saving Technology Co.,Ltd

Guangzhou and Hubei, China (production per official site; model site to be verified), CN

Product page 61496799 publishes separate channels for two fluids formed by pressed corrugated plates, gaskets and frame clamping, listed for cooling and heating; JIEMA on the same domain states direct manufacturing with production sites in Guangzhou and Hubei. Only the plate branch was reviewed; an old cooling tower link is not evidence for a specific tower model, and model size, pressure, materials and certification are verified per order.