I would like to ask: under what conditions does loud vibration noise occur in heat exchangers?
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Initially, we used plate heat exchangers; when they were in use, there was severe steam leakage and loud vibrations in the pipes. However, with the use of a parallel heat exchanger (tubular type), there is almost no vibration, nor any steam leakage. What’s the difference? Is the loud vibrating sound due to a problem with that area, steam leakage, or an issue with the equipment itself?
Plate heat exchangers cannot be used in steam applications. In a plate heat exchanger, when the flow becomes narrow, the steam flow rate drops instantly, and liquefaction occurs as a result of heat exchange, which in turn leads to water hammer. That’s why equipment/pipeline vibration and leakage occur.
Thank you. Could you tell me why it’s not possible? In what applications are plate heat exchangers suitable? The plate type has been in use for a long time; it leaks air and experiences significant vibration.
Since the gaskets of plate heat exchangers cannot withstand high temperatures and pressures, and steam has high temperatures, they are not suitable for use in steam-water heat exchange applications.
Plate heat exchangers are generally used for water-to-water heat exchange under low temperature and pressure conditions, with more limitations. In contrast, shell-and-tube heat exchangers have fewer constraints. . Each has its advantages and disadvantages.
Various gasket materials: Names of sealing gaskets, corrosion resistance, applicable scenarios, and operating temperatures. Nitrile rubber gaskets are oil-resistant and suitable for general operating conditions; operating temperature range: -20–120°C. Neoprene rubber gaskets are oil-resistant and suitable for general operating conditions; operating temperature range: -20–150°C. EPDM rubber gaskets are resistant to acids, alkalis, salts, chlorides, and organic solvents, making them suitable for environments with severe corrosive conditions; operating temperature range: -20–150°C (normal) and -20–180°C (high temperature). Food-grade rubber gaskets are suitable for use with various food-related media; operating temperature range: -20–150°C. Fluorocarbon rubber gaskets can withstand high temperatures as well as acids, alkalis, oils, and reagents; operating temperature range: 0–180°C. Silicone rubber gaskets are suitable for high-temperature applications; operating temperature range: -65–230°C. Gaskets used between plates are all rubber gaskets, with operating temperatures as indicated in the table above. The steam temperature is high, which causes the gaskets to age and lose their elasticity/sealing properties, resulting in frequent leaks.