Spiral Plate Exchanger

Spiral Plate Heat Exchanger

1. Product Overview

A spiral plate heat exchanger is a compact heat exchanger made by rolling two parallel metal plates into two spiral channels, with the hot and cold fluids flowing counter-currently through the two channels to transfer heat. It consists of the spiral plate body, end covers, inlet/outlet nozzles and supports. There are no contact points inside the channels, so the fluid maintains a uniform flow velocity.

Widely used for heating and cooling of chemical process fluids, concentration and heat exchange of pharmaceutical liquids, heating and cooling of food products, and heat exchange in HVAC district heating, among other applications.

Equipment features: compact structure with a large heat transfer area per unit; self-cleaning effect of the spiral channels; relatively low fluid resistance; lower cost than a gasketed plate heat exchanger of equal area. Note that in the non-removable type the channels cannot be cleaned internally, and internal leakage cannot be repaired.

2. Working Principle

Spacing studs are welded between the two metal plates, which are then rolled into a spiral body, forming two completely separate spiral channels on either side of the plates. The hot fluid enters the spiral channel through a nozzle on one side, and the cold fluid enters the adjacent channel through a nozzle on the other side; the two fluids flow in strict counter-current through the channels. The centrifugal force in the spiral channels generates secondary circulation that enhances turbulence while providing a self-cleaning effect, effectively reducing scaling and clogging. Heat is transferred from the hot side to the cold side through the metal plates.

3. System Classification

By Structural Form

By Channel Type

By Plate Material

4. Detailed Technical Parameters

4.1 Common Plate Materials and Applications

4.2 Typical Specification Table

| Heat Exchange Area (m²) | Plate Width (mm) | Spiral Body Dia. (mm) | Plate Thickness (mm) | Channel Gap (mm) | Design Pressure (MPa) | Design Temp (°C) | |-------------------------|------------------|---------------------|-------------------|-------------------|-------------------:| | 3～6 | 200～300 | 400～500 | 2～4 | 6～14 | 0.6～1.6 | -20～250 | | 6～15 | 300～500 | 500～700 | 3～4 | 10～20 | 0.6～1.6 | -20～250 | | 15～30 | 400～600 | 700～900 | 4～6 | 14～24 | 0.6～1.6 | -20～250 | | 30～60 | 500～800 | 900～1200 | 4～6 | 18～28 | 0.6～1.6 | -20～250 | | 60～120 | 600～1000 | 1200～1600 | 4～6 | 20～30 | 0.6～1.6 | -20～250 | | 120～200 | 800～1400 | 1600～2000 | 6～8 | 22～32 | 0.6～1.6 | -20～250 |

Note: Actual specifications are adjusted according to channel gap, plate thickness, pressure class and other factors; customization is available on request. Plate width typically ranges from 200 to 1500 mm; wider plates are limited by the capacity of the rolling equipment.

4.3 Design Conditions & Performance Indicators

4.4 Electrical Parameters

Standard spiral plate heat exchanger has no electrical requirements.

5. Core Component Selection

Customer brand preferences can be specified. For pre-owned equipment, availability depends on inventory.

6. Typical Application Fields

Chemical industry: Process fluid heating and cooling, wastewater heat exchange, solvent recovery heat exchange

Pharmaceutical industry: Liquid concentration heat exchange, purified water system heat exchange

Food industry: Material heating and cooling, juice concentration heat exchange

HVAC: District heating heat exchange stations, air conditioning system heat exchange

Light industry: Pulp and paper industry slurry heating/cooling, printing and dyeing industry dye solution heat exchange

Environmental: Exhaust gas treatment heat exchange, wastewater treatment heat exchange

7. Design Standards & Certifications

8. Customizable Options

9. Warranty Terms

Spiral plate special note: The biggest risk of spiral plate heat exchangers is internal leakage between channels. Once internal leakage occurs, it cannot be repaired and the entire unit is scrapped. Natural corrosion thinning during normal use within the warranty period is not covered. Internal leakage caused by overpressure use or incorrect media selection resulting in corrosion perforation is not covered.

Final warranty terms are subject to contract. All orders include installation guidance and remote commissioning support.

10. Packaging & Delivery

Container capacity estimate (for reference only, subject to actual configuration):

Below 10m² small units: approximately 3-6 units per 20'GP container

10～30m² medium: approximately 1-3 units per 20'GP

30～60m² large: approximately 1-2 units per 40'HQ container

Above 60m² extra-large: bulk vessel or flat rack container

Installation service: on-site installation guidance is available. Pay attention to correct nozzle orientation and even bolt tightening after the gaskets are seated. Technicians can be dispatched to site for large equipment (travel and accommodation expenses borne by the buyer).

11. Information Required for Quotation

To obtain an accurate quotation, please provide the following information:

Hot fluid: name, inlet/outlet temperature, flow rate or heat load

Cold fluid: name, inlet/outlet temperature, flow rate or heat load

Working pressure and allowable pressure drop on both sides

Media corrosiveness on both sides, and whether solid particles are present (spiral plate heat exchangers are not suitable for media containing solid particles)

Plate material preference; structural form preference: non-removable / removable; whether one straight channel is needed (e.g., for condensation duty); channel gap preference (if unknown, we can calculate it based on your process conditions); nozzle specifications

Whether insulation needed

Equipment status preference: New / Refurbished / Pre-owned

Budget range and brand preference (if any)

Delivery terms: FOB/CIF/DDP

Destination port or delivery address (for freight calculation)