Evaporators

Condenser/Evaporator units are plate heat exchangers intended for low-pressure vapor condensation and evaporation duty in industrial process systems. The asymmetric plate arrangement provides a large vapor inlet and smaller connections for cooling water and condensate, allowing phase change with controlled pressure drop and adequate flow distribution across the plate pack.

Typical service includes food processing, dairy, sugar, biogas, pulp and paper, minerals, chemicals, petrochemicals, and alcohol production, where there is either a wide temperature approach between the hot and cold sides or a requirement to condense or evaporate low-pressure vapors. The plate pattern is configured to promote turbulence on the cooling-water side, which reduces fouling tendency and helps maintain a stable heat-transfer coefficient during continuous operation.

Selection should be based on thermal duty, vapor or product flow rate, operating pressure, inlet and outlet temperatures, allowable pressure drop, fouling tendency, viscosity, CIP capability, and cleaning and access requirements. The non-welded plate construction allows mechanical cleaning of both circuits, which is relevant in services with deposits, organic media, or periodic inspection requirements.

Referenced design conditions are 0.6 MPa and 180 °C, with provision for CIP cleaning and large process connections from DN800 to DN1000. During installation, attention should be given to removal of non-condensable gases, condensate drainage, steam control stability, and service access for opening, cleaning, and gasket replacement.