Sondex/Danfoss plate heat exchangers are utilized in heating, cooling, and heat recovery applications with liquids or steam. Selection is based on thermal load, available pressure drop, flow rate, temperature approach, material compatibility, and cleaning capability. The range covers connections DN25–DN600, flow rates up to 7,200 m³/h, operating pressure up to 35 bar, and temperatures from -20 to 180 °C.
Construction and Materials
Plates are available in AISI 304/316, titanium, SMO, and Hastelloy, depending on the fluid, chemical composition, and corrosion risk. Gaskets are selected in EPDM-HT, NBR-HT, or Viton, based on temperature, oils, glycols, seawater, or chemical solutions. Frames are designed according to PED 2014/68/EU, EN 13445, and ASME Sec. VIII Div. 1.
Typical Applications
District heating and cooling networks
HVAC systems with water, glycol, or geothermal circuits
Lubricant cooling and central marine/offshore circuits
Heat recovery in chemical and petrochemical processes
Pasteurization, cooling, and thermal recovery in food/beverages
Biogas, paper industry, mining, and heavy industry
Configuration Selection
Fishbone plates are used in clean processes where controlled turbulence with acceptable pressure drop is required. The D-plate technology adds D-Lock gasket system, improved plate alignment, and corner reinforcement; for type D110, DN150, PN10/16/25, plates in AISI 304/316 or titanium, and gaskets in NBR or EPDM are noted.
Maintenance and Leakage
The exchanger opens for inspection, cleaning, and gasket replacement. In single-pass configuration, connections remain on the head, reducing pipe disconnections during service. There are no actuators in the exchanger; process control is external with control valves, temperature sensors, pumps, and bypass.
FAQ
When is titanium selected? For seawater or chlorinated fluids where stainless steel is insufficient.
What limits gasket selection? Temperature, chemical compatibility, oils, and cleaning frequency.
When is a standard plate exchanger insufficient? For highly contaminated, fibrous, or high-viscosity fluids, consider Free Flow, semi-welded, or spiral designs.
Our SONDEX® standard plate heat exchangers are the ideal choice for a wide range of applications across numerous market segments. Innovative technologies and smart design make our standard plate heat exchangers a stellar investment and the go-to choice for standard duties.
We have one of the largest plate portfolios in the world and we customize each heat exchanger to meet your exact requirements. The versatile design and high thermal efficiency make them the perfect solution for a wide range of applications.
Features and benefits
Experience the benefit of an individually customized solution that perfectly matches your requirements and lowers your energy consumption.
High performance for a low pressure drop eliminates unnecessary burdens on your system and optimizes overall system performance.
We design single-pass solutions when possible, as they are the preferred choice for almost all duties. With all connections on the head you do not need to disconnect the heat exchanger from the piping to perform inspection, cleaning, or service.
The design results in a compact solution with a small footprint, simple installation, and easy access for maintenance.
Applications
HVAC industry - e.g. district cooling solutions using seawater and groundwater as cooling source - e.g. district heating solutions using, for example, solar and geothermal energy as heating source
Marine/offshore industry - e.g. central and lubrication oil cooling
Dairy/food/beverage industry - e.g. pasteurization, heat recoveries, and duties that require gentle treatment
Sugar industry
Biogas industry
Pulp and paper industry
Heavy industry
Mining industry
Petrochemical industry
Chemical industry - e.g. waste heat recovery from condenser water
Technical specifications
Conections from DN25 to DN600 (1" to 24")
Frames designed according to FEA and PED 2014/68/EU (EN13445) and ASME sec VIII, Div. 1 construction standards
Working temperatures from -20 °C to 180 °C (-4 °F to 356 °F)
*Other materials are available upon request.
D-plate technology
Our Danfoss engineers have enhanced the way heat exchanger plates are designed with the introduction of the new D-plate series. Drawing on years of experience within heat transfer technology and deep application knowledge, we have made significant upgrades to the traditional Fishbone plates to truly redefine the way we think of heat exchanger plates.
SONDEX® Fishbone plates
SONDEX® Fishbone plate pattern technology is used for the vast majority of our plate heat exchangers. The pattern is designed for high thermal performance while using the allowed pressure drop in the most efficient manner. Available with different pressing depths, pattern pitch and angles – each plate has a pattern that is optimized for a certain duty.