Gea vt20 heat exchanger

Types of GEA VT20 heat exchangers

A heat exchanger is a piece of machinery that transfers thermal energy between two or more fluids without mixing them. There are five major categories under which heat exchangers can be classified.

• Surfaces involved

  The typical surfaces that heat exchangers use are the fin tubes. Finned tube heat exchangers use fins on the tube. On the other hand, flat plate exchangers have thin, corrugated plates. Heat exchangers with plates usually use welding and brazing to get the plates together. Additionally, the plate heat exchangers are usually made of stainless steel. Finally, shell and tube heat exchangers have cylindrical shells with long tubes inside them. Gea shell and tube heat exchangers are some of the most popular in the market. The shell usually makes the outer layer, and the tubes are made with highly-conductive copper to improve heat transfer. The shell and tube heat exchanger surface areas are excellent for the surface area to volume ratio. Also, depending on how they are made, they can be counterflow or parallel flow.

• Function

  The main function of heat exchangers is to transfer heat between two fluids. Nevertheless, within the many varieties, they can be made to suit.

• Fluid states involved

  Both the shell and tube and the plate heat conductors work with liquids. However, they may not be suitable for every liquid. For example, finned tube air to water heat exchangers work well in conjunction with the ambient air. They are usually placed outside so that heat from the air can be absorbed and transferred into another fluid. Also, a typical example of a GEA air heat exchanger is finned tubes.

• Flow arrangement

  Heat exchangers can feature different flow arrangements. Counterflow exchangers have both fluids flowing in opposite directions. In contrast, parallel flow heat exchangers have both fluids flowing in the same direction.

Specification and maintenance of GEA VT20 heat exchangers

Specifications

• Capacity

  The maximum load-carrying capacity of the GEA VT20 heat exchanger is 24.1 tons, and the refrigerant flow ranges from 10-85 tons.

• Pressure drops

  According to different refrigerants, the pressure drop values are as follows: ammonia 17.8 m, R134a 13.6 m, and R410A 12.2 m.

• Dimension

  Vacuum shell diameter: 1000/1200 mm; outer shell height: 1516 mm; length: 3335 mm.

• Material

  The GEA VT20 heat exchanger materials include shell: carbon steel, end cover: carbon steel, tube: stainless steel; insulation material: polyurethane.

• Surface treatment

  Heat exchanger tubes will be sand-blasted and pickled to enhance corrosion resistance.

• Insulation

  The GEA VT20 heat exchanger uses polyurethane foam (PIR) for insulation, characterized by thermal conductivity μ: 0.24, μ: 0.02, and PIR: 0.3, making it fireproof and resistant to lower temperatures.

Maintenance

• Clean the surface

  Cleaning solution can be applied to wipe the surface of heat exchangers and cleaning chemicals that can be used to clean the stainless steel plate heat exchanger include soapy water, ammonia water, etc. Avoid using alkaline solutions to prevent harm to the human body and make the fabric detain.

• Cleaning by water flushing

  Users can use the water jet to wash the entire heat exchanger. However, the flushing pressure should not be too high to avoid damaging the heat exchanger. On the other hand, the washing temperature should not be too high or too low to avoid making the heat exchange core produce thermal stress and damage it.

• Periodic professional maintenance

  Users are advised to use a professional plate heat exchanger maintenance body to keep them regularly to ensure their proper functioning and safety. Regular maintenance can also extend the life of the heat exchanger.

• Storage maintenance

  If the users need to use the heat exchanger for a long time, they should store it properly. First, they should ensure that the inside and outside of the heat exchanger are clean. Moreover, the heat exchanger should be stored in a dry, ventilated, and warm place. Besides, users should avoid placing the heat exchanger in a damp, cold, or corrosive environment, which can make the heat exchanger moldy, chilly, or corroded.

Scenarios of GEA VT20 heat exchangers

• Food processing industry

  The GEA VT20 heat exchanger is widely used in the food processing industry for the heating, cooling, concentration, sterilization, and preservation of various food products. For example, it is used to heat milk and other dairy products, pasteurize juices, and conserve soup and sauce.

• Biopharmaceutical industry

  In the biopharmaceutical industry, the GEA VT20 heat exchanger plays a critical role in cell cultivation and fermentation. It is used to cool media, purify water, control temperature in fermentation processes, and cool and heat biochemical products and enzymes.

• Mineral processing

  Heat exchangers are extensively used in mineral processing to recover heat from hot streams, cool hot materials, and heat water or other fluids. They are employed in processes such as concentration, flotation, and leaching, where temperature control is crucial for optimal mineral recovery and processing efficiency.

• Petroleum and chemical industry

  In the petroleum and chemical industries, GEA VT20 heat exchangers are widely used in refineries, chemical production plants, and petrochemical facilities. They are utilized in catalytic cracking, distillation, condensation, and cooling of chemical reactions. Heat exchangers optimize heat utilization and cooling processes in the chemical industry, improving product quality and production efficiency.

How to choose Gea VT20 heat exchangers

Both in industrial and residential sets, heat exchangers play a crucial role in the functional and overall efficiency of the machine. When selecting the Gea heat exchanger, one must consider the applications, working fluids, environment, efficiency, maintenance, and quality.

• Application: Typically, the heat exchangers are made for a specific application. When choosing the heat exchanger, the user should look for the specific type of heat exchanger that would best suit the application he will use it for.
• Working fluids: The fluids involved in the process are also important to consider. Look at the properties of the fluid, such as viscosity and corrosiveness, and choose the heat exchanger that will work perfectly for it.
• Temperature and pressure: Different Gea heat exchangers work at different temperature and pressure ranges. Buyers must look at the operating temperature and pressure of their system before choosing a heat exchanger. This ensures compatibility and efficiency maximization.
• Space constraints: The space available in the system probably has to be considered. Compact heat exchangers, such as plate heat exchangers, are suited for systems with little space.
• Maintenance and cleanliness: Heat exchangers are prone to fouling. Therefore, while selecting the suitable heat exchanger for the system, the maintenance requirement and clean ability should not be overlooked. Go for Gea heat exchangers with accessibility for cleaning and servicing.
• Quality: The durability of the heat exchanger is directly linked to the product quality. A substandard heat exchanger will have a flimsy plate and low welding quality, affecting the exchanger's work and lifespan. When selecting a heat exchanger, people should go for reputable brands like Gea, known for its dependable, durable products.

Q&A

Q1: What is the reason manufacturers still prefer to use the gea greenergy heat exchanger?

A1: The GEA Greenergy exchanger offers three-and-a-half times the surface area of a traditional tube, plus it is more compact, all of which provide better performance.

Q2: Are heat exchangers durable?

A2: Heat exchangers are very resilient and will often last for many decades with proper maintenance and care.

Q3: Can heat exchangers be repaired?

A3: If the damage to the heat exchanger is not too severe, the unit can be repaired and put back into exchange service.

Q4: What type of heat exchanger is the most effective?

A4: Spiral heat exchangers are often considered one of the most effective heat exchangers.