Energy & Utilities – C.J. Mulanix Co. Inc.

Energy & Utilities Gaskets / Plates

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Energy & Utilities Heat Exchanger Solutions

Overview & Key Applications

Plate-and-frame heat exchangers are central to cooling spent-fuel basins in nuclear plants, chilling gas and electrolyte streams in hydrogen-electrolysis facilities, recovering waste heat from exhaust to preheat process fluids, and handling HVAC duties in commercial and industrial sites. They also bolster efficiency in renewable-energy systems like solar thermal, geothermal, and hydroelectric installations.

Plate Materials & Hygienic Design

Plates are generally stainless steel (304 or 316L) for broad corrosion resistance and mechanical strength under high pressures. For aggressive or saline fluids (e.g., seawater cooling in power plants), titanium plates are available—as seen in Kelvion’s NT Series—and some Xylem GPX units use titanium as well.

Gasket Material Guide

Picking the right gasket is all about matching temperature, chemical exposure, and cleanability:

EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer):

Ideal for hot water, steam, and common treatment chemicals up to ~150–165 °C.

NBR (Nitrile Butadiene Rubber):

Suited for oil and lubricant cooling circuits, resistant to petroleum fluids up to ~110 °C.

FKM/Viton:

For high-temperature loops (~180–200 °C) and aggressive chemicals or solvents.

Flexible Graphite (± metal facings):

Used in extreme temperature/pressure applications, often paired with metal spiral-wound or cam-profile gaskets.

Top Manufacturers & Models

When it comes to spares availability and service backing, these brands lead the pack:

Alfa Laval:

Industrial Line (T21, AlfaQ, AlfaCond, AlfaVap) for heating, cooling, condensation, and evaporation.

Tranter:

SUPERCHANGER® (GT, GX, GC/GL series) rugged designs for high pressures and unbalanced flows.

Kelvion (GEA):

NT, NQ, NW (semi-welded), NB, and Free Flow series—covering high-temp, high-pressure, and solids-handling needs.

Danfoss (SONDEX):

SONDEX® Standard, Semi-Welded, and Free Flow models, with double-wall options for particle-laden media.

Xylem (Bell & Gossett):

GPX and Plateflow series using EPDM or nitrile gaskets; some frames in 316 SS or titanium.

API Schmidt-Bretten, Funke, Barriquand:

SIGMA series and niche offerings with NBR, EPDM, or Viton gaskets.

Energy & Utilities Gaskets and Plates

Manufacturer	Popular Models	Typical Gasket Materials
Alfa Laval	Industrial Line, T21, AlfaQ, AlfaCond, AlfaVap	Elastomeric gaskets (specific type varies by model and application)
Alfa Laval	M Series M6, M10, M15, M30, MX25, AQ4	EPDM-HT, NBR-HT, Viton
Danfoss (Sondex)	SONDEX® Standard plate heat exchangers, Semi-welded plate heat exchangers, Free Flow plate heat exchangers	EPDM-HT, NBR-HT, Viton
FUNKE	Plate heat exchangers for industrial applications, Safety plate heat exchangers (FPDW)	NBR, EPDM, Chloroprene, Butyl, FPM (Viton) in various qualities
GEA	NT350, NT500, VT2508	EPDM-HT, NBR-HT, Viton
GESMEX	XPS – Plate & Shell heat exchangers (Gasket-free), XPT – Thermoplate heat exchangers (All-welded)	Gasket-free (welded designs)
Kelvion	NT Series, NQ Series, NW Series (Semi-Welded), NB Series, Free Flow series, Safety series, Wide Gap series	Large choice available with high temperature and good chemical resistance
Sondex	S100, S41, S35	EPDM-HT, NBR-HT, Viton
Tranter	SUPERCHANGER® Gasketed Plate And Frame Heat Exchanger, GT SERIES, GX SERIES, GC and GL SERIES	Wide range available to suit different operating environments
Tranter	UX Series	EPDM-HT, NBR-HT, Viton
Vicarb	V13, V28, V45, V85, V100	EPDM-HT, NBR-HT, Viton
Viex	VX13, VX20, VX45, VX48	EPDM-HT, NBR-HT, Viton

Get a Quote / Ask Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

How are PHEs used in the Energy & Utilities sector, and what operational conditions do they face?

PHEs play a vital role in thermal management within the Energy & Utilities sector. Their applications include cooling spent nuclear fuel elements, cooling gases and electrolytes in electrolysis plants for hydrogen production, and crucially, heat recovery from waste streams to improve energy efficiency. They are also used in HVAC systems for buildings, and in various renewable energy systems like solar thermal and geothermal. Operational conditions in this sector often involve high pressures and temperatures, with steam and hot water loops reaching up to 150°C or more. The units must handle high flow rates and significant heat loads. They are also used in applications involving oils, requiring gaskets that can resist petroleum fluids.

What are the common gasket materials used in Energy & Utilities PHEs, and what are their specific uses?

The selection of gasket material in the Energy & Utilities sector depends on the specific application requirements, particularly temperature and fluid type. EPDM is a common choice for hot water, steam, and certain chemicals, making it suitable for HVAC and lower-temperature utility uses. High-temperature EPDM variants are available for more demanding conditions. NBR is frequently used for applications involving oil and water-based fluids, such as cooling and general utility services. Viton (FKM) is selected for its excellent resistance to high temperatures (up to 180-200°C) and a broad range of corrosive chemicals, making it appropriate for more demanding applications in power generation and chemical processing within the energy sector. For very high-temperature and pressure applications, flexible graphite gaskets, often combined with metal gaskets, are used for robust sealing. Oxidation-inhibited graphite is employed in extreme temperature scenarios. HNBR can bridge the gap between NBR and Viton for applications involving higher temperatures and aggressive fluids.

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