Refrigeration & HVAC

Refrigeration & HVAC Gaskets / Plates

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Refrigeration & HVAC Heat Exchanger Solutions

Overview & Key Applications

Plate-and-frame heat exchangers (PHEs) are an essential solution for modern HVAC and refrigeration systems, used everywhere from high-rise building chillers to industrial cold storage and district energy plants. Common applications include:

  • Chilled water and condenser water loops for efficient building cooling
  • Hydronic heating/cooling for zone isolation and energy recovery
  • District heating and cooling interfaces
  • Data center cooling with clean secondary loops
  • Refrigeration plant heat recovery (e.g., using compressor waste heat)
  • Separation of fluids in ammonia, glycol, or brine systems

PHEs are chosen for their high thermal efficiency, space-saving design, and ease of maintenance. They help contractors reduce downtime and make it easier to service critical HVAC and refrigeration infrastructure.

Plate Materials & Hygienic Design

In HVAC and refrigeration settings, most PHE plates are made from 316 stainless steel for its excellent corrosion resistance in treated water and most glycols. In harsher environments—such as with seawater or aggressive brines—titanium plates may be specified. Plate packs are engineered for efficient heat transfer while minimizing fouling and allowing for easy cleaning.

While strict hygienic standards are less of a concern than in food or pharma, a smooth, crevice-free plate surface still helps prevent scale and biofilm buildup, extending equipment life and maintaining system efficiency.

Gasket Material Guide

Selecting the right gasket material is crucial for reliable operation and long gasket life:

EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer):
  • The standard choice for most chilled water, hot water, and glycol applications. EPDM is resistant to hot/cold water, steam, glycol, and most water treatment chemicals. It operates from roughly -15°C to 110–150°C but is not suitable for oil-based fluids.
NBR (Nitrile Butadiene Rubber):
  • Used where oil compatibility is needed (oil coolers, compressor lubricant risk). NBR handles water, glycol, and oil, but isn’t ideal for high-temp steam or oxidizers.
Viton (FKM):
  • Chosen for high-temperature or aggressive chemical circuits (some heat recovery or refrigerant loops), withstanding up to 180–200°C.
HNBR:
  • A newer option for cases needing both oil and moderate heat resistance.

For best results, always check the manufacturer’s chemical compatibility guides—especially when using glycol blends, inhibitors, or specialty cleaning chemicals.

Top Manufacturers & Models

When it comes to spares availability and service support, these brands lead the way in HVAC and refrigeration plate heat exchangers:

Alfa Laval:
  • Industrial Line (T-series: T20, T50), AlfaQ, AlfaCond, WideGap models for reliable heating, cooling, and condensation in commercial and industrial settings.
  • EPDM, NBR, and Viton (FKM) gasket options to suit water, glycol, or more demanding refrigerant and oil services.
Tranter:
  • SUPERCHANGER® (GX, GT Series), robust plate packs trusted for oil coolers, chilled water, and compressor duty.
  • Wide choice of EPDM, NBR, Viton, and HNBR gaskets for flexible performance.
Kelvion (GEA):
  • NT, NW, NQ, and Free Flow series—optimized for HVAC, district energy, and refrigeration with high flow rates and solids-handling capability.
  • EPDM, NBR, Viton, and HNBR available for most applications.
Danfoss (SONDEX):
  • SONDEX® Standard, Free Flow, and Semi-welded models, including double-wall options for particle-laden or corrosive media.
  • Gasket choices include EPDM-HT, NBR-HT, and Viton for tough temperature or chemical conditions.
  • List item
Xylem (Bell & Gossett / Standard Xchange):
  • GPX and Plateflow series, widely used in commercial HVAC, chillers, and heat recovery systems.
  • Readily available with EPDM and NBR gaskets, plus plate options in 316 stainless or titanium.
FUNKE, API Schmidt-Bretten, Barriquand:
  • Additional respected suppliers with the FP/FPDW, SIGMA, and various niche models.
  • All support NBR, EPDM, Viton (FKM), and sometimes chloroprene or specialty gaskets for unique jobs.

These manufacturers deliver proven reliability, fast spare part availability, and solid technical support—critical for mechanical contractors needing quick turnarounds and minimal downtime on site.

Refrigeration & HVAC Gaskets and Plates

ManufacturerPopular ModelsTypical Gasket Materials
Alfa LavalM Series M6, M10, M15, M30, MX25, AQ4NBR, EPDM, & High Temp & Neoprene
Alfa LavalSemi Welded Series xxBW, xxWNBR, EPDM, & High Temp & Neoprene
API Schmidt-BretonSigma Series SX13, SX19, SX29, SX48, SX49, S66, S36, S19, S96, S108, SX35, S106, SX25, SX66NBR, EPDM, & High Temp & Neoprene
GEANT350, NT500, VT2508NBR, EPDM, & High Temp & Neoprene
ITT Bell & GossettPF SeriesNBR, EPDM, & High Temp & Neoprene
SondexS100, S41, S35NBR, EPDM, & High Temp & Neoprene
TacoFP Series FP206, FP70, and PF70, FP10, PF100, PF205, FP50, PF022NBR, EPDM, & High Temp & Neoprene
TacoTPX Series TPX151, TP20, TPX137, TPX87, TPX167, TPX257NBR, EPDM, & High Temp & Neoprene
TranterUX SeriesNBR, EPDM, & High Temp & Neoprene
VicarbV13, V28, V45, V85, V100NBR, EPDM, & High Temp & Neoprene
ViexVX13, VX20, VX45, VX48NBR, EPDM, & High Temp & Neoprene
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Frequently Asked Questions

What are plate-and-frame heat exchangers (PHEs) used for in the Refrigeration & HVAC industry?

In the Refrigeration & HVAC industry, plate-and-frame heat exchangers (PHEs) are widely used for efficient heat transfer in various heating, cooling, and refrigeration processes. They play critical roles in applications such as district heating and cooling systems, commercial HVAC installations, refrigeration circuits, chiller systems, cooling towers, and heat recovery setups. PHEs efficiently manage thermal loads by transferring heat between fluids like water, glycol mixtures, refrigerants, and oils, ensuring reliable performance in systems subjected to frequent temperature cycling and varying operational demands. The compact design of PHEs makes them ideal for installations where space constraints are significant, and their modular construction allows easy capacity adjustments and maintenance.

What materials are typically used for plates and gaskets in Refrigeration & HVAC PHEs, and why?

Plates in Refrigeration & HVAC PHEs are commonly made from stainless steel, typically 304 or 316, due to their robustness, corrosion resistance, and excellent thermal conductivity. Titanium plates are also employed in aggressive environments where enhanced corrosion resistance is required, particularly in seawater or industrial refrigerant systems. Gasket materials play a pivotal role in ensuring sealing reliability and longevity, especially under thermal cycling conditions. EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer) is frequently chosen for its excellent compatibility with hot water, steam, glycols, and HVAC chemicals. NBR (Nitrile Butadiene Rubber) is preferred in refrigeration and oil-containing circuits due to its resistance to refrigerants, oils, and glycols. HNBR (Hydrogenated Nitrile Rubber) offers enhanced temperature resistance and chemical compatibility, bridging performance between NBR and FKM, and is suitable for demanding refrigeration applications. FKM (Viton™) is selected for applications requiring exceptional chemical resistance and high-temperature tolerance, typically in specialized or aggressive HVAC environments. All gasket materials must provide reliable sealing, minimal leakage, and withstand the rigors of frequent temperature fluctuations common in HVAC systems.

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