Surface heat exchangers (especially plate and indirect heat exchanger types) emphasize ease of disassembly, cleaning, and maintenance, achieved through features such as movable or removable heat exchange plates. Plate heat exchangers also offer advantages such as small size, minimal footprint, and high heat transfer efficiency.
Surface heat exchanger technology continues to evolve, with new patents constantly emerging, including innovative designs such as structures that facilitate disassembly and maintenance, and core designs for primary surface heat exchangers. However, plate heat exchangers also have limitations, including long sealing perimeters that are prone to leakage, operating temperatures limited to below 150°C, and the ability to withstand relatively small pressure differentials.
