Abstract: A heat exchanger with improved leak prevention may include a first heat exchanger plate, a second heat exchanger plate, a gasket between the first and the second heat exchanger plates, and a lock strip configured to maintain alignment of the first and second heat exchanger plates over a plurality of thermal expansion and contraction cycles of the plates. The lock strip may include at least one projection to engage with a projection of the first and/or second heat exchanger plate to secure its position over the plurality of thermal expansion and contraction cycles of the plates. Lock strips can be applied to one or many plates comprising a plate heat exchanger plate pack.

Abstract: A heat exchanger with improved leak prevention may include a first heat exchanger plate, a second heat exchanger plate, a gasket between the first and the second heat exchanger plates, and a lock strip configured to maintain alignment of the first and second heat exchanger plates over a plurality of thermal expansion and contraction cycles of the plates. The lock strip may include at least one projection to engage with a projection of the first and/or second heat exchanger plate to secure its position over the plurality of thermal expansion and contraction cycles of the plates. Lock strips can be applied to one or many plates comprising a plate heat exchanger plate pack.

Abstract: A plate heat exchanger includes a frame, a set of plates disposed in the frame between a head and a follower, and a closure unit. The closure unit includes a drive mechanism and a power unit. The drive mechanism is configured to urge the follower to move towards the head to compress the set of plates and configured to urge the follower to move away from the head to release the set of plates. The power unit is configured to selectably connect to and disconnect from the drive mechanism and to provide power to the drive mechanism. The power unit is configured to compress the set of plates in response to a controller receiving a close command.

Abstract: A method for detecting the presence of a leak between two fluid paths of an assembled plate heat exchanger by evacuating one or both fluid paths to a low pressure, introducing a test gas to one of the fluid paths to create a pressure differential between the fluid paths, and testing for the presence of test gas in the second fluid path.

Abstract: A method for detecting the presence of a leak between two fluid paths of an assembled plate heat exchanger by evacuating one or both fluid paths to a low pressure, introducing a test gas to one of the fluid paths to create a pressure differential between the fluid paths, and testing for the presence of test gas in the second fluid path.

Abstract: A method for detecting the presence of a leak between two fluid paths of an assembled plate heat exchanger by evacuating one or both fluid paths to a low pressure, introducing a test gas to one of the fluid paths to create a pressure differential between the fluid paths, and testing for the presence of test gas in the second fluid path.

Abstract: A method for detecting the presence of a leak between two fluid paths of an assembled plate heat exchanger by evacuating one or both fluid paths to a low pressure, introducing a test gas to one of the fluid paths to create a pressure differential between the fluid paths, and testing for the presence of test gas in the second fluid path.

Abstract: A plate heat exchanger comprising a stack of heat transfer plates which together with sealing means define first and second flow passages for first and second fluids respectively. The heat transfer plates are formed with through holes defining an inlet channel communicating with the first flow passages and a gasket is arranged around the through holes in the gap between each pair of heat transfer plates forming a first flow passage. The gasket can be inserted in and/or removed from the gap between a pair of permanently joined heat transfer plates and can include a tube for producing a pressure drop for flow of fluid from the inlet passage to the first flow passage.

Abstract: A method of positively indicating leaks in the heat transfer surface area of a heat exchanger between the normally separate fluid paths denoted by side (A) and side (B) arranged in a heat exchange relationship is disclosed. The method comprises:placing a detector gas or gas mixture on one side;placing a carrier or entraining liquid in the other side;applying a positive pressure differential between detector gas and carrier fluid; anddetecting entrained bubbles within the carrier fluid.

Abstract: A method of positively locating the source of leaks in the heat transfer surface area of the plate heat exchanger between separate product and service fluid paths arranged in an intimate heat exchange relationship is disclosed. The method comprises:circulating a solution through one fluid path of the exchanger, the solution consisting of solvent with appreciable vapor pressure under the chosen test conditions;providing a gas flow across the other fluid path of the exchange surface by means of forced or natural convection;applying a positive pressure differential between solution and gas stream; anddetecting visually the location of deposited solutes on or around the other fluid path.