Schmidt™® SIGMA Gasketed Plate Heat Exchangers
Plate and frame heat exchangers using corrugated plates between a fixed and movable pressure plate.
Plate heat exchangers — also called plate and frame heat exchangers — use corrugated plates stacked between a fixed and movable pressure plate. Because virtually all of the material is used for heat transfer, plate and frame heat exchangers achieve large amounts of effective heat transfer surface in a compact footprint. It is not uncommon for a gasketed plate heat exchanger to deliver the same thermal capacity as a shell and tube unit five times its size. Our Schmidt™® SIGMA plate and frame heat exchangers incorporate superior design features to ensure long-term performance and customer satisfaction.
Operating Parameters
Temperature: -40°F – 400°F (-29°C – 200°C)
Pressure: Vacuum to 400 psig (30 bar)
Capacities: In excess of 20,000 GPM (4,500 m³/h)
Connections: Up to 20 in. (DN500)
Codes & Certifications
Basco™ heat exchangers are designed and manufactured to comply with a wide variety of international codes and standards, including:
- EU Pressure Equipment Directive (PED)
- Chinese Safety Quality License
- Australian Pressure Vessel Code AS1210
- Singapore Pressure Vessel Code
- DOSH Malaysian Pressure Vessel Code
- Canadian Registration Number (CRN)
- Indian Boiler Regulations (IBR)
- Polish UDT Code
- API 614, 660, 618
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a gasketed plate and a brazed plate heat exchanger?
A gasketed plate heat exchanger (also called a plate and frame heat exchanger) uses removable plates held in a bolted frame with compressible gaskets between each plate. This allows the unit to be opened for inspection, cleaning, and maintenance in the field, and additional plates can be added to expand capacity without replacing the unit. A brazed plate heat exchanger has permanently joined plates with no gaskets or frame — more compact and rated for higher pressures and temperatures, but it cannot be disassembled for cleaning or expanded in size.
Can the plates and gaskets be replaced without replacing the whole unit?
Yes. One of the primary advantages of a gasketed plate and frame heat exchanger is that individual plates and gaskets are fully replaceable in the field. This minimizes downtime, extends equipment service life, and reduces long-term cost of ownership compared to replacing the entire unit.
What are the operating limits?
Our Schmidt™® SIGMA gasketed plate heat exchangers operate from -40°F to 400°F (-29°C to 200°C), at pressures from vacuum to 400 psig (30 bar), and at flow capacities exceeding 20,000 GPM (4,500 m³/h).
Technical Parameters
Plates
Standard: AISI 304 stainless steel (1.4301), AISI 316L stainless steel (1.4404), AISI 316TI stainless steel (1.4571)
Exotics: AISI 904 stainless steel, SMO 254, Nickel alloys, pure nickel, Ti and Ti-Pd alloy
Thickness: 0.4 mm to 1.15 mm
Gaskets
Standard: Nitrile rubber, EPDM rubber, Chloroprene rubber
Exotics: HNBR, NBR-HT, FPM/FKM, Butyl, PTFE coated (SIGMACOAT), Food industry certified, AFM hard gaskets, others available
Attachment Method
SIGMAFIX adhesive-free gasket, or glued gasket
Frame
Painted carbon steel, or stainless steel (solid and clad)
Connections
Standard: Studded with option for liner, flanges (ANSI, DIN), food stuff connections
Exotics: Ti, SMO, Hastelloy, 904L, others available
Codes and Standards
ASME, PED, ABS, LRS, GL, BV, GOST
Performance Notes
- Unique corrugation pattern for highest overall heat transfer rate
- True counter-current flow for close temperature approach
- Clip-on gasket design with precise plate-groove fit
- Double sealing prevents fluid mixing; leak detect to atmosphere
- All-bolted construction for easier service
- Low fluid hold-up — quicker response to thermal demand
- Readily expandable for greater capacities
- Standards: ASME, PED, ABS, LRS, GL, BV, GOST