Front plate

Applications

Pasteurization and general cooling/heating of dairy, brewery, beverage and food products.

Working Principle

A plate heat exchanger consists of a pack of corrugated metal plates with port holes for the passage of two fluids between which heat transfer will take place.

The plate pack is assembled between a fixed frame plate and a movable pressure plate and compressed by tightening bolts.

The plates are fitted with a gasket which seals the inter-plate channel and directs the fluids into alternate channels. The number of plates is determined by the flow rate, physical properties of the fluids and the temperature program. The plate corrugations promote fluid turbulence and support the plates against differential pressure.

Frame

The plates and the pressure plate are suspended from an upper carrying bar and located by a lower guiding bar, both of which are fixed to the support column. The tightening bolts are equipped with ball bearing washers in order to facilitate opening and closing of the unit. The frame and support column have adjustable feet.

One unit may contain several heat exchangers, separated by connection plates with interchangeable connections.

Plates

The Front plates are designed to meet the highest requirements in food processing. The combination of high pressing depth and a pattern with relatively few contact points provides longer operation time without interruptions. The distribution pattern assures an even flow over the entire plate. The ports have a diameter enabling cleaning in place (CIP) with the same flow used in the process itself.

The plate pack

The chevron corrugation of the plates provides a passage between the plates and supports each plate against the adjacent one. It also enhances the turbulence, resulting in efficient heat transfer.

Different chevron angles are available to reach the optimal high heat transfer at a given pressure drop. An unique distribution area provides an even and efficient flow over the plate surface. The Alfa Laval hanging system enables easy handling of the plates in the frame. Furthermore the corner guiding provides a strong plate pack. The plates are reversible and have parallel flow, which means that only one type of gasket is needed.

Plate Types

Front6, Front8, Front10 and Front15.
Other plates of the FrontLine™ series are the WideStream® and Gemini plates.

The gasket

The FrontLine™ plates are supplied with glue-free Clip-On gaskets, which are easy to replace even with the plates still hanging in the frame. The material of gaskets are selected for safe use in connection with pharmaceutical and food products.

Standard Materials

Plates

Stainless steel AISI 316, Titanium or SMO

Gaskets

Nitrile-FDA, High Temperature Nitrile-FDA or EPDM-FDA. Clip-On design.

Frame

Frame and pressure plate in solid stainless steel. All wetted parts in acid proof stainless steel. Other surfaces in various grades of stainless steel. Movable nuts on tightening bolts in chromium plated brass.

Technical Data

Mechanical design pressure (g) / Temperature

FRM – 145 psi / 302 °F
FRH – 232 psi / 302 °F
FRD – 300 psi / 302 °F

Connections

DIN, SMS, Tri-CLAMP, B.S./RJT and IDF/ISO male parts. Others on request

Options

• - Thermometer pocket and nib with ventilation cock 1)
• - Thermometer pocket1)
• - Connection for 2.01" pressure transmitter1)
• - Protection sheet
• - Bolt protections of stainless steel
• - 3-A finish
• - Connections in titanium or SMO (frame and pressure plate)
• - Extended legs
• - Extra standard wrench or pneumatic tightening tool
• - Test certificates and material certificate
• - Testing by authorized inspection companies

All options are not available on all models.

1) At through pass corners in connection plates.

Dimensions

Overall length varies depending on numbers of plates and connecting plates. Recommended free space around the unit is 5 ft. at sides and frame head end.