When looking for a commercial refrigeration solution, the focus is often on the cost of purchase and installation. Do you know what else needs to be a priority for you? The system's repair. Usually, good repair starts with understanding the individual components and the work performed by each part. Plate heat exchangers are the go-to part for large-scale food handlers. You can use them to cool and heat liquid food products in walk-in freezers, product cases and display units. Read the following piece to learn more about the technical problems associated with plate heat exchangers:

The Signs To Look Out For

In commercial refrigeration units, plate heat exchangers often bear the brunt of the work. This puts them at high risk of wear and tear, but the good news is that you can identify these problems quickly. One of the signs to look out for is a high pressure drop from the unit's inlet to its outlet. The pressure drop means that air moves at a higher or lower rate than the recommended setup. Secondly, reduced efficiency in heat transfer, loss of flow and loss of performance also point to problems with your plate heat transfer. Lastly, look out for process fluid leaks when the equipment cools your items.

Plate Heat Exchanger and Gasket Failure

Gaskets are an essential accessory for any plate heat exchanger setup. Their work is to seal the exchanger's edges and keep the refrigerator's fluid in their designated compartments. When a gasket fails, the pressure in the refrigerators forces fluids through the vulnerable sections, and the fluid will drip from the plate heat exchanger.

The fix involves extracting the plate heat exchanger with the bad gasket and the plate next to it. Ideally, this keeps the flow patterns intact while the technician replaces the failed gasket with a new one. It is advisable to have the replacement gaskets at hand before disassembling the plates so that the setup doesn't stay open for too long. It helps prevent differential leaks (mixing of the refrigerant fluids) that can cause more mechanical problems.

Plate Heat Exchanger Corrosion and Fouling

The constant presence of air and moisture puts most plate heat exchangers at risk of corrosion and fouling. The heat doesn't make things any better either. Often, manufacturers have this in mind and make the plates using materials that can withstand corrosion. However, some process fluids are very aggressive and eat into the materials with time. Your best bet is to have a regular cleaning schedule for the plates.

If your refrigerator is malfunctioning, contact a 24-hour industrial refrigeration repair service.