Plate Heat Exchanger Gaskets
Heat Exchanger Spares.com supply replacement heat exchanger gaskets for ALL plate heat exchangers.
All plate heat exchanger gaskets are manufactured in accordance with a rigorous quality control procedure. With our gasket testing facilities, we are able to fully inspect gaskets to ensure they continuously meet our high standards. For this reason, we are able to offer a 12 month warranty (subject to conditions) on all plate heat exchanger gaskets supplied by us.
Depending on the heat exchanger manufacturer and model type, the heat exchanger gaskets are fixed to the heat transfer plates either mechanically or with an adhesive.
The common attachments are listed below. For more detailed information select a specific manufacturer.
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Adhesive Attachments
With adhesive attachments a “glue” is used to bond the heat exchanger gaskets to the heat transfer plates.
The adhesive does not contribute to sealing the heat exchanger, it is merely used to hold the gasket in place while the heat exchanger is tightened.
It is the tightening down of the heat exchanger which compresses the plate/gaskets and creates the seal.
Pros. The gaskets remain attached to plates when being cleaned on site, i.e. when using a high pressure washer.
Cons. When replacing gaskets the heat transfer plates require off site servicing to ensure the gasket grooves are clean and the new gaskets are bonded correctly.
Types of Adhesive Attachments
Contact Adhesive
This is the most typical adhesive method. After assembly, the glue is often oven cured to ensure a good bond. However, the gaskets can normally be removed by hand, leaving behind a small amount of glue in the gasket groove.
Two Part Epoxy Resin
This process uses a hardener to complete the curing process. This forms a superior bond which stops the gasket from being easily removed from the heat transfer plate.
Double Sided Tape
This process is used to hold long pieces of straight gasket on larger plate heat exchangers. It would not be used to hold the entire gasket to the heat transfer plate.
Mechanical Attachment
Most modern plate heat exchangers use a form of mechanical attachment to fix the gaskets to the heat transfer plates.
- Pros. The gaskets can be easily removed and replaced, especially on site, as the gasket sealing area remains clean (free from glue residue).
- Cons. The gaskets will become detached from the heat transfer plates when pressure washing on site or through incorrect / rough handling. Care must be taken when tightening the heat exchanger, to ensure the gaskets remain in the gasket groove. Occassional checks should be made whilst tightening down, so any gaskets that have moved out of the groove can be pushed back in.
Types of Mechanical Attachment
Clip Type
The heat exchanger gasket is positioned on the heat transfer plate and held in place by clips, at specific areas around the edge of the plate.
Stud Type
This is similar to clip type, but instead of attaching to the edge of the heat transfer plate, part of the gasket (stud) is pushed through the plate, using a specific tool.
Snap In
The gasket is positioned on the heat transfer plate. At specific points the gasket groove has narrow sections, which the gasket is pushed (snapped) into.
There is a variation of this in some older gaskets, where the gaskets have holes at certain points in the back of the gasket. These holes are pushed onto a ‘ball’ manufactured into the gasket groove, thereby holding the gasket in place.
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