Global leader in plate heat exchanger technology Tranter has combined the compact, space-saving footprint and proven efficiency of a plate heat exchanger in the gasket free all-welded Ultramax

Global leader in plate heat exchanger technology, Tranter International AB, has combined the compact, space-saving footprint and proven efficiency of a plate heat exchanger in the gasket free all-welded Ultramax. Available in a range of standard connection sizes up to six inches, Ultramax overcomes the limitations of gasketed models for handling liquids, gases and mixtures of the two from -320F to +650F, at very high pressures (maximum design pressure 1,400 psig). Ultramax works in the same way as a conventional plate and frame heat exchanger, with alternating channels for hot and cold media and true counter current flow which offers full LMTD and allows closer temperature approaches, delivering superior performance compared to cross flow designed units.

For the most demanding applications, welded heat exchangers offer optimum performance, with welding on every channel, or on alternating channels, depending on the application.

One such application is at the specialist chemical company Johnson Matthey plant in Billingham where Ultramax units are being used to cool solvents in the production of titanium alkoxides.

Tranter PHE supplied two Ultramax plate heat exchangers in two different material designs.

They are being used in the solvent recovery process, improving cost efficiency.

A stainless steel unit is being used as the main condenser cooling solvent vapour from a temperature of almost 70C to approximately 20C using circulated cooling water.

The second unit which is titanium is employed after the main condenser to cool the solvent vapour further to about -10C using brine as the coolant because of its lower freezing point.

Specified for their compact size and low weight compared with traditional shell and tube technology, Johnson Matthey chose the Tranter Ultramax PHE because the all welded sealed units were considered the most suitable condensers to recover catalyst materials.

Rob Peeling, Process Development Manager at Johnson Matthey Catalysts plant has been very impressed, 'Tranter supplied the PHE units within the promised time frame and they have operated faultlessly since.

Reliability is paramount with heat exchangers as you just want to be able to install the unit and leave it to do its job and that's what we've been able to do with the Tranter PHEs'.

For more information on Ultramax heat exchanger products for process applications, or the full range of Tranter products and services, please visit the website or phone the sales office.