Effect of material change at plate heat exchanger design to system performance

Objective: The objective of this research was to examine the use of alternative materials on the top plate of plate heat exchangers and their influence on the operational effectiveness of the component. Material and Methods: The research was carried out with plate heat exchangers using AISI 316L and AISI 304L stainless steel materials. Thermal performance values and burst resistance criteria of products with different material content are considered as performance parameters. The thermal performance was realized in the plate heat exchanger functional test stand. Pressure resistance tests were carried out with Maximator pressurization kit and plate heat exchanger fixing apparatus. A simulation method has been developed that validates the results with ANSYS FEA analysis. The obtained strength criteria were subjected to analysis using a numerical method that was developed for this purpose. The correlation between the relevant findings was assessed. Results: In the study, thermal efficiencies and plastic deformation pressures of samples manufactured from various varieties of steel were determined. The beginning of deformation in the AISI 316L-made top plate was determined to be 24 bar, while the deformation in the AISI 304L-made top plate was determined to be 18 bar. Conclusion: The study determined that the plate heat exchangers manufactured using 0.5 mm AISI 316L and AISI 304L top plates with reduced thickness exhibit mechanical strength performance that is conducive to large-scale production. Additionally, both materials demonstrated favorable outcomes in the thermal performance evaluation.