What Are Pillow Plate Heat Exchangers?
Pillow plate heat exchangers are a type of heat exchangers that are created by laser welding two thin sheets of steel together. Through the use of pressurized air, manufacturers create a space between the sheets. This space is where the heat exchange takes place, by circulating heating or cooling mediums through the gap, or pillow, between the sheets of steel.
Like other types of heat exchangers, the main purpose of pillow plate heat exchanger is to keep material (usually fluids and gasses) hot or cold. This principle is both common and widely used. Heat sinks in electronics, which transfer heat from the electronic components to the surrounding air, are heat exchangers, as are the radiators in vehicles, which uses a special fluid to cool the engine to keep it from overheating and warping the metal engine parts.
Industrial Dairies
The most common application for pillow plate heat exchangers is in industrial dairy operations. Milk is warm when produced and very hot when pasteurized, but it needs to be refrigerated from then on. Pillow plate heat exchangers facilitate both quick temperature changes and maintain long term cooling to keep dairy products at a stable, consistent temperature.
Other Food and Beverage Applications
Pillow plate heat exchangers can be used in numerous food and beverage applications, including cooling sodas, wine, and beer. Any liquid that needs to be cooled in large quantities could benefit from pillow plate heat exchangers. They are also useful in chemical and pharmaceutical facilities, where heating and cooling a solution must be carefully controlled.
Other Uses Pillow plate heat exchangers have still further applications, such as use in industrial chillers and ice machines. Double-sided pillow plate heat exchangers can also be used as immersion chillers. From new builds to repairs and retrofits, we do it all. Call us today for more information on the types of heat exchangers we offer and whether the pillow plate is the right fit for your application.
