The heat transfer element comprises two components, namely the plate group, and the shell. The plate group contains a stack of closely spaced parallel plates, similar to those found in a plate heat exchanger. These plates are typically made of stainless steel and are designed to create high turbulence and efficient heat transfer. The plate group is fabricated by laser or automatic plasma welding cold-pressed plates together to create two distinct medium flow channels.
The plate group is then surrounded by a cylindrical shell, similar to that found in a shell and tube heat exchanger. This outer shell provides additional structural support to the plates and helps to create a larger heat transfer surface area. The space between the plates is used to pass one fluid, while the shell side is used to pass the second fluid.
