Brazing Process for Plate-Fin Heat Exchangers

Brazing Process for Plate-Fin Heat Exchangers

Introduction

Plate-fin heat exchangers (PFHEs) are vital in industries such as automotive, aerospace, and cryogenics. These compact, efficient devices transfer heat between fluids while maintaining structural integrity and minimizing pressure drop. This article explores the brazing process used to manufacture PFHEs, emphasizing its significance and benefits.

Vacuum Brazing: A Proven Method

At Wuxi Jiushengyuan Science & Technology Co., Ltd. (KIUSIN), we employ vacuum brazing technology to produce high-quality PFHEs. Here's an overview of the process:

1.Plate Assembly: The PFHE core consists of alternating plates and fins, each plate coated with a thin film of braze metal on both sides. Precise alignment of the fins is ensured during meticulous assembly.

2.Vacuum Furnace: The assembled PFHE block is placed in a vacuum furnace. The brazing process occurs under vacuum conditions, eliminating the need for flux. The furnace temperature typically reaches around 580°C.

3.Brazing: During brazing, the braze metal melts and flows, creating strong bonds between adjacent plates. The components of the block become firmly attached, forming a robust structure.

4.Attachments: Post-brazing, additional components like half-pipe headers, nozzles, support brackets, and lifting trunnions are welded to the core, enhancing functionality and fluid flow within the PFHE.

Advantages of Vacuum Brazing

1.Hermetic Sealing: Vacuum brazing ensures a leak-tight seal, crucial for cryogenic applications where maintaining low temperatures is essential.

2.Uniform Heat Distribution: The controlled vacuum furnace environment allows for uniform heating, minimizing thermal stresses and distortion.

3.Clean and Flux-Free: Unlike traditional brazing methods, vacuum brazing doesn't require flux, eliminating the need for post-brazing cleaning and reducing contamination risk.

4.High-Strength Joints: The metallurgical bonds formed during vacuum brazing result in strong, durable joints capable of withstanding high pressures and temperature differentials.

Conclusion

As a leading PFHE manufacturer, KIUSIN combines expertise, advanced technology, and a commitment to quality. Our vacuum-brazed PFHEs cover a wide temperature range and withstand pressures up to 130 bar. Whether for automotive radiators, air compressors, or cryogenic systems, our PFHEs deliver efficient heat transfer and reliability.

For more information, visit our official website or contact our experts today!