FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Below are the list of questions
that we often receive from our customers.

Q1 Heat exchangers in operation

The heat exchanger is not performing as it intended
The specified flow rate does not flow to the heat exchanger.
The concentration and composition of the fluid became impure (two fluids are mixed).
Fluid leaks out between the S. frame and D plate.
Fluid leaks from the plate side to the outside.
What emergency measures should be taken when fluid leaks to the outside?
How can we check if the two fluids have mixed?
How can we improve the performance of the heat exchanger?

Q2 Structure

Explain the model designations for heat exchangers.

Model designations indicate the plate model, frame model, and number of plates, in that order.

What are the names of the components?

Each heat transfer plate has a plate gasket, and the required number of plates is suspended from the guide bars. They are then sandwiched between two thick steel plate frames and fixed with tightening bolts and nuts, compressing the plate gaskets.

How do we read the element configuration diagram?

The element configuration diagram is a two-dimensional representation of equipment usage conditions, design specifications, and plate arrangement (assembly order).

What is the shape of heat transfer plates?

Conventional models include the herringbone type RX, LX, UX, and SX, the corrugated type EX (which is resistant to dirt and sludge), GX for slurries, YX for condensers, semi-welded WX, and FX for food products.

What is a mixed arrangement?

For herringbone pattern heat transfer plates, even if the heat transfer plates have the same outer shape, the heat transfer characteristics can be changed by changing the angle of the waves on the heat transfer surface.
It is possible to create moderate characteristics by combining two or more types of heat transfer plates of the same size but with different angles.

What are A plates and B plates?

Heat transfer plates are made up of an A plate and a B plate.
The A plate and B plate are arranged alternately.
When an A plate is turned upside down it becomes a B plate, and when a B plate is turned upside down it becomes an A plate.

Designations of A and B Plates

Designations of A and B Plates
A Plate B Plate Plate gasket
orientation
Herringbone plate
heat transfer surface
Corrugated plate
heat transfer surface
The comb pattern
is on the right side.
The comb pattern
is on the left side.
Designations of A and B Plates
What are D plates and E plates?

The first heat transfer plate on the S. frame side called the D plate, and the last heat transfer plate on the E. frame side called E plate.
You can also see them on the element configuration diagram.
All of the portholes on the surface of the D plate are sealed to prevent the flow of fluid.

Explain the structure of the nozzle.

Those with N before a frame model are rubber boots, with KN are metal boots, and with TN are tube flanges.
The type of nozzle is selected according to the fluid used and temperature conditions.

Explain the model indications for frames.

Frames for a small number of plates are indicated by NJ, and those for a large number of plates are indicated by NP.
There are also H, S, U (NHP, TNUJ, etc.) which indicate pressure resistance of the equipment.
In addition, R is used to indicate steam heating, and M is used to indicate marine frames.

Where do we look for model/serial numbers?

The model and 6-digit serial number are shown on the nameplate attached to the main unit.
You can check the model number and serial number from the cover of your drawing, element configuration drawing or assembly drawing.

Designations of A and B Plates
What is multi-pass?

Normally, a fluid flows through the heat transfer plates in a heat exchanger only one time (single-pass). However, by arranging the hole opening specifications of the heat transfer plates the fluid can be made to flow through the heat transfer plates two or more times, for even greater heat exchange.
Such plate arrangements are called multi-pass.

Notes on multi-pass designs
- If the plate arrangement is incorrect, the operation and performance of the heat exchanger will be significantly affected.
- When increase/decrease the number of plates, which is an advantage of plate heat exchangers, it might necessary to change the piping when the position of the E. frame is changed.
- If the actual piping is not as planned in the drawing, the performance as designed might not be obtained.

What is the surface finish of the frame?

CS frames are painted.
(HISAKA standard finish color: Munsell # 5BG3/6). SUS frames have a hairline finish.

Q3 Loading and packing style

How the main unit and plates are packaged when they delivered?

These items are packaged as shown below.

How are the standard accessories packaged?

The standard accessories are packed in a cardboard box and included with the main unit.

How are the optional end tubes, thermometers, and pressure gauges packaged?

End tubes are installed on the main unit. Other optional parts are packed with the standard accessories.

How do you unload the packages? Where are the hoist points?

Please check the installation and connection manuals for more information.

What is the recommended packing style for sending heat exchangers and plates to HISAKA for Full Service Package?

Package the product so that the heat transfer plates are not deformed.
Shipping boxes are available from HISAKA.

We plan to ship the product overseas. Will it be subject to Export Trade Control Ordinance?

Please go through this page

Q4 Maintenance and inspection

How do you clean heat transfer plates?

To ensure that your product can be used for long time, maintenance and inspection should be performed on a regular basis.
The maintenance and inspection cycle varies depending on usage conditions. In general, for new installations, perform maintenance and inspection once a year.
Based on the results, set an appropriate maintenance/inspection interval.
Note that it might not be possible to remove dirt by only washing with water.
We recommend chemical cleaning with Full Service Package and performed at a HISAKA plant.

Is there a special adhesive that bonds the plate gaskets to the heat transfer plates?

S-1 adhesive is used for conventional models, and a special silicone adhesive is used for silicone rubber, and a special double-sided tape is used for TCG.
If slit-in gaskets are used on the heat transfer plates, adhesive is not required on the surfaces of the intermediate plates or E plate.

What is slit-in gaskets (that require no adhesive)?

There are notches (slits) along the periphery of the plates. By inserting the protrusions on the plate gaskets into these slits, the gaskets can be attached to the heat transfer plates without using adhesive.
(Adhesive is used on D gaskets and distance piece gaskets.)
Note that slit-in gaskets cannot be used with some heat transfer plates.

How can we identify the material that a gasket is made of?

Stencil symbols and colors are used to identify the materials that plate gaskets are made of.
Refer to the gasket material identification table for further information.

How many gaskets are required for a heat exchanger (for single-pass)?

The number of intermediate plate gaskets that is required is (total number of plates - 1). In addition, one set each of the following is required: D gasket and distance piece gasket to stick to the D plate, E gasket to stick to the surface of E plate (although these might not be required for some models).

How many gaskets are required for one heat exchanger (for multi-pass and with barrier plates)?

In addition to the number required for a single-pass heat exchanger, the following gaskets are also required: D gaskets and E gaskets that contact movable frames and barrier plates, and a number of E nozzle gaskets equal to the number of nozzle portholes.

What do you mean by sticking gaskets accordingly?

If expensive gaskets, such as fluororubber and fluororesin cushion gaskets, are used for processing, inexpensive synthetic rubber such as NBR or EPDM are used on the utility side.
In this case, the plate gaskets must be cut and stuck accordingly.

How can we identify the material that a heat transfer plate is made of?

When the equipment is delivered, the heat transfer plates are marked with a lot number that identifies the material.
Make a note of the lot number and contact HISAKA for details.
Be aware not to cut your fingers on the end surfaces of the heat transfer plates. Ensure to wear cut resistant gloves when handling the plates.

What does "A-" and "L-" on the gasket material indication mean?

Various symbols such as A-, AG-, G-, L-, and LR- appear in front of the material indication. These identification symbols are unique to HISAKA, and indicate gasket shape and other properties. They do not indicate material.
In particular, A- indicates a slit-in gasket.

How to tighten the plate pack between the frames

The tightness of plates in a plate heat exchanger is managed according to the dimensions between the S. frame and E. frame.
It is not necessary to manage the torque.
The tightening dimensions are indicated on the nameplate and the assembly drawing.

We do not have any adhesive (S-1). Where can we buy it?

Kindly contact HISAKA for more information.

What are the guidelines for adhesive drying time that applied to plates?

Place a weight on the plate and let it sit for at least 15 minutes.

Q5 Installation and piping

Do you provide necessary equipment to install a heat exchanger?

HISAKA provides the heat exchanger unit that is best fit for customer’s situation and conditions.

Should we prepare piping gaskets?

If the nozzle on the heat exchanger uses a metal boot (TN, KN), please prepare a piping gasket.
If it uses a rubber boot (N nozzle), a piping gasket is not required.

Is space required around the heat exchanger?

It is necessary to perform maintenance on plate heat exchangers.
Sufficient maintenance space is required to disassemble the equipment and to remove/install the heat transfer plates.

We made a mistake in the piping. Is it OK to deviate from the plans?

The gasket material and plate arrangement might be different for the B side and the A side. If so, the equipment might not operate correctly.
Kindly contact HISAKA for assistance.

Kindly provide a thermometer and a pressure gauge as well.

We can provide these instruments.
We can also provide short piping for attaching these instruments.

Can the equipment be installed horizontally?

Some models can be installed horizontally, but in general they should be used in the orientation shown in the assembly drawing.

Q6 How to use heat exchangers

What kinds of fluids can be used?

- A variety of fluids are compatible
- Fluids that contain solids are also supported.

- Vapor condensation is possible.

- Dangerous fluids can also be handled provided it is paired with utility.

We want to use seawater. What should we do about the foreign matter in seawater?

Remove foreign matter at a previous step, so that it does not enter the heat exchanger.
Feel free to contact HISAKA for assistance.
(Services provided by HISAKA: Torunende, inner strainer)
We also recommend disassembling the machine to perform cleaning on a regular basis.

We handle dangerous fluids, and want to avoid contaminating the environment.

We can provide parts that will cover the top and sides of the heat transfer plates.

Feel free to contact HISAKA if you have any questions or inquiries.
Click here for the Inquiry