Alfa Laval Frontline Gasketed Plate-and-Frame Heat Exchanger

Alfa Laval FrontLine is our premium series of plate heat exchangers, developed to fulfill the most demanding hygiene control, gentle product treatment, longer operating time, and exceptional cleanability standards. FrontLine plate heat exchangers are the best solution for heat-sensitive media and are ideal for applications that demand strict hygiene, such as dairy, food, and drinks. The design’s versatility allows for easy reconstruction.

Alfa Laval’s FrontLine range of plate heat exchangers uses glue-free gaskets made from FDA-compliant materials with a long service life. The frame is adaptable and can be used for multiple-section applications, such as pasteurization. It’s also easy to disassemble for inspection, cleaning, and maintenance. The interchangeable corners of the connection plate and the ease with which heat transfer plates can be added or removed allow for quick and easy modification of process conditions.

Channels are constructed between the plates and the corner ports are configured so that the two media flow through alternate channels. Heat is transported through the plate between the channels, where the counter-current flow contributes to the maximum potential efficiency. The corrugation on the plates allows for passage between them, supports one plate against the next one, and increases turbulence, resulting in effective heat transfer. Our thermal design professionals will assist you in designing and selecting the model and configuration that best meets your application’s requirements while providing optimal thermal performance and minimizing pressure drop.

Application

The Alfa Laval FrontLine Series is designed to meet the highest demands on hygienic control. It features flexible design that allows for easy handling and modification. The plate pattern and the pressing depth are designed for gentle, uniform heat transfer for sensitive dairy, food, and beverage products. The glue-free gaskets are made with FDA-compliant materials that are easy to maintain and have a long service life. The frame is available for multi-section applications and is easy to disassemble for inspection, cleaning, and service. The connection plate corners are interchangeable and the heat transfer plates can easily be added or removed, for easy modification as your needs change.

Among the main applications for FrontLine are dairy pasteurization, yogurt cooling, UHT treatment, and other heat-sensitive products. FrontLine frames can be supplied in stainless steel and silver-coated versions, and the CIP plates are available in alternative materials for challenging food-processing tasks. The series can handle the general cooling/heating requirements of the food, dairy, brewery, beverage, and pharmaceutical industries.

Materials

Frame	Solid, cladded stainless steel, surface coated
Pressure Plate	Solid, cladded stainless steel, surface coated
Wetted Parts	Acid-proof stainless steel
Movable Nuts	Chromium-plated brass
Other Surfaces	Various grades of stainless steel
Plate Types	Front 6, Front 8, Front 10, Front 15, Widestream, Gemini
Plate Materials	316 stainless steel, titanium, SMO
Gasket	Nitrile-FDA, EPDM, EPDM-FDA (glue-free, clip-on gaskets)

Working Principle

A plate heat exchanger consists of a pack of corrugated metal plates with port holes for the passage of two fluids between which heat transfer will take place. The plate pack is assembled between a fixed frame plate and a movable pressure plate and compressed by tightening bolts. The plates are fitted with a gasket that seals the inter-plate channel and directs the fluids into alternate channels. The number of plates is determined by the flow rate, physical properties of the fluids, and the temperature program. Connections may be located in frame plate and pressure plate.

Standard Design

Frame

The plates and the pressure plate are suspended from an upper carrying bar and positioned with a lower guiding bar, both of which are fixed to the support column. The tightening bolts are equipped with ball bearing washers in order to facilitate opening and closing of the unit. The frame and support column have adjustable feet. One unit may contain several heat exchangers, separated by connection plates with interchangeable connections.

Front Plate

The front plates are designed to meet the highest requirements in food processing. The combination of high pressing depth and a pattern with relatively few contact points provides longer operation time without interruptions. The distribution pattern assures an even flow over the entire plate. The port diameters enable cleaning in place (CIP) with the same flow used in the process itself.

Plate Pack

The chevron corrugation of the plates provides a passage between the plates, and supports each plate against the adjacent one. It also enhances the turbulence, resulting in efficient heat transfer. Different chevron angles are available to reach the optimal high heat transfer at a given pressure drop. A unique distribution area provides an efficient flow over the plate surface. The Alfa Laval hanging system enables easy handling of the plates in the frame. In addition, the corner guiding provides for a strong plate pack. The plates are reversible and have parallel flow, which means that only one type of gasket is needed.

Alfa Laval Frontline Gasketed Plate-and-Frame Heat Exchanger

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Plate Pack

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