Table of contents

EN

Description ................................................................................................... 6
Components ............................................................................................ 6
Name Plate .............................................................................................. 8
Function ................................................................................................. 9
Multi-pass ............................................................................................... 10
Identification of plate side ............................................................................. 10

Installation ................................................................................................... 11
Before installation ...................................................................................... 11
Requirements ........................................................................................... 11
Lifting ..................................................................................................... 13
Raising ................................................................................................... 13

Operation .................................................................................................... 15
Start-up .................................................................................................. 15
Unit in operation ........................................................................................ 17
Shut-down ............................................................................................... 17

Maintenance ................................................................................................. 18
Cleaning – Non-product side ......................................................................... 18
Opening .................................................................................................. 20
Manual cleaning of opened units ..................................................................... 24
Closing ................................................................................................... 26
Pressure test after maintenance ..................................................................... 28
Regasketing ............................................................................................. 29

How to contact Alfa Laval

Contact details for all countries are
continually updated on our website.
Please visit www.alfalaval.com to access the information directly.

© Alfa Laval Corporate AB

This document and its contents is owned by Alfa Laval Corporate AB and protected by laws governing intellectual property and
thereto related rights. It is the responsibility of the user of this document to comply with all applicable intellectual property laws.
Without limiting any rights related to this document, no part of this document may be copied, reproduced or transmitted in any
form or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise), or for any purpose, without the expressed
permission of Alfa Laval Corporate AB. Alfa Laval Corporate AB will enforce its rights related to this document to the fullest
extent of the law, including the seeking of criminal prosecution.

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3490010217 EN 2012-09 Instruction Manual - Plate Heat Exchangers 3
 Preface

Preface
This manual provides information needed to install, operate Note!
and carry out maintenance of the Plate Heat Exchanger NOTE indicates a potentially hazardous situation
(PHE). that, if not avoided, may result in property damage.

Safety considerations
The Plate Heat Exchanger shall be used and maintained PHE drawings
in accordance with Alfa Laval’s instructions in this manual. PHE drawings mentioned in the manual is the drawings
Faulty handling of the Plate Heat Exchanger may result included in the delivery of the Plate Heat Exchanger.
in serious consequences with injuries on persons and/or
property damage. Alfa Laval will not accept responsibility Warranty conditions
for any damage or injury resulted from not following the The warranty conditions are usually included in the signed
instructions in this manual. sales contract prior to the order of the delivered PHE.
Alternatively the warranty conditions is included in the sales
The Plate Heat Exchanger shall be used in accordance offer documentation or with a reference to the document
with the specified configuration of material, media types, specifying the valid conditions. If faults occur during the
temperatures and pressure for the specific Plate Heat specified warranty period always consult your local Alfa
Exchanger. Laval Representative for advice.
The following models are covered in this manual: Report the date when the Plate Heat Exchanger has been
• M3 taken in operation to the local Alfa Laval Representative.
• M6
Advice
• M10
Always consult your local Alfa Laval Representative for
• TS6
• T2 advice on
• T5 • New plate pack dimensions if you intend to change
• TL3 number of plates
• TL6 • Selection of gasket material if operating temperatures
and pressures are permanently changed, or if another
Prior knowledge medium is to be processed in the PHE.
The PHE shall be operated by persons that have studied
the instructions in this manual and have knowledge of Storage of the PHE
the process. It also considers knowledge of precautions Alfa Laval delivers the PHE ready to be put in service upon
regarding media type, pressures, temperatures in the PHE arrival, if nothing else has been agreed. Although keep the
as well as specific precautions required of the process. PHE in the packing box until the installation.
Maintenance and installation of the PHE shall be done by Storage for longer periods of time, one month or longer,
persons that have knowledge and authorization according certain precautions should made to avoid unnecessary
to the local regulations. This may include actions such as damages on the PHE.
piping, welding and other kind of maintenance.
Note!
Maintenance actions not described in this manual please Alfa Laval and its representatives reserve the right
contact Alfa Laval representative for advice. to inspect the storage space and /or equipment
whenever necessary until expiry of the warranty
Definitions of expressions
period stipulated in the contract. Notification has to
Warning! be given 10 days prior to date of inspection.
Type of hazard
WARNING indicates a potentially hazardous
situation that, if not avoided, could result in death If any uncertainty appear about storage of the PHE consult
or serious injury. an Alfa Laval Representative.

Caution!
Type of hazard
CAUTION indicates a potentially hazardous
situation that, if not avoided, may result in minor
or moderate injury.

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Storage in packing box problem it is recommended to let the gasket rubber rest and
If storage after delivery of the PHE is known in advance, regain most of its elasticity.
inform Alfa Laval when ordering the PHE to ensure that it
1. If the PHE is not in position, follow the instructions
will be properly prepared for storage before packing.
“Installation” on page 11.
Indoor storage 2. Note the measurement between frame and pressure
• Store inside a room with the temperature between 15 plate (A dimension).
and 20°C (60 - 70°F) and humidity around 70%. For 3. Remove feet attached to the pressure plate.
outdoor storage read “Outdoor storage” on this page. 4. Loosen the tightening bolts. Follow the instructions
• To prevent damage to the gaskets, there should not be “Opening” on page 20. Open the PHE until the measure
any ozone-producing equipment in the room such as is 1.25A.
electric motors or welding equipment. 5. Leave the PHE between 24-48 hours, the longer the
• To prevent damage to the gaskets, do not store organic better, for gaskets to relax.
solvents or acids in the room and avoid direct sunlight, 6. Re-tighten according to the instructions “Closing” on
intensive heat radiation or ultraviolet radiation. page 26.
• The tightening bolts should be well covered with light 7. Alfa Laval recommends a hydraulic test to be carried out.
grease coating. The media, usually water, should be entered at intervals
to avoid sudden shocks to the PHE. It is recommended
Outdoor storage to test up to the Design Pressure, refer to PHE drawing.
If the PHE has to be stored outdoors, all the precautions
mentioned in the section “Indoor storage” on this page Environmental compliance
should be taken. Also, protection against climate is very Alfa Laval endeavours to perform its own operations
important. as cleanly and efficiently as possible, and to take
environmental aspects into consideration when developing,
The stored PHE shall be visually checked every third designing, manufacturing, servicing and marketing its
month. The check includes: products.
• Greasing of the tightening bolts Unpacking
• Metal port covers Packing material consists of wood, plastics, cardboard
• Protection of the plate pack and gaskets boxes and, in some cases, metal straps.
Taken out of service • Wood and cardboard boxes can be reused, recycled or
If, for any reason, the PHE is shut down and taken out of used for energy recovery.
service for a long period of time, follow the same advice • Plastics should be recycled or burnt at a licensed waste
as in the previous section ”Indoor storage” on this page. incineration plant.
Although before storage following actions has to be done. • Metal straps should be sent for material recycling.

• Check the measurement of the plate pack (measure Maintenance

between frame and pressure plate, A dimension). • All metal parts should be sent for material recycling.
• Drain both media sides of the PHE • Oil and all non-metal wear parts must be taken care of
• Depending on the media, the PHE should be rinsed in agreement with local regulations.
and then dried.
• The connection should be covered if the piping system Scrapping
is not connected. Use a plastic or plywood cover for At end of use, the equipment shall be recycled according
the connection. to relevant, local regulations. Besides the equipment itself,
• Cover the plate pack with non-transparent plastic film. any hazardous residues from the process liquid must be
considered and dealt with in a proper manner. When in
Installation after long-term storage doubt, or in absence of local regulations, please contact the
In cases when the PHE has been taken out of service for local Alfa Laval sales company.
an extensive period of time, i.e. longer than one year, the
risk of leakage when starting up increases. To avoid this

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3490010217 EN 2012-09 Instruction Manual - Plate Heat Exchangers 5
 Description

Description
Components
4 2

7
6

5
3

Main components

1 Frame plate Fixed plate with various number of port holes for connection of the piping system. The
carrying and guiding bar is attached to the frame plate.
2 Carrying bar Carries the plate pack and the pressure plate.
3 Plate pack Heat is transferred from one media to the other through the plates. The plate pack consists
of channel plates, end plates, gaskets and in some cases transition plates. The measure
of the plate pack is the A dimension, i.e the measurement between frame and pressure
plate. Refer to PHE drawing.
4 Pressure plate Moveable plate that can contain various number of port holes for connection of the piping
system.
5 Guiding bar Keeps the channel plates, connection plates and the pressure plate alligned at their lower
end.
6 Supporting column Supports carrying and guiding bars.
For some smaller PHE models no supporting column is used.
7 Tightening bolts Compress the plate pack between the frame and pressure plate.
There are usually four tightening bolts used, in some cases six, these are used to open
and close the PHE.
Remaining bolts are used as locking bolts.
8 Port holes Port holes through the frame plate allows the media to enter into or exit from the Plate
Heat Exchanger.
Different types of connections can be used to connect the piping system to the apparatus.
The port holes may be protected against corrosion by metal or rubber linings.

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Connections

Pipe connections The Plate Heat Exchanger can be equipped with of fixed pipe connection for different
types of attachments such as pipes for welding, threaded pipes or grooved pipes.

Stud bolts Threaded stud bolts around the port holes secure the flange connections to the apparatus.
Squared loose flange The Squared loose flange is a special flange supplied by Alfa Laval to be used with the
customers piping and is attached with four stud bolts.

Optional components

Foot Gives stability and is used to secure the PHE with bolts to the foundation.
Feet is an optional feature.
Protection sheets Cover the plate pack and protect against leakage hot or aggressive fluids and the hot
plate pack.

Bolt protection Plastic tubes that protects the threads of the tightening bolts.
Insulation For application where the PHE surface will be hot or cold insulation can be used.
Earthing lug An earthing connection is used to eliminate the risk of static electricity building up in the
equipment.
Nozzle cover Protection to avoid particles to enter into the PHE during transportation.
Drip tray Depending on the type of fluid in the PHE and the type of installation, a drip tray (drainage
box) may be necessary to avoid injury to personnel and damage to equipment.

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 Description

Name Plate
On the name plate the type of unit, manufacturing number and manufacturing year can be
found. Pressure vessel details in accordance with the applicable pressure vessel code are also
given. The name plate is fixed to the frame plate, most common, or the pressure plate. The
nameplate can be a steel plate or a sticker label.

Warning!
For each unit, the mechanical design pressures and temperatures are marked on the
name plate. These must not be exceeded.

Caution!
Avoid aggressive chemicals for cleaning the PHE when sticker label is used.

The mechanical design pressure and the design temperature as given on the name plate are
the values to which the plate heat exchanger is approved to the pressure vessel code in
question. The mechanical design temperature may exceed the operating temperature for which
the gaskets have been selected to reach a its lifetime. If the operating temperatures as specified
on the assembly drawing are to be exceeded the supplier should be consulted.
1. Space for logotype.
2. Open space.
3. Web site for service.
4. Drawing of possible locations of connections. For 3A units location of 3A tag.
5. Space for mark of approval.
6. Warning, read manual.
7. Date of pressure test.
8. Maximum operating temperatures.
9. Test pressure.
10. Max permissible operating temperatures.
11. Max permissible operating pressures.
12. Decisive volume or volume for each fluid.
13. Locations of connections for each fluid.
14. Decisive fluid group.
15. Year of manufacture.
16. Serial number.
17. Type.
18. Manufacturer’s name.

1
18 Ma n u fa c tu re r 1
17 Typ e
16 S e ria l No .
15 MANUFACTURER:
Ye a r
14 Flu id g ro u p
18
YEAR OF MANUFACTURING:
13 In le t Ou tle t TYPE: SERIAL NO: 15
12 Vo lu m e V
11 De s ig n p re s s . P S 17 16
10 INLET → OUTLET → →
9
De s ig n te m p . TS
FLUID GROUP 13
8 Te s t p re s s . PT
VOLUME V: 14
Ma x. o p . te m p . 12
7 MAX. OP. TEMP.
Te s t p re s s u re d a te
DES. PRESS. PS: 8
2 DES. TEMP. TS: 11
3
TEST PRESS. PT: 10
S e rvic e PRESSURE TESTED 9
7
FOR SERVICE: 3
WARNIN
G

6 4

5
4

6
5
Figure 1. Metallic name plate on the left and label name plate on the right.

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 Description
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Function
The Plate Heat Exchanger (PHE) consists of a pack of corrugated metal plates with port holes
for input and output for the two separate fluids. The heat transfer between the two fluids will take
place through the plates.

The plate pack is assembled between a frame plate and a pressure plate and compressed by
tightening bolts. The plates are fitted with a gasket which seals the channel and directs the
fluids into alternate channels. The plate corrugation promotes fluid turbulence and supports the
plates against differential pressure.

Figure 2. Principle of Plate pack arrangement.

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 Description

Multi-pass
Multi-pass can be created by using turning plates, with 1, 2 or 3 unholed ports. The main
purpose is to change the flow direction of one or both fluids.

For some units partition plate is required to support the unholed ports in the turning plates. Also
transition plate need to be added in the package to prevent media to get in contact with the
partition or pressure plate.

Example of use for multi-pass can be in processes that requires longer heating periods if the
media requires a slower heating.

Trans ition plate

Channel plates

Channel plates
Turning P late

End P late I
End P late II

Co ld o u t Co ld in
Ho t in Ho t o u t

Figure 3. Example of multi-pass set up.

Identification of plate side

The A side of the plate is identified by the stamp with the letter A or the model name, in some
cases both, at the top of the plate (refer to figure).

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 Installation
EN

Installation
Before installation
To consider before installation
• Before connecting any piping, make sure all foreign objects have been flushed out of the
piping system that should be connected to the PHE.
• Before start-up check that all tightening bolts are firmly tightened and that the correct
measurements of the plate pack, refer to PHE drawing.
• When connecting the piping system make sure the pipes do not subject the PHE to stress
or strain.
• To avoid water hammer, do not use fast-closing valves.
• Make sure that no air remains within the PHE.
• Safety valves shall be installed according to current pressure vessel regulations.
• It is recommended that protective sheets are used to cover the plate pack. Protect against
leakage of hot or aggressive fluids and the hot plate pack
• If the PHE surface temperature is expected to be hot or cold take protective actions, such
as insulate the PHE, to avoid risk for personnel injuries. Ensure that required action are
according to local regulation.
• For each model, design pressures and temperatures are marked on the identification plate.
These shall not be exceeded.

Requirements
B

0000000

0000000
00

00

00 0

00 0000 0

00
00000 0000

00000 0000

Space
A minimum free space is needed for lifting plates in and out. Refer to the delivered PHE drawing.

Foundation
Install on a flat foundation giving enough support to the frame.

Elbow
To make it easier to disconnect the PHE, an elbow should be fitted to the connection in the
pressure plate, directed upwards or sideways, and with another flange located just outside the
contour of the Plate Heat Exchanger.

Shut-off valve
To be able to open the PHE, shut-off valves should be provided in all connections.

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 Installation

Connection
Different types of connections can be used to connect the piping system to the apparatus.

Flanged connections can be attached with either pin bolts or headed bolts.

Make sure the pipe connections are securely held when working on the pipings.

Caution!
Turning of the connections will damage the gaskets on the end plate and cause leakage.

Note!
Using headed bolts require careful measuring to ensure that the bolts get the correct
engaged threaded length into the Frame plate and the minimum engagement length
(min) are stated in the PHE drawing. The maximum engagement threaded length (max)
in the Frame plate is limited, refer to the PHE drawing.
The engaged threaded length must be maintained within the limits for the tightened PHE.
max

min

Caution!
Failing to achieve correct engaged threaded length for headed bolt may result in
leakage, damage to the frame plate and injury to personnel

Connections in the pressure plate

It is important that the plate pack has been tightened to the correct dimension A (check against
PHE drawing) before the piping system is connected.

Drip tray (Optional)

Depending on the type of fluid in the PHE and the type of installation, a drip tray (drainage box)
may be necessary to avoid injury to personnel and damage to equipment.

Note!
Put the drip tray in place before positioning the PHE.

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Lifting
Straps should be used when lifting the PHE. Place straps according to the picture.

Warning!
Never lift by the connections or the studs around them.

Lifting TS-6

Raising
This instruction is valid when raising the PHE after delivery from Alfa Laval. Only use a strap
approved for the weight of the PHE. Follow the principle of the instruction below.

Caution!
The straps shall be long enough to be able to rotate the PHE without obstructions.
Especially consider the space for the support column.

Step 1
Place two timber beams on the floor.

Step 2
Lift the PHE off the pallet using e.g. straps

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Step 3
Place the PHE on the timber beams.

Step 4
Place straps around one bolt on each side.

Step 5
Lift the PHE off the timber beams.

Step 6
Lower the PHE into a horizontal position and place it on the floor.

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Operation
Start-up
During start-up check that no visible leakages appear from plate pack, valves or piping system.

Caution!
Before pressurizing the PHE it is important to ensure that the temperature of the PHE is
within the temperature range stated in the PHE drawing.

Caution!
If the temperature of the PHE is below the minimum temperature for the gaskets prior to
the service it is recommended to heat up the PHE above this limit to avoid cold leakage.

Note!
If several pumps are included in the system, make sure you know which one should
be activated first.

Centrifugal pumps must be started against closed valves and valves must be operated as
smoothly as possible.

Do not run pumps temporarily empty on the suction side.

Note!
Adjustments of flow rates should be made slowly in order to avoid the risk of pressure
surge (water hammer).
Water hammer is a short lasting pressure peak that can appear during start-up or
shut-down of a system, causing liquids to travel along a pipe as a wave at the speed of
sound. This can cause considerable damage to the equipment.

Step 1 A

Before start-up check that all tightening bolts are firmly tightened
and that the dimension A is correct, refer to PHE drawing

Step 2
Check that the valve is closed between the pump and the unit
controlling the system flow rate to avoid pressure surge.

Step 3
If there is a vent valve installed at the exit, make sure it is fully
open.

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 Operation

Step 4
Increase the flow rate slowly.

Step 5 A
Open the air vent and start the pump.

Step 6
Open the valve slowly.

Note!
Avoid rapid temperature changes in the PHE. With
media temperatures over 100 °C, slowly increase the
temperature preferably at least for one hour.

Step 7
When all air is expelled, close the air vent.

Step 8
Repeat Step 1 – Step 7 for the second media.

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Unit in operation
Adjustments of flow rates should be made slowly in order to protect the system against sudden
and extreme variations of temperature and pressure.

During operation, check that media temperatures and pressures are within the limits stated
on the PHE-drawing and identification plate.

Shut-down
Note!
If several pumps are included in the system, make sure you know which one should be
stopped first.

Step 1
Slowly close the valve controlling the flow rate of the pump you
are about to stop.

Step 2
When the valve is closed, stop the pump.

Step 3
Repeat Step 1–Step 2 for the other side for the second media.

Step 4
If the PHE is shut down for several days or longer, it should
be drained. Draining should also be done if the process is
shut down and the ambient temperature is below freezing
temperature of the media. Depending on the media processed,
it is also recommended to rinse and dry the PHE plates and
connections.

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 Maintenance

Maintenance
To keep the PHE in good condition regular maintenance of the component is required. It is
recommended to record maintenance of the PHE.

The plates needs to be cleaned on a regular basis. The frequency depends on several of
factors such as type of media and temperatures.

Different methods can be used to perform cleaning. Refer to “Cleaning – Non-product side” on
page 18 or a reconditioning at an Alfa Laval service center.

After a longer time of use it can be required to regasketing the PHE by exchanging the gaskets.
Refer to “Regasketing” on page 29.

Other maintenance that should be performed regulary:

• Keep carrying bar and guiding bar clean and grease.
• Keep the tightening bolts cleaned and greased.

Cleaning – Non-product side

The Cleaning-In-Place (CIP) equipment permits cleaning of the PHE without opening it. The
purpose of cleaning with CIP are as follows:
• Cleaning of fouling and descaling of lime deposits
• Passivation of cleaned surfaces to reduce susceptibility to corrosion
• Neutralization of cleaning liquids before draining.

Follow the instructions of the CIP equipment.

Warning!
Use proper protective equipment, such as safety boots, safety gloves and eye
protection, when using the cleaning agents.

Warning!
Corrosive cleaning liquids. Can cause serious injuries to skin and eye!

CIP equipment
Contact Alfa Laval sales representative for size of CIP equipment.

Caution!
The residuals after a cleaning procedure shall be handled according to the local
envionmental regulations. After neutralization most cleaning solutions may be drained
to the waste water system under the condition that the fouling deposits do not contain
heavy metals, other toxic or environmentally dangerous compounds. It is recommended
the neutralized chemicals to be analysed for any type of hazardous compounds that
were removed from the system prior to disposal.

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Cleaning liquids

Liquids Description
AlfaCaus A strong alkaline liquid, for removing paint, fat, oil and
biological deposits.
AlfaPhos An acid cleaning liquid for removing metallic oxides, rust, lime
and other inorganic scale. Contains repassivation inhibitor
AlfaNeutra A strong alkaline liquid for neutralization of AlfaPhos before
drainage.
Alfa P-Neutra For neutralization of AlfaP-Scale.
Alfa P-Scale An acidic powder cleaner for removal of primary carbonate
scale but also other inorganic scale.
AlfaDescalent A non-hazardous acidic cleaning agent for removal of
inorganic scale.
AlfaDegreaser A non-hazardous cleaning agent for removal of oil, grease
or wax deposits. Additionally prevent foaming when using
Alpacon Descaler.
AlfaAdd AlfaAdd is a neutral cleaning strengthener designed to be
used with AlfaPhos, AlfaCaus and Alfa P-Scale. 0.5–1 vol%
is added to the total diluted cleaning solution to provide
better cleaning results on oily and fatty surfaces and where
biological growth occurs. AlfaAdd also reduces any foaming.

If CIP cannot be done, cleaning must be done manually.

Refer to Manual cleaning of opened units on page 24.

Chlorine as a growth inhibitor

Chlorine, commonly used as growth inhibitor in cooling water systems, reduces the corrosion
resistance of stainless steels (including high alloys like Alloy 254 SMO).

Chlorine weakens the protection layer of these steels making them more susceptible to corrosion
attacks then they otherwise should be. It is a matter of time of exposure and concentration.

In every case where chlorination of non-titanium equipment cannot be avoided, your local
representative must be consulted.

Water of more than 300 ppm Cl ions may not be used for preparation of cleaning solutions.

Caution!
Ensure that the handling of residuals after using chlorines follow the local envionmental
regulations.

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 Maintenance

Opening
To perform manual cleaning it is required to open the PHE to clean the plates.

Note!
Before opening the PHE check the warranty conditions. If in any doubt, contact an Alfa
Laval sales representative. Refer to “Warranty conditions” on page 4 .

Warning!
If the Plate Heat Exchanger is hot, wait until it has cooled down to about 40°C (104°F).

Warning!
If necessary, use proper protective equipment, such as safety boots, safety gloves and
eye protection, depending on type of media in the PHE.

Bolt configuration
The bolt configuration of the PHE varies between different models. The major force of the
plate package is hold by the tightening bolts (TB). To distibute the force evenly over the Frame
and Pressure plate locking bolts (LB) are used as well. The locking bolts can be shorter and
have smaller dimensions. In the opening and closing procedure it is important to identify the
tightening bolts (TB) and the locking bolts (LB). Refer to picture below.
LB

TB TB

LB LB

TB TB

LB

Step 1
Shut down the PHE.

Step 2
Close the valves and isolate the PHE from the rest of the system.

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Step 3
Drain the PHE.

Step 4
Remove the protective sheets, if any.

Step 5
Dismantle pipes from the pressure plate so that the pressure
plate are free to move along the carrying bar.

Step 6
Inspect the sliding surfaces of the carrying bar and wipe clean
and grease.

Step 7
Mark the plate assembly on the outside with a diagonal line.

Step 8 A

Measure and note the dimension A.

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Step 9
Loosen and remove the locking bolts, identify according to on
page the bolt configuration prior to this step instruction.

Note!
Brush the threads of the tightening bolts with a steel wire
brush and then grease before loosening them.

Step 10 A

Use the tightening bolts to open the PHE. During the opening
procedure keep the frame plate and pressure plate always in 3

parallel. Skewing of the pressure plate during opening must not 1

exceed 10 mm (2 turns per bolt) across the width and 25 mm (5

turns per bolt) vertically
2
Loosen the tightening bolts evenly in the numbered order, 4
1-2-3-4. Continue alternately until all reaction forces of the plate
package has disappeared. Then remove the bolts.

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Step 11
Open the plate pack by letting the pressure plate glide on the
carrying bar. Usually it is not necessary to remove the plates
to clean them.

Caution!
To avoid hand injuries from sharp edges, protective
gloves should always be worn when handling plates and
protective sheets.

Caution!
When opening the plate pack of the models M3, T2 and
TL3, be careful when moving the pressure plate. Make
sure the pressure plate is positioned safely from the end
of the carrying bar.
A starlock ring (spare part no. 33500045-45) can be
attached to the end of the carrying bar to make sure the
pressure plate will not pass the end of the carrying bar.

If plates are to be numbered, do this before removing the plates.

Plates need not to be removed if cleaning is done using only
water, i.e. without cleaning agent.

Warning!
The plate pack may still contain a small residual amount
of liquid after draining. Depending on the type of
product and type of installation, special arrangements,
e.g. drainage box, may be necessary to avoid injury to
personnel and damage to equipment.

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Manual cleaning of opened units

Caution!
Never use hydrochloric acid with stainless steel plates. Water of more than 330 ppm Cl
may not be used for the preparation of cleaning solutions.
It is very important that carrying bars and support columns in aluminium are protected
against chemicals.

Note!
Be careful not to damage the gasket during manual cleaning.

Warning!
Use proper protective equipment, such as safety boots, safety gloves and eye
protection, when using the cleaning agents.

Warning!
Corrosive cleaning liquids can cause serious injuries to skin and eyes!

Deposits removable with water and brush

Plates do not need to be removed from the PHE during cleaning.

Step 1
Start cleaning when the heating surface is still wet and the plates
are hanging in the frame.

Step 2
Remove deposits using a soft brush and running water.

Step 3
Rinse with water using a high pressure hose.

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Deposits not removable with water and brush

Plates must be removed from the PHE during cleaning. For a choice of cleaning agents, refer
to “Cleaning liquids” on page 19.

Step 1
Brush with cleaning agent.

Step 2
Rinse immediately with water.

Note!
Long exposure to the cleaning agents can damage the
gasket glue.

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Closing
Follow the instructions below to ensure that the PHE will be properly closed.

For identifying bolt refer to Bolt configuration on page 20

Step 1
Check that all the sealing surfaces are clean.

Step 2
Brush the threads of the bolts clean, using a steel wire brush or
the Alfa Laval thread cleaner. Lubricate the threads with a thin
layer of grease, e.g. Gleitmo 800 or equivalent.

Step 3
Attach gasket to the plates or check that all the gaskets are
properly attached.

Note!
If the gasket is wrongly positioned, it will show by the
fact that it rises out of the gasket groove or that it is
positioned outside the groove.

Step 4
If the plates have been removed insert the them in alternate
directions and with the gaskets turned towards the frame plate
or pressure plate as specified on the plate hanging list. Use the
marked line that was done when the PHE was opened, refer to
Step 7 in “Opening” on page 20.

Step 5
If the plate pack has been marked on the outside, check this
Step 7 in “” on page 20.
If the plates are correctly assembled (A/B/A/B etc.), the edges
form a “honeycomb” pattern, see picture.

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Step 6
A
Press the plate package together. Position the tightening bolts
according to the figure.
3
1
Note!
For TL6-B: Position tightening bolts 1 and 2 (alternatively
3 and 4). Tighten the tightening bolts until the reaction
2
force of the plate package can be noticed. Make sure 4
that the frame and pressure plate are in parallel during
the closing procedure (within maximum 10 mm).
Position remaining bolts and tighten them to the same
dimension. A

Tighten the tightening bolts (1-2-3-4) until the reaction force of

the plate package can be noticed. Make sure that the frame and
pressure plate are in parallel during the closing procedure.

Step 7 A

Tightening the tightening bolts evenly in the numbered order,

1-2-3-4. Continue alternately until dimension A has been 3

reached. 1

6
Note! 5
For TL6-B: Continue to tighten 10 mm or less with bolt 5 2
4
and 6. Then tightening remaining bolts with same length.
Repeat those step until the dimension A is achieved.

A
When a pneumatic tightening device is used, see table below for
maximum torque. Measure dimension A during tightening.

Bolt size Bolt with washer

Nm kpm
M10 32 3.2
M16 135 13.5
M20 265 26.5
M24 450 45
M30 900 90
For manual tightening, the tightening torque has to be estimated.
If dimension A cannot be reached
• Check the number of plates and the dimension A.
• Check that all the nuts and bearing boxes are running freely.
If not, clean and lubricate, or replace.

Step 8
Position the locking bolts. Tightening the bolts and check
measurement A on both sides, at top and bottom

Note!
Not valid for TL6-B.

Step 9
Mount protection sheets (if provided).

Step 10
Connect pipes.

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Step 11
If the PHE does not seal when the measure A has been reached,
it can be tightened further to A minus 0.5 %.

Note!
For TL6-B: When using frame ASME standard!
PHE units with pressure vessel code ASME are
equipped with top and bottom bolts. Tighten those
bolts after the procedure above has been finished
or slightly before the dimension A is reached.

Pressure test after maintenance

Before start-up of production, whenever plates or gaskets have been removed, inserted or
exchanged, it is strongly recommended to perform a pressure test to confirm the internal and
external sealing function of the PHE. At this test, one media side at a time must be tested with
the other side open to the ambient pressure.

Caution!
The pressure testing shall be performed at a pressure equal to the operating pressure
of the actual unit but never above the design pressure as stated on the nameplate.

The recommended test time is 10 minutes for each media.

Please consult the local Alfa Laval representative of the supplier for advice on the pressure
testing procedure.

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Regasketing
The procedures below regards Field gaskets, Ring gaskets and End gaskets

Note!
Before removing the old gaskets check how it is attached.

Clip-on

Step 1
Open the PHE, refer to on page and remove the plate that is
to have a new gasket.

Note!
Before opening the PHE check the warranty
conditions. If in any doubt, contact an Alfa Laval sales
representative. Refer to “Warranty conditions” on page
4.

Step 2
Remove the old gasket.

Step 3
Assure that all sealing surfaces are dry, clean and free of foreign
matter such as fat, grease or similar.

Step 4
Check the gasket and remove rubber residual before attaching it.

Note!
Especially the end plate gasket!!

Step 5
Attach the clip-on gasket to the plate. Slip the gasket tabs under
the edge of the plate.

Note!
Make sure the two gasket prongs are in correct position.

Step 6
Repeat the procedure until all plates that is needed to be
regasketed is done. Close the PHE according to Closing on
page 26.

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Glued gaskets
Use glue recommended by Alfa Laval. Separate gluing instructions will be delivered together with the glue.

Caution!
Other glues than those recommended can contain chlorides that can damage the plates.

Warning!
Do not use sharp tools when removing the glued gasket to avoid damage to the plates.

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