‌Printed Circuit Heat Exchanger

Printed Circuit Heat Exchanger (PCHE) is a highly compact and efficient heat exchanger designed for extreme operating conditions. PCHEs excel in high-pressure, high-temperature applications (up to 900°C and 1,000 bar) where traditional exchangers fail, such as LNG liquefaction, nuclear reactors, supercritical CO₂ power cycles, and aerospace systems. Their microchannel design maximizes heat transfer efficiency by offering a large surface-area-to-volume ratio, while the diffusion-bonded construction ensures exceptional mechanical strength and corrosion resistance. Key advantages include compact size, durability, and precise thermal performance, making them ideal for energy-intensive industries prioritizing space and reliability.

PCHE is constructed from thin metal plates, typically made of stainless steel or nickel alloys, which undergo a precise chemical etching process to create intricate microchannel patterns on their surfaces‌. These microchannels are meticulously designed to optimize fluid flow and heat transfer efficiency. The etched plates are then stacked in a specific configuration and subjected to a diffusion bonding process under high pressure and temperature, resulting in a robust, monolithic structure that ensures superior thermal performance and leak-proof integrity‌.
One of the key advantages of PCHE technology lies in its exceptional design flexibility. The corrugation profiles of the plates can be custom-engineered to meet specific process requirements. This adaptability allows PCHEs to accommodate varying flow rates, pressure drops, and thermal loads, making them suitable for a wide range of operating conditions‌.