R&D News

Vahterus’ experience in refrigeration and heat-pump systems is far-reaching. However, the demand for heat pumps has increased dramatically in recent years and more research and development is needed within the field. There is a need for higher temperatures, and new refrigerants are being introduced into improved systems.

Heat pumps offer energy efficient cooling and heating, but their environmental impact is more complex. The sustainability of a heat pump cannot be defined without taking into account the refrigerant used in it.

Utilising fully welded heat-transfer technology and Vahterus' separating components, the Vahterus PSHE Separtaing Gas Cooler combines heat transfer and gas separation functions in one compact solution.

Vahterus shipped two test exchangers to HTRI’s multimillion-dollar Research & Technology Center (RTC) in Navasota, Texas, USA. HTRI installed one in the Liquid-Liquid Heat Exchanger Test Unit for water-water tests and the other in the Prototype Test Unit for boiling tests with pure hydrocarbons and hydrocarbon mixtures.

Vahterus is currently undertaking an interesting series of tests. Previously, we have focused on high temperatures, phase-changing phenomena and fluid hydraulics. This time, Vahterus test lab personnel are conducting a larger series of cryogenic tests.

Low temperatures and widely varying temperature differences in cryogenic applications can cause high stresses to the constructions. Practical testing of constructions is often complicated and time consuming, which is why modelling and simulation tools have become an important part of the development process.

PSHE 12 offers a large heat transfer plate with the traditional round shape and corrugation angles. The diameter of the plate is close to 1200 mm and the portholes are DN250. Size 12 fills the gap between sizes 9 and 14.

As Plate & Shell Heat Exchangers gain acceptance in the process industry, many potential users are seeking validated performance data of the latest commercial plate technology so that they can be assured of adequate operation. HTRI, a leading source of process heat-transfer technology, is working with Vahterus to assess the PSHE performance for liquid-liquid and boiling service.

Vahterus is actively developing products for the refrigeration industry. This fall, the R&D team introduces a second-generation combined evaporator, Combined C, for even more compact refrigeration packages.

Vahterus Service can offer a Performance Check of existing heat exchangers. Tests can be done either in-house at Vahterus facility or on site.