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Author Topic: Orientation of Plate Heat Exchanger  (Read 4221 times)

DBeleskey

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Orientation of Plate Heat Exchanger
« on: March 22, 2019, 03:34:35 PM »

Hi
I am getting ready to install my plate exchanger for DHW. Does it matter how it is oriented/mounted ? A lot of systems I see have them installed vertically above the intake for the water tank. My lines run into the tank about horizontally about 10 inches above the tank and the go vertical into the tank. If I can run it in the horizontal run it would be easier but, I want the most out of it that I can. Any suggestions would be great.. 
Dave
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wreckit87

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Re: Orientation of Plate Heat Exchanger
« Reply #1 on: March 22, 2019, 03:47:23 PM »

They're least prone to buildup when standing upright, which is the reason you see most oriented that way. I think you're talking about laying it on its side right? With the ports facing horizontally? If so, that is also acceptable but will be a bit more prone to sediment and calcium collection
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RSI

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Re: Orientation of Plate Heat Exchanger
« Reply #2 on: March 22, 2019, 07:40:19 PM »

It is harder to get the air out of it when mounted sideways.
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E Yoder

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Re: Orientation of Plate Heat Exchanger
« Reply #3 on: March 23, 2019, 05:37:13 AM »

I try to do vertical whenever possible, but have done about every other direction in a tight crawl space where you're lucky to even be able to crimp. :)
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DBeleskey

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Re: Orientation of Plate Heat Exchanger
« Reply #4 on: March 23, 2019, 07:06:18 AM »

Thanks for the replies...I will have another look and see if I can reconfigure the piping to go up enough to be able to mount it vertically.
My other concern with doing it that way is support for the exchanger...wouldn't having it sitting on the pipe to the tank create a lot of stress on the pipe ? Or I might have to figure out a way to support it to either the wall or ceiling some how ? How hot do these things get ? Can it sit on wood or should it be metal ?

Here are two pics of what I currently have...
« Last Edit: March 23, 2019, 01:01:18 PM by DBeleskey »
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wreckit87

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Re: Orientation of Plate Heat Exchanger
« Reply #5 on: March 24, 2019, 08:13:41 AM »

They will get to be boiler temp, 180ish degrees. Wood is fine, or metal- whatever. What works well is a simple "drive" for joining ductwork together. It's a thin galvanized steel cleat that you can easily bend to conform to the plate and screw it to the wall to hold it steady- I would not hang a plate from the piping
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DBeleskey

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Re: Orientation of Plate Heat Exchanger
« Reply #6 on: March 24, 2019, 08:40:56 AM »

That's a great idea..thanks. I am always concerned about things catching fire. I have foam behind the drywall (ICF).  So just a piece of plywood screwed to the wall would work ? I guess I could build it a bit out from the wall to give air space behind for piece of mind...
Thanks again for the idea ...
Dave
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E Yoder

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Re: Orientation of Plate Heat Exchanger
« Reply #7 on: March 25, 2019, 04:59:40 AM »

Autoignition of wood is over 350°, I don't think you need to worry.
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DBeleskey

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Re: Orientation of Plate Heat Exchanger
« Reply #8 on: March 25, 2019, 03:23:02 PM »

That's good to know...thanks.   I made the mounting box today. I will post a picture when I get it mounted and plumbed..
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