Alfa Laval has expanded the possibilities for transcritical CO2 duties with its new AXP82 plate heat exchanger. The AXP82 will enable the use of the same heat exchanger design for a wider kW range of transcritical duties than possible with previous AXP series models. It is said to combine low-pressure drop and high design pressure with excellent fatigue performance.
Fredrik Ekström, President of the Business Unit for Brazed & Fusion bonded heat exchangers, Alfa Laval, explained: “The market for CO2 has grown quickly as more system builders and end-users are making the switch to natural refrigerants in response to changing environmental legislation. In addition to commercial refrigeration, today see customers in a growing number of industries making the switch to CO2 – that includes air conditioning and industrial applications as well as marine customers. With the launch of AXP82, we will be able to ensure reliable thermal performance for systems of varying sizes, in a wider scope of demanding CO2 applications.”
The increased fatigue performance is said to be partly due to its all-new channel plate design built with Alfa Laval’s PressureSecure technology. An important element has been a renewed, larger port design on the heat exchanger. By optimizing the balance between port size and mechanical performance, Alfa Laval says it has been able to ensure low-pressure drop combined and high design pressure while simultaneously achieving high fatigue resistance.
The AXP82 is also the first heat exchanger model in the AXP range to feature a frameless construction. This reduces the weight of the design and ensures a more compact heat exchanger.
