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Liquid cooling systems

Plate-fin heat exchanger

Eaton Boyd Thermal plate fin heat exchangers are used to transfer heat from a liquid loop to another fluid stream, typically another liquid system. The heat transfer fin and plate construction add to the structural integrity of the heat exchanger, enabling it to withstand high pressures. This construction type also can contain large surface areas in relatively small heat exchanger volumes, which makes it a compact option for applications with tight volume or weight requirements.

How do plate fin heat exchangers work?

A plate fin heat exchanger utilizes solid plates to conduct heat from one fluid flow path to heat transfer fins which then transfer heat to a second fluid.

Why use Eaton Boyd Thermal plate fin heat exchangers?

Our aluminum plate fin heat exchangers are custom-designed, as every system is unique. The plate fin heat exchanger construction is easily customizable to meet a broad range of heat transfer and system requirements. We vacuum braze our plate heat exchangers for maximum cleanliness, quality and reliability. Through our numerically controlled process and robust fixtures, we assure complete metallurgical bonding between plate fins for rugged and leak-free operation. We operate multiple vacuum brazing ovens, including one that can braze parts up to 3.05 m (10 feet) long and 0.97 m (3 feet 2 inches) wide.

A plate-fin heat exchanger can be designed to use any combination of gas, liquid and two-phase fluids. Our experienced engineering team carefully selects the number of plate and fin layers, the size of the plates and fin, and the type of fin for optimum performance. Manifold ducting and mounting brackets are welded in place as specified, and any required paint or coating (including MilSpec compliant) can be added.

Eaton plate fin heat exchanger
Specifications

Plate fin heat exchanger product details

Plate fin heat exchanger materials

  • Cast aluminum alloys:
    •   A356
    • A357
    • C443
    • 700 series
  • Wrought aluminum:
    • Multi-clad braze sheets
    • Al 1100
    • Al 3000 series (not heat treatable)
    • Al 6000 series (heat treatable)
      • Al 6061
      • Al 6063
      • Al 6082
      • Al 6951
Eaton folded fin

Fin types

  • Round-crested
  • Flat-crested
  • Lanced and offset
  • Louvered
  • Wavy/ruffled