The bulk flow heat exchanger effectively combines tthe principles of mass flow of bulk solids with plate heat exchanger technology are combined to form the bulk flow heat exchanger . For batch operation also this exchanger can be constructed using high/low level control. For cooling the exchanger typically uses water from a cooling tower circuit or a closed loop chilled water system. This heat exchanger finds its application in heating applications, the medium can be hot water, steam or thermal oil. The heat exchanger consists of a series of vertical, hollow ss plates. Working of the heat exchanger is given below: bulk solids or powders pass slowly downward between the plates as heat transfer fluid flows inside the plates to heat or cool the material by conduction. The bulk flow heat exchanger operates full of product, typically using a simple level control system. The inlet hopper distributes the product evenly to the heat exchanger plate bank. The bulk solids pass slowly between the vertical plates to create sufficient residence time for the required heat transfer. The mass flow design of the discharge feeder ensures that the material is drawn down evenly and the temperature distribution is uniform. For continuous operation, the level control system modulates the discharge rate through the feeder to maintain product level in the inlet hopper as the incoming flow rate changes. The equipment can also be designed for batch operation using high/low level control. For cooling the exchanger typically uses water from a cooling tower circuit or a closed loop chilled water system. For heating applications, the medium can be hot water, steam or thermal oil.
