Custom Food Plate Heat Exchanger vs. Utility Plate Heat Exchanger

A dairy plant doesn’t function the same way a utility plant does — so why should they be expected to use the same machinery?

Between product differences, projected output, food safety, run time, and staff experience, there are many variations between plants. As a result, there are a lot of different plate heat exchanger (PHE) needs.

Let's find out how buying a custom PHE with AGC Heat Transfer vs. "buying stock" can end up saving you money and time.

Custom Food Plate Heat Exchangers vs. Utility Heat Exchangers

Some might argue that every PHE is built custom — and to some extent, that's true. Manufacturers that you work with will take into account your production volume and product, ensure you have the correct size and appropriate plate pack for production, and help configure your PHE for your plant.

But there's more to an optimized PHE than that. Let's explore what you get with AGC.

Plate Heat Exchanger Quality

When it comes to critical process equipment like PHEs, quality should never be compromised. While stock PHEs may seem like a convenient and cost-effective option, they often fall short in delivering the level of quality and performance required for demanding applications.

Our custom PHEs, on the other hand, offer a clear advantage, including:

• Precision Engineering: Our custom PHEs are engineered and designed to be opened and cleaned frequently; our hydraulic line was created to support plants that need to open their units weekly. From reliability to efficiency our custom PHEs make your lives easier.
• Premium Materials: We don't mess around with durability and safety. We deliver long-lasting equipment you can count on, made with guaranteed materials that can withstand max PSI and plates that don't corrode prematurely.
• Quality Control: We employ rigorous quality control measures throughout the design, fabrication, and assembly processes. We utilize rheology-based streaming so your plate pack is tailor-made for your product. Then, each custom unit undergoes pressure tests, dimensional inspections, and performance verification, to ensure it exceeds the specified quality standards before delivery.
• Industry Expertise: Our team has decades of extensive engineering expertise and industry experience, enabling us to provide valuable guidance and problem-solving. We've just about seen it all, so we can help solve problems before they ever exist.

Scalable Capacity 

One of the key advantages of investing in a custom PHE is the ability to future-proof your operation with scalable capacity. Custom units can be designed with additional space in the frame to accommodate future expansion.

Increased production demands, changes in operating conditions, or the need for higher thermal efficiency, can be a dead end if your PHE doesn't have room to accommodate change. A custom PHE with scalable capacity allows you to simply restream and add more plates to the existing unit, supporting your production needs.

Superior Plate Packs

AGC's ProFlow plate packs are the result of 25 years of technological innovation molded by customer input; plus, they meet 3-A Sanitation Standard and are designed for food applications. With a unique distribution pattern and line contact points, these plates maximize heat transfer, minimize channeling, and can be made to withstand high acidity without premature corrosion.

All of the benefits of custom plate packs lead to fewer pressure drops, better cleaning response, and more energy savings. 

Seamless Production Line Integration 

Working with a small footprint on your plant floor? AGC has a large line of frames to choose from when trying to fit into unique spaces. Whether you require a hydraulic frame, or a unique set-up to match your existing connection points, we'll get you what you need where you need it.

Continual Rheology Support

Any PHE manufacturer will run your product through viscosity testing to design your PHE. But at AGC, we take it one step further. Our rheology testing service is available to all equipment operators, even after their PHE is up and running. That means if you change anything — from a single ingredient in your recipe to your entire product — we’ll help you restream your PHE to operate at its best.

Optimization

With a custom PHE, you benefit from a tailored design that is optimized for your specific application requirements. Factors like flow patterns, thermal efficiency, pressure drop, and fouling tendencies are carefully considered and addressed, resulting in a high-performing heat exchanger that delivers reliable and consistent results.

Delivery Times

So, does custom mean long lead times?

No! AGC leads the North American PHE market in lead times because we build in the United States. We look ahead and we have the supplies on hand to build your heat exchanger as soon as we know what you need.

Why Build With AGC?

At AGC, we prioritize precision engineering, premium materials, quality control, and industry expertise to support our customers and deliver a product we are proud of. We engineer, manufacture, and assemble your heat exchanger all under one roof right here in the United States. Not only does this help us work quickly to build a heat exchanger to your specifications, but it helps us ensure that your heat exchanger will meet your plant’s specific needs and expectations.

Get Started

The easiest way to get a custom heat exchanger is to contact AGC. We believe in absolute transparency in our work, so you’ll have a full view of your heat exchanger in process as we work with you to design your ideal product.

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