Parameter study of the diagonal on a gasketed plate heat exchanger

Abstract: The aim of this thesis is to further develop the understanding of how different parameters related to the gasket groove of a heat exchanger affect the mechanical performance of the product. Three different parameters with two different gasket materials were evaluated. Comparisons between the parameters where mainly made in terms of contact- and leakage pressure but phenomena related to factors such as stress and strain were also studied for explanatory reasons. The parameters were mainly analyzed in two steps that included forming of the plates and a final gasket simulation. In the gasket simulation, the plates were first compressed onto each other with the gasket in between them. After the compression, an internal fluid pressure was added to the geometry. From the results it was found that the parameters cannot solely be analyzed from a plate perspective but that the relationship between the gasket and the plate geometry has a major role in the outcome of the results. The incompressibility of the rubber material used in the gasket is a factor that has to be accounted for when designing a gasket groove.