Evaluating sensor accuracy and repeatability in gasketed plate heat exchangers

Abstract: Alfa Laval has connected sensors to their gasketed plate heat exchangers (gphe) to extend their customer service offering. To develop this service further the flow through the GPHE is needed. In this thesis, the objective was to evaluate an inexpensive flow switch and two sensor kits that measure pressure and temperature. The sensors were assessed by installing them on GPHEs in Alfa Laval’s lab and running seven test sessions. The flow switch performed well but experienced “jumps” in the output and a temperature dependence that could be compensated for through multiple regression. The sticker sensor's temperature measurements were accurate, but more calibration is needed to get the pressure. Regarding the in-house kit, the pressure measurements were reliable, but the temperature measurements suffer from lag and thermal inertia. The thesis has offered valuable insight that will propel Alfa Laval’s pursuit of a cost-effective way of measuring the flow and improving their service capabilities