Industrial heat exchangers by Danfoss – How to choose the right solution?

Article

March 12, 2025 / 3 min read time

In the heat transfer field, there is increasing pressure on energy efficiency, reducing operational costs, and optimizing production processes. One of the most critical pieces of equipment for achieving these goals is the industrial heat exchanger, essential in various applications, including HVAC, refrigeration, heat transfer, and many other industrial processes.

 

Choosing the right heat exchanger is not always straightforward, there are multiple options on the market, each with specific advantages and applications. Danfoss, one of the global leaders in heat exchanger technology, offers three primary solutions, each optimized for specific applications and operating environments:

 

 

Each of these solutions comes with specific benefits tailored to the needs of each industry. Below, we will analyze the advantages of each type of heat exchanger and the criteria that will help you make the best decision for your application.

 

 

1. Danfoss brazed plate heat exchangers

 

Danfoss Brazed Plate Heat Exchangers (BPHE) offer a compact, flexible, and highly efficient solution for applications that involve high pressures or extreme temperature variations. These units eliminate the need for gaskets, reducing operational costs and maintenance risks.

 

With over 30 years of continuous development, Danfoss has optimized these heat exchangers by integrating advanced technologies like Micro Plate™ and Fishbone, offering customized solutions based on the specific needs of each application.

 

Danfoss brazed plate heat exchangers are widely used in industries such as:

✔ HVAC
✔ Food and beverage production
✔ Solar heating
✔ Engine cooling
✔ Heat recovery

 

This makes them an ideal combination of efficiency, reliability, and flexibility.

 

Micro Plate™ and Fishbone Technology
Danfoss provides two plate technology options to optimize heat transfer performance:

 

  • Micro Plate™ – Ideal for district heating, heat pumps, and chillers, thanks to its high efficiency and low energy consumption.
  • Fishbone – Designed for applications involving high temperatures and pressures or viscous fluids, due to its wider plate gaps that facilitate smoother flow.

 

 

2. Danfoss microchannel heat exchangers

 

Constructed from aluminum, Danfoss Microchannel Heat Exchangers (MCHE) are lightweight, compact, and highly corrosion-resistant, ensuring an extended service life and lower operating costs. Additionally, this technology enables a 30% reduction in refrigerant volume, optimizing resource consumption while minimizing environmental impact.

 

Advantages of MCHE technology

 

  • Improved energy efficiency – The microchannel design optimizes refrigerant flow, reducing energy loss and increasing efficiency by 10% compared to traditional heat exchangers.
  • Durable and sustainable materials – The fully aluminum construction eliminates the risk of galvanic corrosion and allows for easy recycling at the end of the equipment’s lifecycle.
  • Compact design and reduced weight – MCHE takes up less space and is lighter than conventional heat exchangers, facilitating integration into various cooling and air conditioning systems.

 

 

3. Danfoss semi-welded plate heat exchangers

 

Danfoss semi-welded plate heat exchangers are specifically designed for applications using natural refrigerants, such as ammonia (NH₃), making them an ideal solution for:

 

  • Condensers
  • Evaporators
  • Economizers
  • Oil coolers
  • Superheaters

 

The new SW19-SW59 range introduces significant improvements in heat transfer, compact design, and operational safety. These units are rigorously tested to withstand temperatures ranging from -40°C to 150°C and pressures up to 40 bar, ensuring constant performance and low operating costs, even in the most demanding industrial applications.

 

Why choose Danfoss semi-welded heat exchangers?

 

  • High heat transfer capacity – The optimized plate design maximizes thermal efficiency and reduces refrigerant charge.
  • Superior operational safety – The new gasket system reduces leakage risks, while helium testing ensures a leak-free unit.
  • Modular design and easy configuration – The plates can be quickly adjusted to meet the specific requirements of each application.
  • Easy maintenance – Nylon rollers facilitate quick access to the plate pack, and the clamping system ensures fast and secure installation and removal.

 

 

Complete solutions for choosing, implementing, and maintaining Danfoss heat exchangers

 

Selecting the right heat exchanger is a crucial step in optimizing energy efficiency, reducing operational costs, and improving industrial processes. Whether you need a:

 

Brazed plate heat exchanger for compact heating and cooling systems,
Microchannel heat exchanger for durable and energy-efficient solutions, or
Semi-welded heat exchanger for industrial refrigeration with natural refrigerants,

 

Danfoss solutions offer top-tier reliability and performance.

 

However, choosing the right equipment is just the first step. At Consultech, we ensure that each client benefits from proper implementation, efficient maintenance, and flexible rental solutions tailored to their specific project needs.

 

 

How can we help?

 

Technical audits and personalized consulting – We evaluate your application requirements and recommend the optimal heat exchanger, using advanced software for selection and efficiency analysis.
Preventive maintenance and spare parts – We provide regular maintenance and rapid interventions to prevent unplanned downtime and extend equipment lifespan.
Heat exchanger rental services – We offer flexible solutions for short-term projects or testing new technologies without major initial investments.

 

Contact us today to learn how we can help you integrate Danfoss heat exchangers into your systems and achieve maximum efficiency and reliability!

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