Victrex® APTIV™ film replaces metal in Makatecs heat exchangers, delivering superior performance at reduced costs
Article Type: Methods From: Anti-Corrosion Methods and Materials, Volume 56, Issue 1
Makatec, an innovative German company entering new markets with its innovative membrane technology for use in heating and cooling applications, has selected Victrex APTIV™ film to replace metal in its Spiral Plate Heat Exchangers. The exchanger transfers heat between fluids and gases and can also be used as a condenser and evaporator; it will be deployed in the pharmaceutical, food, and biotechnology industries. “Compared to metal,APTIV film is an extremely versatile product that delivers a broad range of capabilities and performance under a variety of demanding conditions,” said Uwe Marburger, Film Business Leader Europe, Victrex plc. “By using APTIV film in the heat exchanger, Makatec was able to reduce overall systems cost,improve performance, and enhance the design.”
APTIV film, made of VICTREX® PEEK™ polymer, is spiral bound with high temperature-resistant glue in this design to provide the right mixture of high temperature performance and chemical resistance for this demanding application.
Makatec’s film-based heat exchanger achieves heat transfer coefficients in the range of 1 kW/m2 K comparable to conventional plate heat exchangers (PHE). The unique spiral design allows volume specific heat exchange areas up to 1000 m2/m3.
Providing an effective barrier against many liquids and gases, APTIV film is lightweight, halogen-free, withstands lead-free soldering process temperatures,is RoHS compliant and can be used to manufacture products compliant with the same directive. The Makatec heat exchanger is environmentally friendly and 100 percent recyclable.
The smooth surfaces of APTIV film significantly reduce the risk of residue build-up inside the heat exchanger, thus minimizing the danger of microbial contamination. Makatec heat exchangers are well suited for use in potable water systems and in the food sector, as well as in pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries.
Apart from the numerous high performance features APTIV film brings to the design of the heat exchanger, overall systems cost reductions are also achieved. Makatec’s simple design provides quick and low cost assembly even for unique specifications, for example, in plant engineering. The Makatec product costs significantly less than a stainless steel exchanger. Further, operational costs are reduced due to the minimal pressure drop the pump engine requires, as compared to conventional PHE. Maintenance and service costs are also reduced due to APTIV film’s corrosion resistance.
The unique value of Victrex materials solutions lies within its ability to tailor high performance VICTREX PEEK-based polymers for its customer’s best advantage. The Victrex reputation is built upon its depth of expertise with PEEK polymers, and ability to work alongside some of the largest companies in the world to help accelerate application development and thoroughly understand their engineering requirements from the end-user point of view. Victrex has Application Technology Centers in Asia and Europe to assist customers with end-use application testing, simulation and analysis. Further, the company has Manufacturing Technology Centers dedicated to in-house manufacturing, prototype facilities, and application process expertise. Victrex’s aim is to achieve improvements in product performance, quality, market differentiation, and cost.
More information is available from: www.aptivfilms.com
