Product: Alfa Laval Plate Heat Exchanger, Model T20-PFG, Serial Number 30114-63-718
1. Model Decoding: T20-PFG
The model name indicates the series, plate type, gasket material, and frame design.
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T20: This is the frame size or series. The T20 is a robust, mid-to-large size heat exchanger designed for heavy-duty industrial applications. It features a strong frame with a long carrying bar and a sturdy pressure plate, capable of handling high pressures and temperatures.
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P: Stands for the plate type. The “P” typically denotes a herringbone or chevron-patterned plate. Specifically in the T20 series, the P-plate has a wide, obtuse chevron angle (often >120°). This design is optimized for high-viscosity fluids and particulates, as it creates less pressure drop and is more resistant to fouling. It’s excellent for applications like pasteurization, fruit juices, waste water, or media with fibers.
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FG: Indicates the gasket material.
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F: Almost certainly stands for EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer). EPDM gaskets are black in color.
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G: This suffix often denotes a special type or formulation. In this context, G typically means “Food Grade” EPDM. This gasket is suitable for a wide range of food, beverage, and pharmaceutical applications. It has good resistance to hot water, steam, acids, alkalis, and many solvents. Its temperature range is generally up to 160°C (320°F).
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2. Serial Number Decoding: 30114-63-718
Alfa Laval serial numbers encode manufacturing details.
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30114: This is the unique unit identifier.
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63: This almost always represents the year of manufacture. “63” indicates the unit was built in 1963. This is a key piece of information.
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718: This is typically a sequential production number for that year.
The Alfa Laval T20-PFG S/N 30114-63-718 is a heavy-duty, general-purpose plate heat exchanger from the classic T20 series, manufactured in 1963.
Key Characteristics & Typical Applications:
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Design: Gasketed plate-and-frame design for efficient heat transfer between two media.
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Application Suitability: Ideal for viscous fluids, products containing particles, or applications where low pressure drop is critical. Common uses include:
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Food & Beverage (e.g., juice, pulp, beer, dairy products like yogurt)
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Starch and Sugar processing
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Wastewater heating/cooling
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General industrial duties with non-aggressive fluids.
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Gasket Material: Food Grade EPDM, making it suitable for sanitary and many industrial processes. Important: Given its age (1963), the gaskets are almost certainly not original and have been replaced multiple times. Current performance depends on the condition and age of the presently installed gaskets.
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Pressure & Temperature: As a T20 with P-plates, it is built for robust service. Original design pressures could be in the range of 10-16 bar (145-230 psi), but this must be verified against the nameplate data on the unit itself. The EPDM-FG gaskets limit the max temperature to ~160°C.
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Configurability: The number of plates can be increased or decreased within the frame’s capacity to adjust heat transfer area. The plates are likely made of stainless steel AISI 304, but 316 is also possible. The actual plate material should be checked on the plate tag.
Critical Recommendations:
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Verify Nameplate: Always refer to the actual metal nameplate riveted to the frame for the most accurate design pressure (PN), test pressure, and maximum allowable working pressure (MAWP).
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Gasket Condition: Given the unit’s age, a thorough inspection of all gaskets for hardening, cracking, or compression set is essential before operation or pressure testing.
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Spare Parts: When ordering spares (plates, gaskets), you must provide:
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Full Model: T20-PFG
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Full Serial Number: 30114-63-718
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Plate Pattern/Size: Often a 4-6 digit code stamped on the plate itself (e.g., T20H, T20P, etc.). This is crucial for getting the correct replacement plates and gaskets.
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