Welded block heat exchanger
For demanding industrial duties.
For demanding process conditions
Tranter's welded block heat exchanger, the NovusBloc, transfers heat through a compact pack of corrugated plates welded together to form separate channels for each medium. Removable baffles direct flow through multiple passes, allowing the exchanger to be configured for a wide variety of thermal duties. The result is high heat transfer performance in a compact and lightweight installation. The unit is available in both vertical and horizontal configurations to accommodate different plant layouts.
Corrugated plates create turbulent flow for efficient heat transfer, while a reinforced design helps accommodate demanding operating conditions. Removable panels and baffles provide direct access to heat transfer surfaces for inspection and mechanical cleaning, supporting simpler maintenance and long-term performance.
Space-saving design – Compact footprint and low installed weight.
Efficient heat transfer – Corrugated plates maximize thermal performance.
Flexible flow arrangements – Multi-pass designs adapt to process requirements.
Installation versatility – Available in vertical and horizontal configurations.
High-duty capability – Up to 865 m² of heat transfer area.
Supermax is engineered to operate across a broad spectrum of operating conditions, supported by recognized design codes and a range of metallic materials. Exact configuration depends on application requirements and selected design type.
Specification highlights
Design temperature range: −50°C to +350°C
Design pressure: From full vacuum up to 38 bar
Design codes and directives: ASME, ASME U, API 810, PED, NB/T 47004/2, NR13, ABS, LR and DNV
Plate materials: AISI 316L, 254 SMO, Hastelloy C-276, Titanium Grade 1 and Grade 11 (others available on request)
How it works
Plate channels
Pairs of corrugated plates are welded together to create enclosed channels. Hot and cold media flow through alternating channels, remaining completely separated while heat is transferred through the plate material.
Heat transfer
The corrugated plate geometry disturbs the flow, creating turbulence inside each channel. This turbulence increases contact between the fluid and the heat transfer surface, supporting efficient thermal performance and close temperature approaches.
Flow distribution
Removable baffles guide each medium back and forth through the welded channels. This creates the desired flow pattern and helps distribute media throughout the heat transfer core. The arrangement can be optimized according to process requirements.
Flow arrangement
The welded block heat exchanger uses a multi-pass cross-flow arrangement that increases the effective thermal path through the exchanger. This configuration supports efficient heat recovery and can achieve temperature-cross duties within a single unit.
Maintenance access
Removable panels and baffles provide access to the plate pack for visual inspection and mechanical cleaning. The ability to access heat transfer surfaces from both sides makes the welded block heat exchanger particularly suited for applications with elevated fouling potential or demanding maintenance requirements.
Our recommendations
Welded plate heat exchangers are chosen for demanding duties where pressure, temperature, and reliability are critical.
Energy transition projects rely on efficient heat recovery and reliable operation to maximize process performance and reduce energy losses. Tranter welded block heat exchangers combine high thermal efficiency with a gasket-free welded design, making them well suited for hydrogen, carbon capture, renewable fuels, and other emerging energy applications. Their compact footprint and robust construction help operators improve energy utilization while supporting long-term sustainability goals.
Oil and gas facilities require compact, reliable heat exchangers capable of handling challenging process streams while minimizing maintenance requirements. NovusBloc offers a compact footprint and reduced weight compared to many traditional shell-and-tube alternatives, making installation easier on offshore platforms, FPSOs, and space-constrained processing units. The reinforced lining, robust plate pack design, and resistance to fouling contribute to long service life and lower lifecycle costs, while maintaining the thermal efficiency needed for energy recovery and process optimization.
Chemical and petrochemical processes frequently involve corrosive media, demanding operating conditions, and strict requirements for equipment reliability. NovusBloc is available in a wide range of corrosion-resistant materials, including SMO254, Hastelloy C-276, titanium, and AISI 316L, while its all-welded plate pack eliminates concerns related to gasket compatibility. Combined with operating temperatures from -50°C to 350°C and pressures up to 38 bar, it provides a robust solution for heaters, coolers, condensers, evaporators, and heat recovery duties across chemical processing facilities.
Power producers continuously seek opportunities to recover waste heat and improve plant efficiency. NovusBloc is particularly well suited for heat recovery applications, condensers, heaters, and coolers where high thermal effectiveness directly impacts plant performance. Its ability to achieve temperature cross and maintain high heat transfer rates in a compact design enables more effective utilization of available energy, supporting efficiency improvements in conventional power plants as well as emerging applications such as hydrogen and carbon capture systems.
Pulp and paper facilities handle challenging process streams where reliability and heat recovery are critical to operational efficiency. Tranter welded block heat exchangers are designed to deliver high thermal performance while handling demanding fluids and process conditions. Their accessible design and resistance to fouling make them an effective solution for process cooling, heating, and energy recovery duties throughout the mill.
Refinery processes require heat exchangers capable of handling aggressive media, high temperatures, and continuous operation. Tranter welded block heat exchangers combine the thermal efficiency of plate technology with a robust welded construction, making them well suited for process heating, cooling, condensation, and heat recovery applications. Their compact design helps maximize thermal performance while minimizing maintenance requirements.
Renewable fuels and chemical processing applications demand reliable heat transfer, corrosion resistance, and operational flexibility. Tranter welded block heat exchangers provide high thermal efficiency and a wide range of material options to accommodate demanding process conditions. Their gasket-free construction supports long service life and dependable performance in heating, cooling, and heat recovery duties.
Steel manufacturing involves aggressive cooling and heat recovery duties, large thermal loads, and demanding operating environments where reliability is critical. NovusBloc combines durable construction, advanced cleanability, and materials engineered for corrosion resistance with a reinforced plate pack capable of accommodating thermal expansion. This makes it well suited for process cooling, energy recovery, and utility services throughout steel plants, where minimizing downtime and maintaining consistent thermal performance are essential to production efficiency.
Semiconductor manufacturing depends on precise temperature control and highly reliable process equipment. Tranter welded block heat exchangers deliver efficient heat transfer and consistent thermal performance across demanding cooling and process applications. Their compact design, robust construction, and ability to handle specialized process requirements make them a dependable choice for semiconductor production facilities.
Reach out
Talk to our people and let us guide you to the right solution for your application.
Guides
For increased durability and energy efficiency. Get some more insights to our welded block heat exchanger with this guide.
Explore our comprehensive brochure to delve deeper into Tranter and discover the wide range of offerings we provide.
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Each process is unique, demanding a specific type of heat exchanger to match. This comprehensive guide and checklist, drawn from 90+ years of experience, will help you select a heat exchanger that fits and enhances the efficiency and effectiveness of your process.
Are you tired of feeling like your heat exchanger is draining your wallet like a car engine left running all night? Our guide walks you through the steps you need to take – from pre-purchase and design to maintenance – to get the most out of your heat exchanger.
Selecting a heat exchanger is not just about finding an option that fits within your budget. Your choice should strike an optimal balance between cost and performance. Otherwise, you could end up with a unit that’s not designed for its purpose. This mistake can be costly. So, how do you know which exchanger is right for you?
Our comprehensive understanding of heat exchangers goes beyond just maintenance and usage. We offer tailored recommendations and innovative solutions to optimize your system's performance, reduce energy consumption, and extend the lifespan of your equipment. Our goal is to not only enhance your operational efficiency but also to ensure the long-term health and reliability of your heat exchangers. Trust Tranter to provide expert insights that keep your systems running smoothly and cost-effectively.
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