A Compabloc heat exchanger (also called a Compbloc welded heat exchanger or welded plate heat exchanger) is a compact, fully welded heat exchanger designed for high temperature, high pressure, and aggressive fluid applications.
Unlike gasketed plate heat exchangers, a Compabloc heat exchanger uses fully welded corrugated plates instead of elastomer gaskets, allowing reliable operation in severe industrial environments such as chemical processing, petrochemical plants, and heat recovery systems.
This design combines:
The high heat transfer efficiency of plate heat exchangers
The mechanical strength of shell and tube heat exchangers
A compact footprint with minimal installation space
Because of its performance and reliability, the Compabloc heat exchanger is widely used in demanding industrial processes where conventional heat exchangers may not be suitable.
A Compabloc heat exchanger consists of a block of thin corrugated metal plates welded together to form sealed heat transfer channels.
Two fluids flow through alternating channels in a counter-current arrangement.
Corrugated plates generate strong turbulence
Thin metal walls reduce thermal resistance
Counter-current flow maximizes temperature efficiency
Fully welded channels prevent fluid leakage
This structure provides heat transfer performance typically 3–5 times higher than shell and tube heat exchangers.
The core heat transfer surface consists of thin corrugated plates welded together to form a compact block.
Key characteristics:
No gaskets in the process area
High mechanical strength
Resistance to thermal shock
Long service life
The plate pack forms a highly compact heat exchanger unit that reduces space requirements and improves energy efficiency.
Typical benefits include:
Up to 70–90% space saving compared with shell and tube heat exchangers
Lightweight structure
Easy installation
Most Compabloc heat exchangers include removable covers for mechanical cleaning, making them suitable for fouling or contaminated fluids.
Strong turbulence and thin plates provide superior thermal performance.
Eliminates gasket aging, leakage, and chemical compatibility concerns.
Fully welded channels provide safe operation in aggressive media.
Requires significantly less space than traditional heat exchangers.
Long service life and reduced maintenance requirements lower lifecycle costs.
Compabloc heat exchangers are designed for demanding operating conditions.
Typical design ranges include:
Design pressure: up to 40–60 bar
Design temperature: up to 350°C
Minimum temperature approach: 3–5°C
Materials: stainless steel 316L, 904L, titanium, nickel alloys
Actual limits depend on manufacturer and application.
Compabloc heat exchangers are widely used in:
Acid cooling
Solvent recovery
Reactor temperature control
Hydrocarbon cooling
Amine systems
Process heat recovery
Interchangers
Condensers
Product cooling
Waste heat recovery
Steam condensation
District heating
Compared with other heat exchanger technologies:
Higher efficiency than shell and tube heat exchangers
Higher temperature capability than gasketed plate heat exchangers
More compact than conventional designs
Better chemical resistance in aggressive environments
A Compabloc heat exchanger is recommended when:
The process fluid is aggressive or hazardous
Operating temperature exceeds gasket limits
High pressure conditions exist
Space is limited
High heat recovery efficiency is required
Leak-free operation is critical
