1.2 - Function & duty
The Compabloc is a heat exchanger used for heating or cooling (with or without heat recovery), steam heater,
condenser, 2-pass process condenser, reflux condenser, reboiler, gas cooler, etc...
Each of those duties requires a specific installation and the installation must be in conformity with the thermal data
sheet and the general assembly drawing of the unit.
• Pressure and temperature limits
Never run the Compabloc at lower/higher pressures and/or lower/higher temperatures than those indicated on
the name plate.
• Continuous & cyclical duty
Compabloc has been designed for continuous and stable operating conditions. Compabloc is not suitable for
cyclical operating conditions, especially when sudden temperature changes with high amplitude could occur.
High cyclical duty (temperature and/or pressure) may create fatigue leading to a reduced lifetime of the unit.
• Operating pressures
It is recommended that the Compabloc always have a differential pressure between the two circuits. An identical
operating pressure on both circuits could make the plate pack behave like an accordion because of pressure
inversion, creating fatigue, with the risk of a decreased lifetime.
In case of a maximal differential pressure is indicated on the nameplate (see Appendix 3), make sure that the
difference of pressure between both sides never exceeds this value because it could seriously damage the plate-
pack.
• Duty
In order to ensure optimal efficiency, it is strongly recommended to run your Compabloc as close as possible to
the conditions used for initially designing the heat exchanger.
• Corrosion risk
The material of the parts in contact with the used medium has been specified or chosen based on data supplied
by the customer (fluid, composition, temperature, etc.). If the media passing through the unit and operating
temperatures is different from those specified in the data sheet, the Customer is responsible for ensuring that
the corrosion resistance is suitable.
Special attention shall be given to the chloride content of the streams, as this is a frequent cause of corrosion of
stainless-steel materials.
Responsibility regarding the duty or cleaning medium and checking its compatibility with the materials used in
the heat exchanger is with the customer or contractor, if otherwise not agreed with Alfa Laval. The quality of
medium, can considerably affect the operation and lifetime of the heat exchanger.
1.3 - PED/Risk Analysis
All units delivered in the EEC follow the PED (Pressure Equipment Directive) with a level of risk depending on
parameters such as nature of the fluid (gas, liquid, steam, fluid vapour pressure), and the danger level of the fluid,
Design Pressure, Volume of each circuit or Design temperature.
These parameters will determine a PED Category to which is linked a risk analysis as per the PED.
Make sure that the category of your unit matches your operating conditions.
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