flat plate heat exchanger advice...

[varadhammo]

Hi all,

I'm trying to choose a flat plate HX for doing DHW (SS circulator & tekmar 156 diff setpoint with the existing electric tank WH is my plan). It seems that some folks on here have purchased inexpensive China-made ones that are available on Ebay or from some OWB suppliers online. Is there an appreciable difference in quality between these and name brands, say a GEA FlatPlate or Bell & Gossett, etc.? Is the savings on the cheap ones worthwhile? Looking for some input.

Thanks,
Jake

 

[salecker]

Hi
When i bought mine i spent a fair bit of money on one that was over-sized for my needs.I know i would not by one made in China unless there was a big name and a warranty attached to it.Just not worth it to me.
Thomas

 

[maple1]

I got a 20 plate B&G from the local supplier here. They had to special order it - but it ended up being no more $ than what I could have gotten a 'cheaper' one for, by the time I factored in the currency exchange & shipping. Have no input to offer on the quality of the 'cheaper' ones though.

 

[GENECOP]

In general, you get what you pay for....

 

[marty53]

I picked up a 10 plate HX from ebay and its great--definitely a quality unit. I didn't go with the cheapest ones available, I got one made of the thicker 316 Stainless Steel. I'm assuming its China made but did come with lifetime warranty. It was ~$90. Everything I've read says for just DHW anything of 10 plate is overkill. I made sure to plumb in wye strainers on both inputs, and I also put hose bibs on each inlet so I can flush it out if needed. That said, I think you are OK going with a cheaper unit with proper precautions.

 

[Stew]

I googled "flat plate heat exchangers canada" and came up with this manufacturer in PEI Canada http://www.heatexchangers.ca/
A "mom and pop" shop, but they sell heat exchangers for everything from the tar sands to nuclear plants.
As an added bonus you get to talk to the owner for advice on sizing.
I paid around $203Can. for a 3x8 30 plate and supported a small Canadian manufacturer in the process
They were a pleasure to deal with and I think good value.

 

[Morgan]

I googled "flat plate heat exchangers canada" and came up with this manufacturer in PEI Canada http://www.heatexchangers.ca/
A "mom and pop" shop, but they sell heat exchangers for everything from the tar sands to nuclear plants.
As an added bonus you get to talk to the owner for advice on sizing.
I paid around $203Can. for a 3x8 30 plate and supported a small Canadian manufacturer in the process
They were a pleasure to deal with and I think good value.

Peter Metaxas is a great guy and very knowledgeable, I would highly recommend him. We have a fairly extensive district heat grid here in Charlottetown PEI and every heat exchanger they use is supplied by him. They stand up very well. My wife actually worked as a receptionist for him 10 years or so ago when he had an office just down the road from me

 

[duramaxman05]

I got mine off ebay. 20 plate, 316 stainless with lifetime warranty. Definately built very well. I dont use my hot water heater for storage and I have no problem running out of hot water. I gave around $140 for the plate exchanger and mouting plate. I have compared mine to one that was ordered locally. No difference and the one that was ordered was made in china too. Good luck finding one that isnt made in china that is affordable

 

[redmaple172]

I bought a 40 plate from OWB supplier on ebay. I use it for Phase 2 OWB to house system and I do not see a degree difference (what goes in goes out - I insulated it too). I don't know brand, literature said was for refrigeration. Cost about $150. 1 1/4 connections.

 

[varadhammo]

Peter Metaxas is a great guy and very knowledgeable, I would highly recommend him.

I just spoke with Peter at SEC Heat Exchangers (http://www.heatexchangers.ca/) and he helped me size my two heat exchangers for DHW (3"x8" 20 and 30 plate). Couldn't agree more. He was a pleasure to speak with and answered all my questions. Very good prices as well... not quite Ebay cheap but about 50% more affordable than the big brands available at online suppliers. And much more enjoyable to buy directly from a small manufacturer...

 

[maple1]

Now I'm wondering if some of those units I see on OWB sites (and almost bought), or 'no-name' ones on Ebay, actually came from right next door to me on PEI. I likely would have bought from there if I had of known at the time.

 

[varadhammo]

Now I'm wondering if some of those units I see on OWB sites (and almost bought), or 'no-name' ones on Ebay, actually came from right next door to me on PEI.

It's possible. Peter did mention that they supply these 3x8" 30 plate units by the hundreds to a mod/con boiler supplier who packages them as tankless DHW unit.