SGL Group – The Carbon Company – has developed the largest graphite plate heat exchanger in the world. The new model, released recently to the market, provides flow rates of up to 250 m3/h and can be expanded on a modular basis. Its main field of use is the heating or cooling of liquid corrosive substances. The innovative plate design enables more efficient energy use and thus exceptional energy savings in chemical processes.
Frank Wittchen, head of the business unit Process Technology Division, stated: “Scaling up this product line is setting new standards in energy efficiency. The impressive size and modular expansion options enable applications, which previously would have required the use of annular-groove, block or shell and tube heat exchangers. Plate heat exchangers require up to 75 per cent less heat exchange area while still achieving comparable performance. We see promising opportunities for expanding our market leadership even further.”
Leading European chemical companies had already placed orders during the prelaunch phase via the company’s partner Alfa Laval, underscoring the years of successful cooperation between Alfa Laval and SGL Group in the field of Diabon plate heat exchangers where SGL Group focuses on development and production while Alfa Laval focuses on global sales.
SGL Group is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of carbon-based products and materials. It has a comprehensive portfolio ranging from carbon and graphite products to carbon fibres and composites. SGL Group’s core competencies are its expertise in high-temperature technology as well as its applications and engineering know-how gained over many years. These competencies enable the company to make full use of its broad material base. SGL Group’s carbon-based materials combine several unique properties such as very good electrical and thermal conductivity, heat and corrosion resistance and high mechanical strength combined with low weight. Due to industrialisation in the growth regions of Asia and Latin America and increased substitution of traditional with innovative materials, there is a growing demand for SGL Group’s high-performance materials and products. Products from SGL Group are used predominantly in the steel, aluminum, automotive and chemical industries as well as in the semiconductor, solar and LED sectors and in lithium-ion batteries. Carbon-based materials and products are also being used increasingly in the wind power, aerospace and defense industries.
With 45 production sites in Europe, North America and Asia as well as a service network covering more than 100 countries, SGL Group is a company with a global presence. In 2012, the company’s workforce of around 6,700 employees generated sales of €1,709 million. The company’s head office is located in Wiesbaden, Germany.
