How to Install Plate Heat Exchanger Gaskets

Introduction

When performing preventative maintenance on your plate heat exchanger, one of the most important components to inspect is the plate gaskets. Gaskets guide the flow of the medium to prevent cross-contamination. Regular inspection, replacement, and mixed gasket procedures will help prevent cross-contamination issues and keep peak efficiency, saving you time and money in the long term.

Plate gaskets come in multiple styles, each tailored to the user’s preference. Installing and replacing gaskets properly will keep your PHE in peak operating condition. Read and watch more about how to install Mueller gaskets.

Loc-In Gasket

End Plate

On most loc-in plates, the first gasket is made by installing four rings and two filler strips.

• Identify the front plate that has the alignment tabs ground off.
• Grind off any part of the plate that extends beyond the gasket track
• Apply a small bead of glue to all sections of the gasket track
• Place the four rings in the port areas and the two filler strips into the sides
• Add an additional plate on top before placing a flat object and weight on top of the plates to compress them.

Flow Plates

• Align the gasket in the correct position for the flow channel. Make sure the leak detection slots are up and place the flat side of the gasket against the plate, and the gasket intentions will match up with the loc-in tabs.
• Insert the rings and cross pieces, then press down the gasket against the plate, starting in the middle and finishing in the center where you’ve already locked in.
• Repeat the process on the other side of the plate.

Glue-In Gasket

End Plate

The first gasket is made on most glued-in gaskets by cutting two in half and using the half with the rings.

• Cut the gasket in half and discard the half with no rings
• Remove the alignment tabs or any part of the gasket that extends beyond the sealing surface of the gasket.
• Locate the existing front plate of the plate pack. Look for the plate with the alignment tabs ground off.
• Grind off any part of the plate that extends beyond the gasket track so the gasket will fit flush with the fixed frame.
• Apply a small bead of glue to all sections of the gasket track so they don’t fall out as you load the plates into the unit. If any glue gets on the surface of the plate or gasket, it can easily be removed with a rag and alcohol.

Flow Plates

• Apply a small bead of glue, similar to what you did on the front plate but reflecting the shape of the gasket. Be sure not to apply any glue to the port and cross-section of the flow channel. If the gasket doesn’t fit flat into the gasket track, try rotating it 180° before placing it into the track.
• Stack the plate onto a previously glued plate, alternating the plates left and right. Place a flat object, such as plywood, on top of the plates.
• Place a weight on top to compress the gaskets into the track and ensure good adhesion.
• Inspect, after allowing time to dry, for any excess glue to ensure that the gaskets will seal properly when

Clip-In Gasket

End Plate

• Cut two gaskets in half and use the half with the rings.
• Discard the half with no rings.
• Remove every clip on the tab, the pieces between the rings, and the cross piece on the half to be installed on the flow side.
• Apply a small bead of glue to all sections of the gasket track
• Place the gasket halves evenly across the plate into the track and set to the side.
• Stack a loose plate on top of the glued front plate and place some weights on top to hold in place until the glue dries.

Flow Plates

• Attach a gasket on a flow plate.
• Place the flat side of the gasket down. Start by clipping on the rings and the cross pieces, then complete by clipping on the sides.