During inspection, if the heat exchange medium outlet temperature continuously deviates from the set range, or fin fouling causes an increase in pressure drop, it often indicates that the operating status of the BRF-60 plate-frame fin heat exchanger needs to be checked. This equipment has a design pressure of 1.6 MPa and a design temperature of 200°C, and is positioned for medium-temperature heat exchange in HVAC, district heating, and chemical processes, commonly used in renovation and replacement under medium and low pressure conditions. Such phenomena are usually related to the degree of matching of installation space, medium viscosity, and heat exchange load during the selection stage, rather than a single fault.
For outlet temperature drift, it is recommended to first check the deviation between the actual heat exchange load and the design value, and confirm whether the medium flow rate and inlet temperature are stable. If the load remains unchanged but the temperature difference narrows, check whether the fin surface is scaled or fouled, and whether the plate-frame seal is intact. For media with higher viscosity, evaluate whether the flow velocity is below the design range to avoid a decrease in heat transfer coefficient due to laminar flow.
An increase in pressure drop is mostly related to blockage of the fin channels. During maintenance, the fin gaps can be flushed with compressed air or low-pressure water according to the cycle specified in the equipment manual, avoiding the use of hard tools for scraping. After flushing, the pressure drop should be re-measured; if it is still higher than the initial value, check for fin deformation or embedded foreign objects.
In renovation and replacement projects, selection should be based on the actual installation space and medium parameters, with necessary maintenance access reserved. Recording outlet temperature and pressure drop trends during operation helps distinguish whether the issue is due to selection matching or later fouling. Regular maintenance and parameter review can extend the stable operation cycle of the heat exchanger.
