DBHE Essencial

AIC’s diffusion bonded heat exchangers are distinguished by compact design and outstanding performance at high pressure.

DBHE Solid state bonding of metals for exceptional resistance in heavy-duty applications

Copyright © 2023 AIC S.A. All Rights Reserved.

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DBHE Diffusion Bonded Heat Exchangers

AIC diffusion bonded heat exchangers stand out with the ability to operate at extremely high pressures while maintaining a compact design. DBHE heat exchangers might be up to 6 times smaller than traditional shell and tube devices designed to work at the same parameters. The performance of DBHE makes them well suited to a variety of demanding applications.

All key features related with DBHE heat exchangers, such as its durability, compactness and effectiveness make them a perfect solution for applications demanding outstanding reliability under extreme working conditions, such as high pressures, elevated temperatures and large temperature differences as also for applications with size and weight limitations/applications requiring compactness and effectiveness.

Diffusion bonding is a process where components are bonded using a solid-state process. Plates with carefully and accurate prepared micro channels are stacked in layers, one on top of the other, thus forming the core of the device. Stack is placed on a special bed and inserted in a vacuum oven.

It is then heated up and evenly loaded with a uniaxial pressure. As a result of the process, a block of highly structural integrated material is obtained.

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Diffusion bonding is an advanced process for joining stainless steel elements. This method is based on the principle of solid-state diffusion, in which the atoms of two solid, metallic surfaces intersperse over time.

Advantages of DBHE

→ Superior structural integrity from solid-state joining process with no material filler or gasketed connections promotes durability and longevity → Ability to withstand extremely high pressures (up to 1000 barG) and broad range of temperature (from cryogenic up to 800 °C) → Compact solution - up to 6 times smaller than the regular shell and tube heat exchangers intended for the same heat duty → No limitation in flow configuration of fluids - cocurrent, countercurrent, crossbow flows possible → Extended heat transfer area enclosed in compact size due to microchannel technology → Ability to reach very close temperature approach (1 °C) between working fluids → Customizable solution in terms of size, nozzle configuration and material

Design pressure

Full vacuum up to 1 000 barG (1 4500 psiG)

Design code

PED/ASME U-stamp

Design temperature

Up to 600 °C (1100 °F) for 316 L Stainless Steel. Higher temperatures limits available for different materials

Maximum heat transfer area

On request customizable to particular application

Connections

Threaded, flanged or grooved connection. Customizable to particular application

Standard materials

Austenitic 304L/31 6L in standard. Other materials (Duplex/Nickel Alloys/Superaustenitic steel) on request

Dimensions on weights

Up to few tons per single unit, depending on particular application

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Diffusion Bonding at AIC Diffusion bonding process creates a strong bond, which makes the AIC’s components exceptionally durable, so they can withstand extreme conditions and deliver utmost reliability. Additionally, the ability to join two metals together with a low-heat requirement allows us to create complex geometry of our products.

Outstanding performance at high pressure combined with compact design distinguishes AIC’s diffusion-bonded heat exchangers. In-house designed plates with properly etched microchannels are stacked in layers, one on top of the other, forming the core of the device. The stack is inserted into a diffusion bonding furnace, where, in a controlled atmosphere, it is heated up (below the melting point of the material) and evenly loaded with uniaxial pressure.

As a result of the process, a block of structurally integrated material is obtained. All key features related to DBHE heat exchangers, such as their durability, compactness, and effectiveness, make them an excellent solution for applications demanding reliability under extreme working conditions: high pressure, elevated temperatures, and temperature differences.

A compact design allows for the use of DBHE in applications constrained by size and weight.

Copyright © 2023 AIC S.A. All Rights Reserved.

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