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Replacement of VAHTERUS Plate Shell Heat Exchangers

1:1 Replacement of VAHTERUS Plate & Shell Heat Exchanger | HEXNOVAS
Case Study / Drop-in Replacement

1:1 Replacement of VAHTERUS Plate & Shell Heat Exchangers

HEXNOVAS provided a fully interchangeable replacement solution for existing VAHTERUS Plate & Shell® heat exchangers,   helping the customer reduce purchasing cost, shorten delivery time, and avoid expensive site modification.

Project Highlights

  • Original VAHTERUS PSHE units replaced 1:1
  • Same nozzle orientation and flange connection
  • No pipework or foundation modification required
  • Significant cost and lead-time saving
  • Thermal and mechanical performance re-checked
Project Background

Replacing Aging Imported Plate & Shell Heat Exchangers

The customer’s existing equipment was originally supplied by VAHTERUS and had been operating on site for many years.                During maintenance planning, the customer required a replacement unit that could be installed directly into the existing system.

Original Brand                VAHTERUS Plate & Shell® Heat Exchanger
Original Models                PSHE 4LL-76/1/1 and PSHE 4LL-154/1/1
Replacement Type                Customized Plate & Shell Heat Exchanger
Key Requirement                1:1 drop-in replacement without piping modification
Customer Benefit                Lower cost, shorter delivery time, reduced shutdown risk
vahterus-PSHE-4LL-76-drawing.png


vahterus-PSHE-4LL-154-drawing.pngOriginal layout reference for PSHE 4LL-154/1/1 replacement

Replacement Scope

Two VAHTERUS Models Replaced with 1:1 Design

Based on the original drawings and nameplate information, HEXNOVAS reproduced the key installation dimensions,            nozzle positions, support arrangement, and connection layout.

PSHE 4LL-76/1/1 Replacement

Compact Plate & Shell heat exchanger replacement

JPS80-PS16-76D.jpg
DN80 Plate Side                DN150 / DN50 Shell Side                Drop-in Fit
  • Connection orientation matched with the original unit.
  • Overall length, shell diameter, support height, and centerlines reproduced.
  • Designed for direct installation into the existing piping system.

PSHE 4LL-154/1/1 Replacement

Larger capacity Plate & Shell heat exchanger replacement

JPS80-PS16-154D.jpg
DN80 Plate Side                DN125 Shell Side                Same Footprint
  • Same nozzle location and flange connection arrangement.
  • Support structure and installation footprint matched to the site layout.
  • Thermal performance and mechanical design recalculated before manufacturing.
How We Did It

Not Similar — Fully Interchangeable

For replacement projects, dimensional accuracy is as important as thermal performance. Our engineering team focused on both.

1

Site Data Review

We reviewed the original drawings, nameplate photos, nozzle arrangement, and installation constraints.

2

1:1 Layout Design

The replacement unit was designed with the same nozzle orientation, centerline, support height, and footprint.

3

Performance Check

Heat transfer area, pressure drop, operating pressure, and temperature conditions were recalculated.

4

Direct Installation

The new unit could be installed directly with minimal shutdown time and no major site modification.

Customer Value

Lower Cost, Faster Delivery, Less Site Work

The main value of this project was not only the equipment itself, but the total saving in procurement, installation, and downtime.

Cost Saving

Compared with sourcing original replacement units, the customized HEXNOVAS solution offered a more cost-effective alternative.

Shorter Lead Time

Reverse engineering and customized manufacturing helped reduce technical confirmation and production lead time.

No Piping Modification

With 1:1 interface design, the customer avoided cutting, welding, foundation changes, and support modification.

Reduced Shutdown Risk

Direct replacement helped minimize installation time and reduce production interruption.

Dimensional Accuracy

Critical dimensions including nozzle centerlines, shell size, support position, and installation height were controlled during design.

Reliable Performance

Thermal and mechanical calculations were reviewed to ensure the replacement unit met the original duty requirements.

Replacement Comparison

Original Unit vs. HEXNOVAS Replacement

ItemOriginal VAHTERUS UnitHEXNOVAS 1:1 Replacement
Equipment TypePlate & Shell® Heat ExchangerCustomized Plate & Shell Heat Exchanger
Installation SizeExisting fixed site layoutMatched to original footprint
Nozzle ArrangementExisting pipework already connectedSame nozzle orientation and centerline
Site ModificationModification required if replacement dimensions differNo major piping or foundation modification
Procurement CostHigher cost for original replacementMore economical replacement solution
Delivery TimeLonger lead time for imported spare unitShorter lead time through customized manufacturing
Project Images

Original Drawings and Nameplate References

These reference images were used to verify the replacement layout, model information, connection sizes, and installation dimensions.

Original PSHE 4LL-76 drawing
Original PSHE 4LL-76/1/1 drawing reference
vahterus-PSHE-4LL-76-nameplate.jpgOriginal PSHE 4LL-76/1/1 nameplate
Original PSHE 4LL-154 drawing
Original PSHE 4LL-154/1/1 drawing reference
vahterus-pshe-4LL-154-nameplate.jpgOriginal PSHE 4LL-154/1/1 nameplate
shell and plate heat exchanger.jpg1:1 replacement design based on original installation layout
Project Result

Successful Drop-in Replacement with Minimum Shutdown

HEXNOVAS successfully provided a 1:1 replacement solution for the customer’s existing VAHTERUS Plate & Shell heat exchangers.                    The replacement units were designed to match the original layout, allowing the customer to keep the existing piping, supports, and installation space.

This project demonstrates HEXNOVAS’ capability to replace imported plate & shell heat exchangers with customized,                    fully interchangeable units. For customers operating aging imported equipment, this approach can reduce total replacement cost,                    shorten delivery time, and minimize site construction risk.

Need a 1:1 Replacement for an Imported Heat Exchanger?

Send us the nameplate, photos, drawings, and operating conditions. HEXNOVAS can help evaluate whether a drop-in replacement solution is possible for your existing plate & shell, welded plate, gasketed plate, or shell & tube heat exchanger.

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