PILLOW HEAT EXCHANGER
BOIXAC pillow plate heat exchanger represent a thermal architecture that combines energy efficiency, mechanical strength, industrial hygiene and operational versatility. This technology, based on controlled inflation of plates to create a stable and repeatable dimple morphology, maximizes the heat transfer coefficient even under complex flow conditions, fouling fluids or transient regimes typical of demanding industrial processes.
Unlike conventional plate solutions, the BOIXAC pillow plate stands out for its adaptability: it can be designed in flat or curved formats, integrated into tanks, installed outdoors, used in immersion modules or as a direct contact surface. This flexibility allows the equipment to be precisely dimensioned according to pressure, temperature, fluid viscosity and available space.
Relief engineering and heat transfer optimization
The internal geometry of BOIXAC pillow plates generates controlled turbulence zones that significantly enhance heat transfer. The dimple patterns promote a high overall heat transfer coefficient U, while maintaining stability over a wide range of flow rates and temperature differences.
This behavior is particularly relevant in processes such as:
Energy recovery from steam and condensate.
Cooling of sensitive food-grade liquids.
Processing of viscous or sediment-laden fluids.
Evaporation and crystallization.
High-capacity thermal immersion systems.
Optimization is based on a combination of thermal calculations, stress modeling and flow simulation. BOIXAC routinely collaborates with engineering firms and plant managers to integrate the pillow plate precisely at the process point where efficiency is critical.
Structural robustness for high-stress operations
BOIXAC pillow plates are designed to withstand:
High internal and external pressures.
Elevated temperatures and aggressive thermal cycles.
Fouling media containing sludge, sand, polymers or organic sediments.
Mechanical demands in heavy industrial environments or marine installations.
This robustness ensures long service life and extended maintenance intervals. Custom design allows wall thickness, pattern geometry and flow orientation to be adapted to sector-specific regulatory requirements.
Industrial hygiene and efficient inspection
The smooth relief and dimple morphology minimize dead zones and surfaces prone to residue accumulation. BOIXAC pillow plates are compatible with:
CIP/SIP systems
High-flow cleaning
Direct visual inspection
Configurations with or without housing
These features make them an ideal solution for sanitary applications and processes where cleanliness is directly linked to final product quality.
Typical ROI
3-12 months
Efficiency
up to 90%
Warranty
2 years
Welds
up to 70% fewer
Industrial sectors where pillow plates excel
Food and beverage: Cooling of dairy products, beer, wine, juices, ice and immersion products.
Chemical and pharmaceutical: Heat exchange for sensitive fluids, evaporation processes, isothermal maintenance and energy recovery.
Energy and petrochemical: Thermal recovery from steam, condensate and high-energy residual streams.
Pulp and heavy industry: Cooling of process circuits and thermal management of sediment-laden fluids.
Naval and marine: Robust solutions for highly variable conditions and corrosive environments.
Custom design and process integration
BOIXAC develops each pillow plate according to:
Operating conditions (P/T)
Flow rates and flow regimes
Liquid–liquid, liquid–gas or vapor–liquid interactions
Available space and required orientation
Sanitary and regulatory requirements
Client and process specifications
This level of customization is essential to ensure seamless integration with minimal hydraulic resistance and maximum thermal efficiency.
Key competitive advantages
High heat exchange efficiency through controlled turbulence.
Excellent performance with difficult fluids and dirty media.
Extended service life and mechanical stability in critical environments.
Simplified hygiene and inspection, ideal for food and pharmaceutical processes.
Dimensional flexibility and adaptability across all industrial sectors.
Reduced energy consumption and improved operational performance.
Technical FAQ
What exactly is a BOIXAC pillow plate?
It is a heat exchanger consisting of two welded metal plates that are inflated to form internal channels maximizing heat transfer.
Why is it more efficient than other systems?
Because the dimple geometry generates controlled turbulence that increases the overall heat transfer coefficient U and reduces dead zones.
Can it handle fouling fluids?
Yes. This is one of its key strengths. It handles sediments, sand, sludge or polymers with minimal clogging.
Is it suitable for energy recovery?
Yes. It is particularly effective with steam, condensate and hot residual streams.
Whay is its service life?
It depends on the medium and operating conditions, but the structural robustness of the BOIXAC pillow plate ensures long service intervals and low degradation.
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