Choosing the right heat exchanger is crucial for improving the efficiency and performance of your diesel or off-road machine. But how do you decide between a bar and plate heat exchanger or an extruded tube one?
This complete guide on bar and plate vs. extruded tube heat exchangers will give you all the information you need to make an informed decision.
Let’s take a look at everything you need to know when choosing between bar and plate vs. extruded tube heat exchangers.
Too long didn’t read? Check out our 2 minute Youtube video summarizing bar and plate vs. extruded tube heat exchangers
This Post Covers:
- What is a bar and plate heat exchanger?
- What is an extruded tube heat exchanger?
- Is an extruded tube heat exchanger better than a bar and plate?
- The advantages of extruded tube heat exchangers
- The advantages of bar and plate heat exchangers
- What are the key differences between a bar and plate vs. extruded tube heat exchanger?
- Are extruded tube heat exchangers more durable?
- Are extruded tube heat exchangers easier to maintain and repair?
- What type of heat exchanger is best for high pressure applications?
- What type of heat exchanger is best for extreme working conditions?
- Can you customize an extruded tube heat exchanger?
- Can you customize a bar and plate heat exchanger?
- Is an extruded tube heat exchanger better for high-flow applications?
- High Quality Extruded Tube Heat Exchangers Available Across Canada & The U.S.
What is a bar and plate heat exchanger?
Most original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) commonly construct bar and plate heat exchangers by stacking a series of thick metal “bars” and “plates.”
Each plate acts as a channel, allowing different fluids to flow separately within the same unit.
We carry a huge inventory of bar and plate heat exchangers in all standard sizes here at West End Rad.
One of the benefits of purchasing a bar & plate heat exchanger with us is that they are pre-manufacutred & always in stock.
So they’re ready to ship!
What is an extruded tube heat exchanger?
On the contrary, an extruded tube heat exchanger is a type of heat exchanger that uses parallel extruded tubes to exchange heat between two fluids, like air and water.
This is another style of heat exchanger we manufacture here at West End Rad.
We manufacture our extruded tube heat exchangers from aluminum. This makes them lightweight, efficient and longer lasting than the OEM.
Is an extruded tube heat exchanger better than a bar and plate?
Every machine has different needs when it comes to a heat exchanger.
Therefore, one style is not necessarily “better” than the other.
Both extruded tube heat exchangers and bar and plate have different advantages.
Let’s take a look!
The advantages of extruded tube heat exchangers:
1. Efficiency
Because there is more surface area in the tubes, extruded tube heat exchangers can provide enhanced heat transfer.
2. Durability
Extruded tube heat exchangers are more resistant to leaks and corrosion due to their robust construction and the use of high-quality materials. This often results in a longer lifespan and reduced maintenance costs.
3. Versatility
Extruded tube heat exchangers are easily customizable for any heavy-duty industry. This is because they are ideal for optimizing space, or accommodating unique flow patterns.
The advantages of bar and plate heat exchangers:
1. Accessibility
Bar and plate heat exchangers are a more standard style across most heavy-duty industries, meaning they are more readily available.
2. Cost Effectiveness
Oftentimes, aftermarket bar and plate heat exchangers are more reasonably priced since the design is simple & straightforward to manufacture.
3. Durability
Bar and plate heat exchangers are extremely durable due to the vigours testing procedure our team here at West End Rad puts them through. This ensure they are 100% leak-free up to 25 PSI.
What are the key differences between a bar and plate vs. extruded tube heat exchanger?
Here’s a few key differences between a bar and plate vs. extruded tube heat exchanger:
- Design — the manufacturing is quite different in each style. One has tubes stacked whereas the other has tubes running parallel.
- Customizability — bar and plate heat exchangers come in standard OEM sizes, whereas extruded tube are customizable based on your machine’s needs.
- Maintenance — due to the different designs of each, extruded tube and bar and plate heat exchangers must be maintained in different ways.
Are extruded tube heat exchangers more durable?
Extruded tube heat exchangers are extremely durable.
How?
Because they are strongly constructed with corrosion-resistant materials. This results in fewer weak points.
In addition, extruded tube heat exchangers are able to handle high pressures and temperatures without leaking.
However, this does not necessarily mean extruded tube heat exchangers are more durable than bar and plate.
Again, it all comes down to…
- How your machine is being used
- How often
- How much preventative maintenance you are doing.
Are extruded tube heat exchangers easier to maintain and repair?
Yes!
Because of their simplified design, extruded tube heat exchangers are generally easier to maintain and repair.
The open tube structure allows for easy cleaning and inspection.
Their durable construction also reduces the risk of corrosion and leaks, lowering maintenance needs over time.
What type of heat exchanger is best for high pressure applications?
Generally, extruded tube heat exchangers are a better choice for high-pressure applications
Here’s a few heavy-duty industries that benefit from using an extruded tube heat exchanger:
Here’s another reason why extruded tube heat exchangers are better for high pressure applications…
They can withstand significant pressure because of their aluminum tubes!
This is key for any machines that work under demanding conditions.
What type of heat exchanger is best for extreme working conditions?
While the choice is completely yours, the evidence does show that any heat exchanger built from aluminum is most likely the more durable choice.
Why?
Because aluminum construction makes them highly resistant to corrosion. And ensures reliable performance even in harsh environments.
Further to this, aluminum heat exchangers are easily customizable to fit unique flow patterns and space requirements for any industry.
This includes:
Can you customize an extruded tube heat exchanger?
Yes!
When you choose an extruded tube heat exchanger with West End Rad, customization is our top priority.
Extruded tube heat exchangers are easily customizable for any heavy-duty industry. This is because they are ideal for optimizing space and accommodating unique flow patterns.
At our aluminum manufacturing plant located in the heart of Canada, we custom manufacture extruded tube heat exchangers.
Learn more here!
Plus, download our custom core aluminum form to customize an extruded tube heat exchanger that fits your machine’s needs.
Or, fill out our custom part form so we can customize a part to your machine’s exact needs.
Can you customize a bar and plate heat exchanger?
Unfortunately, you can not customize a bar and plate heat exchanger with West End Rad.
While we do carry a huge inventory of options, they come in standard sizes for most heavy-duty OEMs.
So while you and/or your customer will not have a say in say fin spacing, we can guarantee that a replacement heat exchanger will be in stock and ready for you immediately!
Is an extruded tube heat exchanger better for high-flow applications?
Yes.
It’s safe to say that extruded tube heat exchangers are more well-suited for high-flow applications, including oil and gas refinery equipment, power generation machines and manufacturing equipment.
This is due to what we’ve already mentioned. But mostly because of their unique design and fluid dynamics advantages.
The parallel and simple structure of extruded tubes make them ideal for high-flow applications.
However that is not to say bar and plate heat exchangers won’t work for high-flow applications as well.
In fact, you or your customer may prefer a bar and plate heat exchanger depending on the OEM they are replacing and the exact fit required.
High Quality Extruded Tube Heat Exchangers Available Across Canada & The U.S.
We proudly serve:
- Radiator shops
- Fleet owner-operators
- Small to medium-sized enterprises throughout Canada and the United States
Our high-quality, custom extruded tube heat exchangers can withstand demanding work conditions.
Plus we can tailor the fin style, core width and header to ensure it works the best for your machine’s needs.
While our inventory of bar and plate heat exchangers are enhanced from the OEM’s tube & design, making them a durable choice for machines working in extreme climates and rough road conditions.
Providing world-class customer service is our core value.
So you know you can rely on our dedicated team to provide you with top-quality industrial aluminum rads that meet your work extremes!
Reach out to our team for more information.
Toll-free: 1-877-RAD-CORE (723-2673)
