1-805-484-2992
Quotes - Engineering - SalesNickel Brazed Plate
For Ammonia and Copper-Aggressive Fluids
Nickel brazed units are built the same way as copper brazed ones, with 316 stainless plates vacuum brazed into a sealed block, but with nickel filler in place of copper. Construction, pressure capability and compactness are comparable.
Ammonia refrigeration. The principal application. Ammonia is an excellent refrigerant and an aggressive attacker of copper, so any brazed exchanger in an ammonia circuit must be nickel brazed. Evaporators and condensers on small and mid-size ammonia systems commonly use them.
Chemical duty. Some amines, certain process fluids and specific water chemistries also argue against copper. Where the fluid analysis is uncertain, nickel is the conservative choice.
Cost. Nickel brazing costs more than copper. Specifying it where copper would be perfectly adequate is a common way to spend money for no benefit, so it is worth confirming the fluid rather than defaulting to it.
Typical Specification
- Plates: Type 316 stainless
- Braze material: Nickel
- Construction: Vacuum brazed monolithic block
- Primary application: Ammonia refrigeration
- Also used for: Amines and copper-aggressive process fluids
- Gaskets: None
- Pressure: High; model dependent
- Cost: Higher than copper brazed
- Cleaning: Chemical circulation only
- Alternative: Semi-welded Accu-Therm for larger ammonia duty
| PRODUCT | CONSTRUCTION | MATERIALS | SUPPLY |
| Nickel Brazed Plate | Mueller factory built | 304 / 316 stainless | Authorized representative |
Nickel Brazed Plate
Brazed or Semi-Welded for Ammonia?
For smaller ammonia duties a nickel brazed unit is compact, sealed and economical. As capacity grows, a semi-welded Accu-Therm becomes the better proposition because the water side can be opened and cleaned.
The crossover depends on the duty and on how dirty the secondary fluid is. Tell us both and we will show you where the line falls for your system.
Common FAQs
It is the main reason, but not the only one. Certain amines, some process fluids and particular water chemistries also attack copper. Where the fluid analysis is uncertain, nickel is the conservative selection.
Construction, pressure capability and compactness are comparable to copper brazed. The difference is material compatibility and cost, not thermal behaviour.
As ammonia duty grows, or where the secondary fluid fouls. A semi-welded Accu-Therm keeps the refrigerant inside welded cassettes while allowing the water side to be opened and cleaned, which a brazed unit cannot offer.
Related
Copper Brazed Plate
Copper brazing is the default, and for the great majority of duties it is also the right answer. It is...
+ Learn More
Sizing & Selection
Brazed plate units are cheap enough that people buy them from a table. That works until it does not, and when...
+ Learn More
