Alfa Laval CB20-50H brazed plate heat exchanger, 1", 50 plates, PN 16
- Application: primary/secondary loop separation — district heating, DHW, process
- Heat capacity: ~40-90 kW (depending on flow rate and ΔT)
- Nominal pressure: PN 16 (16 bar)
- Connection: G 1" external thread (both sides)
Where CB20-50H is used
This 50-plate brazed heat exchanger is typically chosen for substation user branches in multi-family buildings (primary side from the district heating network, secondary side for space heating or DHW). The compact housing (106 × 94 × 324 mm) fits even in small technical rooms. The brazed gasket-free construction requires no periodic maintenance that gasketed exchangers would need.
Technical specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Code | 3287000017 |
| Series | Alfa Laval CB20 |
| Model | CB20-50H |
| Number of plates | 50 |
| Nominal pressure (PN) | 16 bar |
| Connection | G 1" external thread (S1-S4) |
| Plate material | Stainless steel |
| Brazing filler | Copper |
| Dimensions (L × W × H) | 106 × 94 × 324 mm |
| Weight | ~4.87 kg |
| Construction | Brazed, hermetic (gasket-free) |
| Media | Water, glycol solutions, other media compatible with stainless steel and copper |
Heat transfer capacity — quick calculation
Capacity depends on flow rate, ΔT and logarithmic mean temperature difference (LMTD). General formula: P = Q × ΔT × 1.163 (kW, Q m³/h, ΔT °C).
Example for heating mode (primary 90/70 °C → secondary 65/40 °C): at Q = 2 m³/h and effective ΔT ≈ 20 °C → P ≈ 46 kW. With Q = 3 m³/h and ΔT ≈ 25 °C → P ≈ 87 kW.
When to choose CB20-50H
- Multi-family substation user branches with capacity demand ~40-90 kW
- Domestic hot water (DHW) primary heat exchanger for small-to-medium systems
- Cooling systems buffer separation (primary chilled water / secondary building loop)
- When a compact solution without gasket maintenance is required
B2B delivery and logistics via Amegata.lt
- 24-hour delivery across Lithuania (from our warehouse in Vilnius)
- Competitive B2B pricing — often below market average
- 30-day payment terms for companies (per contract)
- Free technical consultation for sizing selection
Official Alfa Laval catalogue: shop.alfalaval.com/CB20 50 plates
Frequently asked questions
What does "H" mean in CB20-50H?
"H" denotes a higher plate chevron angle (higher heat transfer coefficient, higher pressure drop). "M" (medium) and "L" (low) variants have different profiles and suit different flow rates / pressure budgets.
Can glycol mixtures be used?
Yes. CB20 series exchangers are compatible with ethylene glycol and propylene glycol solutions up to 50 %, when appropriate inhibitors are used. For DHW — only potable-grade fluids allowed.
What maintenance is required?
Brazed gasket-free construction requires no periodic disassembly maintenance. Recommended only CIP (Clean-in-Place) flushing every 3-5 years if fouling signs appear (rising pressure drop or falling heat transfer).
Is it suitable for potable water?
Yes. Stainless steel plates and copper brazing meet potable water system requirements (WRAS, DVGW and similar certifications, depending on country).
Is it suitable for regions with aggressive water?
In some regions, district heating water contains elevated chlorides or ammonia — in such systems, copper brazing may shorten the exchanger's service life. In these cases we recommend the Alfa Laval AlfaNova series (stainless steel brazing, copper-free). For hard water with elevated Ca/Mg carbonate content, limescale gradually builds up on the plates and reduces heat-transfer efficiency; for such systems gasketed (plate-and-frame) exchangers are preferable, as they can be periodically opened for mechanical or CIP cleaning. Contact us — we will select the model best suited to your water conditions.
