Hexonic RHB60-50H brazed plate heat exchanger for heat pumps, 50 plates
- Application: heat pump — refrigerant ↔ water/glycol (condenser, evaporator)
- Heat capacity: ~100-250 kW (depending on refrigerant and mode)
- Nominal pressure: 45 bar refrigerant / 25 bar water
- Connection: welded connections on refrigerant side, threaded on water side
Where RHB60-50H is used
The RHB series (Refrigerant, B60 size, H profile) is designed to separate heat pump primary and secondary loops: one side — refrigerant (R32, R410A, R454B, R290, etc.), the other — water or glycol. Used as a condenser (heating mode) or evaporator (cooling mode). The RDS (Refrigerant Distribution System) special channel pattern ensures uniform refrigerant distribution and stable superheat.
Technical specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Code | 0246-0193 |
| Series | Hexonic RHB60 (R-line) |
| Model | RHB60-50H |
| Number of plates | 50 |
| Plate profile | H (higher chevron angle) |
| Nominal pressure — refrigerant side | 45 bar (4.5 MPa) |
| Nominal pressure — water side | 25 bar (2.5 MPa) |
| Max working temperature | 150 °C |
| Min working temperature | -195 °C |
| Connection (refrigerant) | Welded connection |
| Connection (water/glycol) | G 5/4" or G 2" (depending on variant) |
| Plate material | Stainless steel AISI 316L (1.4404) |
| Brazing filler | Copper (Cu) |
| Plate dimensions | 538 × 113 mm |
| Unit depth (F) | ~127.5 mm |
| Weight | ~15.6 kg |
| Media (refrigerant) | R32, R410A, R454B, R1234yf, R290, R744 (CO₂ — consult on PN) |
| Media (secondary side) | Water, glycol solutions up to 50 % |
Heat pump sizing guidelines
Heat pump exchanger size depends on refrigerant type, evaporation/condensation temperatures and COP. General principle: condensers need larger area (smaller ΔT between refrigerant and water); evaporators need higher Δp tolerance due to two-phase flow.
Model RHB60-50H is suitable for heat pumps with ~100-250 kW heating capacity. Exact sizing must be verified via Hexonic CAIRO Selection Software or manufacturer calculation based on your compressor specifications.
When to choose RHB60-50H
- Heat pump condenser with ~100-250 kW heating capacity
- Heat pump evaporator with matched RDS pattern
- When refrigerant working pressure is up to 45 bar (not for CO₂ transcritical — needs a special model)
- When a compact solution with leak-tight welded refrigerant connections is required
When to choose an alternative
- CO₂ (R744) transcritical cycle — needs PN 120 bar+ model (RHB60 not suitable)
- Ammonia (R717) — needs nickel brazing (copper incompatible with NH₃)
- Very large capacity (>500 kW) — larger series (RHC110, RHM110, cascade)
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 heat pump exchanger selection
Official Hexonic catalogue: hexonic.com/brazed-plate-exchangers/R
Frequently asked questions
Is this model suitable for R32 refrigerant?
Yes. R32 working pressure (high side ~35-40 bar) fits within 45 bar PN. R410A also works. R454B, R1234yf, R290 (propane) — also suitable. R744 (CO₂) — not suitable, needs a special 120 bar+ model.
Condenser or evaporator?
In condenser configuration, hot refrigerant vapour enters the top connection and condenses flowing downward. In evaporator configuration, two-phase refrigerant is fed from the bottom and evaporates flowing upward. The exchanger is physically the same — mounting orientation and piping arrangement are what matter.
What maintenance is required?
Brazed construction requires no disassembly maintenance. Water side — CIP flushing every 3-5 years. Refrigerant side — no maintenance needed (closed cycle).
Can ammonia (R717) be used?
No. Ammonia chemically reacts with copper and will damage the brazing filler. R717 systems require a nickel-brazed model or an all-stainless variant (Hexonic Luna R-series).
Is insulation needed?
For heat pump condenser — hot-side insulation is recommended (APFI series). For evaporator — cold-side insulation (special type down to -40 °C, 20 mm thickness) is essential to prevent condensation and frost.
