5 Heat Exchangers Compared

Find the right solution for your thermal management

Efficient thermal management starts with selecting the right heat exchanger. Not every type is equally suited for every application. Whether in industrial buildings, machinery or data centres – the requirements vary, as do the available technologies. This article provides a structured overview of five proven heat exchanger types from the Bachofen range. It will help you find the solution that matches your needs – with no heat stress in the decision-making process.

Heat exchanger types at a glance

From the classic bolted design to high-end fusion-welded models: in this section, we present five key heat exchanger types from our portfolio – including their strengths and typical areas of application.

Bolted plate heat exchangers

Ideal for small temperature differences – known as LMTD (logarithmic mean temperature difference) – and high flow rates. Easy to maintain and adapt.

Copper-brazed plate heat exchangers

Compact and powerful – this type shows its strengths when space is limited. Ideal for small to medium-sized applications.

Fusion-welded plate heat exchangers (100% stainless steel)

Non-ferrous, solder-free, and uncompromising: for hygienic applications (e.g. potable water) and district heating systems. A clean solution – inside and out.

Shell and tube heat exchangers

Built for extremes: whether high flow volumes, large temperature differences or rapid thermal changes – shell and tube heat exchangers are a robust and reliable solution for demanding processes.

Fully welded plate-and-shell heat exchangers

Durable, powerful and space-efficient – perfect when high performance is required in a small footprint.

Side-by-side comparison: key selection criteria

What really matters when choosing a heat exchanger? This direct comparison highlights which design performs best under specific conditions – from dimensions to efficiency.

Criteria	Bolted	Brazed	100% Stainless Steel	Shell & Tube	Plate & Shell
Outer dimensions	Medium to large	Very compact	Very compact	Large	Medium
Temperature / pressure resistance	Medium	High	High	Very high	Very high
Media compatibility	High	Medium	High	High	High
Energy efficiency	Very high	Very high	Very high	Medium	High

System solutions from Bachofen

Every application is different – which is why at Bachofen, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. We show how our heat exchangers perform in practice and support you in selecting and dimensioning the ideal setup.

Whether it’s district heating, machine cooling or IT infrastructure – Bachofen provides heat exchanger solutions that are perfectly matched to your application. Plate-and-shell heat exchangers excel when high performance is required. Fusion-welded stainless steel versions shine where compactness and efficiency are key. In short: we don’t just supply components, but well-thought-out systems – tailored, efficient, and trusted throughout Switzerland.

More than just metal: sensors and control valves in harmony

Heat exchangers reach their full potential only when combined with precise sensor technology and smart control – especially when exact temperature regulation and optimised flow are critical. A heat exchanger alone doesn’t make a system run smoothly. Only with the right control does it become a coordinated ensemble:

Control valves provide accurate flow – delivering the right amount at the right time.
Fluid sensors from Bachofen precisely measure temperature, pressure, flow or level, and feed critical data to the higher-level control system – whether building automation or PLC.
The combination of valve, sensors and intelligent evaluation enables precise adjustment of heating or cooling output – efficient and adaptable.

Good to know: Pressure drop (Δp) in a heat exchanger is often underestimated. Yet it plays a key role in creating turbulence and shear forces – crucial for efficient heat transfer and low fouling risk. Too little pressure drop? Flow is easy, but fouling increases. Too much? High efficiency, but rising pump costs. Our advice: don’t guess – let’s find the right balance together.

Choosing your heat exchanger with a cool head

As you can see: the differences lie in the detail – and sometimes in the material. Rely on our expertise for your next thermal management decision.

From theory to the perfect practical solution: selecting the right type of heat exchanger is critical to achieving reliable and efficient thermal management. At Bachofen, you benefit from expert advice, decades of experience and a comprehensive product range. We calculate the optimal heat exchanger for your needs – ensuring the best value for money and systems that keep their cool.