The aim of this work was to present the numerical simulation results determining the distributions of flow velocity and pressure in the individual channels of a plate heat exchanger. The simulations have been conducted by means of the Finite Volume Method (FVM) of numerical computation using the ANSYS CFX software. The computational model constituted spaces between 10 flat, straight flow type plates of the heat exchanger. The obtained results of numerical simulations confirm the presence of inhomogeneous flow conditions in the neighbouring channels between the plates. The computations enabled to point out the regions on the plates, in which insufficient flow can result in problems with their cleaning. The results of this work constitute the first part of a research leading to an assessment of cleaning conditions in plate heat exchangers.

This paper presents a study on the effect of cleaning factors on the energy consumption of the cleaning process in a CIP system, and the correlation between single components of electricity necessary to perform this process and the cleanliness degree obtained. Studies were carried out in a laboratory cleaning station, wherein a plate heat exchanger contaminated with hot milk was included. The research program was developed according to a 5-level statistical plan. Based on the results, obtained with Experiment Planner 1.0, a regression function of energy requirement considering variables such as: cleaning time, temperature and flow rate of the cleaning liquid via the cleaned exchanger has been developed. Describing this relationship, linear and quadratic functions with double interactions were used. Significance level for the analysis was established at α = 0.05. Correlation analysis between components of the electricity necessary to perform the cleaning process (pump drive and heating of the cleaning agent) and the resulting degree of cleaning of heat exchanger plates was performed.