Energy recovery: evaluating a plate heat exchanger

Using systems for collecting hazardous substances at source is the only solution that makes it possible to preserve the health of workers exposed to such substances. Unfortunately, the air extracted in this way must be compensated for by energy-guzzling ventilation systems. However, the resulting extra costs may be offset by installing energy recovery units. Various technologies are available today, including the technology constituted by a plate heat exchanger. An evaluation of such a system conducted in a plastics engineering workshop thus shows that the resulting savings can reach €4,500 per year. This means that such systems can pay for themselves within 2 to 5 years.