In a plate heat exchanger, which section has product on both sides of the plates?

In a plate heat exchanger, the regeneration section is specifically designed to have product flow on both sides of the plates. This configuration allows for efficient heat transfer between the outgoing and incoming streams, maximizing energy recovery. In a regeneration process, one fluid (for instance, a hot fluid) transfers its heat to another fluid (a cold fluid) that is about to enter the heat exchanger, thus pre-heating it.

This method of utilizing both sides of the plates for product flow enhances the overall thermal efficiency of the system and is particularly common in applications where energy conservation is critical. The design focuses on ensuring that the temperature gradient between the two fluids is maintained for optimal heat transfer, allowing the heat exchanger to perform its function effectively.

The other options represent different functions or configurations of the heat exchanger. For example, in cooling and heating sections, typically one side will handle a hot fluid while the other one is dedicated to a cooling or heating medium, whereas the holding section does not involve the same direct exchange of heat between two product streams.