Ultra-efficient bulk solids heating

Solex’s heat exchange technology heats bulk solids to uniform temperatures of up to 700°C while using up to 90% less energy, emitting virtually no emissions and offering a significantly smaller installation footprint than traditional methods.

In addition, waste heat from elsewhere in the facility can be captured and reused, improving efficiency and generating even greater cost savings.

And thanks to a vertically oriented modular design with no moving parts, you can quickly increase capacity and eliminate bottlenecks while reducing maintenance costs at the same time

Controlled product flow

Free-flowing bulk solids pass slowly downward between a series of vertical hollow heat exchanger plates.

Indirect plate heating

Steam, hot water, thermal oil or air flow through the plates to heat bulk solids material by conduction.

Mass flow

The mass flow discharge feeder creates uniform product velocity and regulates product flow rate.

Vertical model

Bulk solids pass through the unit by gravity, using no moving parts.

Benefits

Increase your energy efficiency

Use up to 90% less energy : Indirect heating by conduction uses drastically less energy than other conventional direct heating equipment such as fluid bed heaters or rotary drums.

Recover and reuse waste energy: Plate heat exchange technology makes it possible to capture and use low-grade heat from elsewhere in your facility for heating bulk solids – whether through hot water, steam, thermal oil or air. The more recovered energy you have available, the greater the potential savings.

Get a superior final product

Prevent abrasion or degradation : The slow and controlled movement of the free-flowing bulk solids prevents product abrasion and degradation so there is no change in particle characteristics or quality.

Receive precise & uniform final temperatures : As it is heated, your product flows with uniform velocity through the heat exchanger with a longer residence time (usually five to 10 minutes), thereby enabling even temperature distribution and stable, uniform final temperatures.

Reduce emissions, dust, fines or odors : Because no air is used during the indirect heating process, emissions, fines, dust and odors are virtually eliminated.

Minimize installation cost & footprint

Eliminate costly air-handling equipment : Because air used does not contact the product directly, there is no need for air-handling equipment such as large-diameter air ducting, motors, fans, scrubbers, heaters and emissions controls.

Reduce your installation footprint : The heat exchanger’s modular design and vertical orientation make it an ideal choice for debottlenecking or revamping. You can quickly and easily increase capacity without sacrificing additional floor space.

Cut maintenance costs : Solex heat exchange technology does not use moving parts, thereby drastically reducing the maintenance required over time. Plates can be removed and replaced individually with easy access via a full-height access door.