Indirect Bulk Flow Heating, Cooling & Conditioning Technology
Carrier’s most recent development in the processing industry is the Bulk Flow Heating / Cooling Exchanger, or BMHX. This equipment utilizes a gravity-fed design to flow material between thermal plates, cooling, heating, or drying the material as it works its way from top to bottom.
Indirect Cooling & Heating
The product is cooled or heated when it moves across plates with water or other heat transfer fluids flowing internally through them. The product touching these plates cools by conduction, and since there is no direct contact between material and thermal fluid, there is no risk of contamination or need for dust collection or scrubbers.
Low Emissions
Since moving air is not used in the cooling or heating process, there is no issue with emissions or dust, making it perfect for locations or materials with strict emission regulations.
High Material Quality
The material moves slowly in a plug flow through the heat exchanger, reducing product degradation and preventing equipment abrasion. The closed environment in the bulk material heat exchanger means it can be operated consistently through different external conditions.
Small Footprint
Designed to move the product vertically, the BMHX has a smaller footprint than other cooling and heating technologies. This allows it to fit into existing plants with minimal retrofitting, making it flexible to current operational requirements.
Low Operating Cost
Operating without moving parts and few ancillary components means the Carrier BMHX is low maintenance and easy to keep operating efficiently. The equipment is designed for easy cleaning and part replacement, reducing downtime and expenses.
Energy Efficient
The Carrier BMHX uses gravity to move the processed material and does not rely on large amounts of process air. Instead, the equipment uses passive temperature change through conduction, resulting in minimal energy use compared to other methods.
Bulk Material Heat Exchanger FAQs
How does a bulk material heat exchanger improve thermal efficiency?
It transfers heat directly between hot and cold bulk materials without intermediate fluids, improving energy efficiency and reducing fuel use.
What materials are suitable for heat exchange applications?
Heat exchangers are engineered to suit materials with defined thermal profiles – including minerals, aggregates, and calcined solids – by matching residence time and heat transfer requirements.
Can heat exchangers be customized for specific plant conditions?
Yes. Carrier engineers design each heat exchanger based on throughput, material behavior, and target inlet and outlet temperatures.
How do heat exchangers integrate with dryers or coolers?
They can be placed upstream or downstream of thermal systems to preheat feeds or recover heat from processed solids, improving overall plant energy performance.
What maintenance should I expect?
Maintenance focuses on inspecting wear surfaces and airflow paths, which are designed to be accessible for routine checks.