The plate heat exchanger is comprised of a stack of corrugated metal plates with openings for the passage of two fluids, facilitating heat transfer between them. The plate stack is sandwiched between a stationary frame plate and a movable pressure plate, which are pressed together using tightening bolts.

To ensure proper sealing and guide the fluid flow, the plates are equipped with gaskets that seal the channels between them and direct the fluids into alternating paths. The number of plates is determined based on factors such as flow rate, fluid properties, pressure drop, and temperature requirements. The corrugations on the plates enhance fluid turbulence and provide support against differential pressure.

Both the frame plate and the pressure plate are suspended from an upper carrying bar and aligned by a lower guiding bar, both of which are fixed to a support column. The connection points for the fluids are located on the frame plate. In cases where one or both fluids undergo multiple passes within the unit, the connections can be found on both the frame and pressure plates.