Plate and shell and tube heat exchangers
PCT supplies heat exchangers from API Heat Transfer and APV: Schmidt gasketed, semi welded, all welded and brazed plate exchangers, BASCO TEMA shell and tube units, and APV plate and frame designs, for heating, cooling and heat recovery in process and sanitary plants.
Last updated October 2026
Which heat exchanger manufacturers does PCT represent?
PCT represents API Heat Transfer, maker of Schmidt plate heat exchangers and BASCO shell and tube heat exchangers, and APV, which builds plate and frame and semi welded exchangers. Between them they cover nearly every liquid to liquid duty.
What types of heat exchangers does PCT supply?
Plate exchangers give high efficiency in a small footprint, while shell and tube units handle the highest pressures, temperatures and fouling fluids. This table shows each design and when it fits.
| Design | Best for | Lines |
|---|---|---|
| Gasketed plate and frame | Efficient heating and cooling that can be opened for cleaning and expanded | Schmidt SIGMA, APV |
| Semi welded plate | Aggressive fluids or refrigerants such as ammonia on one side | Schmidt SIGMADUAL, APV |
| All welded plate | High temperature and pressure where gaskets are not suitable | Schmidt SIGMAWIG and SIGMASHELL |
| Brazed plate | Compact, low cost units for clean fluids and refrigeration | Schmidt SIGMABRAZE |
| Shell and tube (TEMA) | High pressure, high temperature and fouling service; custom engineered sizes | BASCO |
| U tube and hairpin | Thermal cycling, steam heating and large temperature differences | BASCO |
Should you choose a plate or a shell and tube heat exchanger?
Choose a plate exchanger for close approach temperatures, high efficiency and limited space. Choose shell and tube for very high pressures or temperatures, large temperature swings, or fluids with solids that would plug narrow plate channels.
Read our full comparison: plate vs shell and tube heat exchangers.
Frequently asked questions
What information is needed to size a heat exchanger?
Hot and cold fluid flow rates, inlet and outlet temperatures, maximum working pressure, specific gravity, specific heat, viscosity and any solids content. The quote form asks for each one.
Can a gasketed plate exchanger be expanded later?
Usually, yes. Plates can be added to a gasketed plate and frame unit if the frame has room, which raises capacity without a new exchanger.
What is a semi welded plate heat exchanger?
Plates are laser welded in pairs so the aggressive fluid stays in a sealed channel, while the other side keeps gaskets for easy cleaning. It suits ammonia and caustic chemicals.
Does PCT supply sanitary heat exchangers?
Yes. APV plate exchangers are widely used in food, beverage and dairy processing.
What does TEMA mean for shell and tube exchangers?
TEMA is the Tubular Exchanger Manufacturers Association. Its standards define shell and tube types and construction classes; BASCO builds all TEMA types.
Tell us what you are moving
Send the fluid, flow, temperature and pressure. The PCT team will match the equipment and send a complimentary quote.