Abstract: The operating principle of plate exchanger was introduced. The microdistortion characteristic of the heat exchange plate was analyzed which was ignored easily. The microdistortion means that the pressure variation on one side of exchanger will influence the shape of the heat exchange plate, and which causes the volume inside the exchanger between the both side to vary and the pressure on another side of the exchanger to fluctuate. The practical example of microdistortion was discussed, and relevant handling measure was given.

Key words: plate exchanger, heat exchange plate, micro-distortion characteristic, volume change, handling measure