Editing Heat exchanger (section)

===Plate fin===
{{Main|Plate fin heat exchanger}}
This type of heat exchanger uses "sandwiched" passages containing fins to increase the effectiveness of the unit. The designs include crossflow and counterflow coupled with various fin configurations such as straight fins, offset fins and wavy fins.

Plate and fin heat exchangers are usually made of aluminum alloys, which provide high heat transfer efficiency. The material enables the system to operate at a lower temperature difference and reduce the weight of the equipment. Plate and fin heat exchangers are mostly used for low temperature services such as natural gas, [[helium]] and [[oxygen]] liquefaction plants, air separation plants and transport industries such as motor and [[aircraft engine]]s.

Advantages of plate and fin heat exchangers:
* High heat transfer efficiency especially in gas treatment
* Larger heat transfer area
* Approximately 5 times lighter in weight than that of shell and tube heat exchanger. {{citation needed|date=August 2023}}
* Able to withstand high pressure

Disadvantages of plate and fin heat exchangers:
* Might cause clogging as the pathways are very narrow
* Difficult to clean the pathways
* Aluminium alloys are susceptible to [[Liquid metal embrittlement#Mercury embrittlement|Mercury Liquid Embrittlement]] Failure