Answer four quick questions and we'll recommend the right exchanger type — counter-flow plate, rotary enthalpy wheel, cross-flow plate or heat pipe — with typical efficiency ranges.
Plate (counter-flow)
Typical effectiveness: —
How the recommendation works
Counter-flow plate — best sensible effectiveness (60–75%) with fully separated air streams; ideal when hygiene or contamination rules out a wheel.
Rotary (enthalpy) wheel — highest total effectiveness (70–85% including moisture); only for clean-to-moderate, mixable air.
Cross-flow plate — compact, lower cost, 50–65% sensible; good for space-limited units.
Heat pipe — no moving parts, passively separates streams; great where fouling or freeze risk is high (50–65% sensible).
Frequently asked questions
Can I use a rotary wheel with paint-shop exhaust?
No. Solvent-laden or particulate exhaust can foul and even ignite in a rotating wheel. Use a counter-flow plate or heat pipe with washable cores.
Which recovers moisture?
Only rotary enthalpy wheels and membrane (enthalpy) plates recover latent heat. Standard plate and heat-pipe exchangers recover sensible heat only.
What about freeze protection?
In cold-climate make-up air, counter-flow plates and heat pipes can frost. Use an enthalpy wheel (regenerates moisture) or add a preheat / bypass cycle.
This selector gives a first-order recommendation. Zibo Qiyu engineers finalise the type, core size and materials from your operating data — request a quote.