Vicarb plate heat exchangers are still operating in industrial plants and process systems around the world. For maintenance teams, engineers, distributors and procurement companies, the main requirement is often not purchasing a completely new heat exchanger, but finding the correct replacement plates and gaskets for an existing vicarb heat exchanger.
Because many Vicarb units have been operating for years, original drawings may be unavailable and nameplates may be difficult to read. Buyers may also encounter different references such as vicarb, Alfa Laval Vicarb, V-series and ViEX when searching for replacement parts.
This guide explains the history of Vicarb, its relationship with Alfa Laval and ViEX, common Vicarb models, replacement plate and gasket materials, model identification and practical information for sourcing compatible spare parts.
Vicarb History and the Development of vicarb heat exchangers
Vicarb is a historic French heat exchanger manufacturer. The company was founded in 1948 by Lucien Fayolle and developed heat exchangers, thermal units and other thermal equipment before expanding internationally.
Vicarb became particularly well known for plate heat exchanger technology, including gasketed and welded designs. Its industrial presence at Fontanil-Cornillon near Grenoble became an important part of the company’s manufacturing and technology development.
Today, older vicarb heat exchangers can still be found in industrial applications, creating continued demand for compatible plates, gaskets and other maintenance components.
For maintenance teams, the age of this equipment can make spare-part identification more challenging. A unit may have undergone several maintenance cycles, and its original documentation may no longer be available.
This is why the model, nameplate, existing plate or gasket, dimensions and operating conditions are important when sourcing replacement parts.
What Is the Relationship Between vicarb alfa laval and Alfa Laval?
Vicarb was originally an independent French manufacturer. An acquisition agreement was signed in 1998, and Vicarb became part of Alfa Laval around 1999. Historical Alfa Laval documentation also lists the Vicarb Group among its 1999 acquisitions.
This history explains why searches such as alfa laval vicarb and vicarb alfa laval frequently appear when buyers research older equipment.
A maintenance team may identify a unit simply as Vicarb V28, while another document may refer to Alfa Laval Vicarb or connect an older V-series unit with Alfa Laval.
However, this historical relationship does not mean that every modern Alfa Laval plate heat exchanger is a direct replacement for a Vicarb model.
The original Vicarb model should still be identified first. Plate dimensions, corrugation pattern, port arrangement, gasket design and material should then be confirmed before ordering replacement parts.
The Vicarb name also remains part of Alfa Laval’s industrial presence in France. The Fontanil-Cornillon site today specializes in advanced welded heat exchanger technologies.
What Is the Relationship Between viex heat exchanger and Vicarb?
ViEX is another name that buyers may encounter when researching legacy Vicarb replacement parts, particularly in aftermarket documentation.
Some older ViEX references use V, VX or VXN model designations. As a result, a buyer searching for a viex heat exchanger may encounter numbers that look similar to Vicarb V-series models.
Examples include references such as VX2, VX4, VX8, VX13, VX20, VX28 and VX45.
However, similar model numbers should not automatically be treated as proof of interchangeability.
For example, Vicarb V2 and ViEX VX2 should not be assumed to use exactly the same plate or gasket simply because their numbers are similar. The same principle applies to V28 and VX28.
For legacy Vicarb or ViEX equipment, confirm the nameplate, manufacturer, exact model, serial number, plate dimensions, port centers, plate pattern and gasket geometry whenever possible.
Treat Vicarb/ViEX cross-referencing as a technical identification process rather than relying only on similar model names.
vicarb plate heat exchanger Models and Series Overview
A gasketed vicarb plate heat exchanger uses corrugated heat transfer plates compressed inside a frame. Gaskets seal the plate pack while directing the two fluids through separate flow channels.
This serviceable construction allows plates and gaskets to be inspected and replaced without necessarily replacing the complete vicarb phe.
Common Vicarb references found in the replacement-parts market include:
| Series | Common Model References |
|---|---|
| Small V-series | V2, V4, V7, V8 |
| Small/medium V-series | V13, V20, V28 |
| Medium V-series | V45, V55, V60, V65 |
| Medium/large V-series | V85, V100, V110 |
| Large V-series | V120, V130, V170, V180 |
| Other legacy references | V205, V260, V280 |
| Double-wall references | V13-DW, V20-DW, V60-DW |
| VU references | VU8, VU12 |
Because these models have a long service history, buyers may encounter different written formats such as V28/V-28, V60/V-60 or V130/V-130.
When comparing vicarb plate heat exchanger brands or aftermarket parts, distinguish between the original equipment manufacturer and a supplier of compatible replacement components.
vicarb plate heat exchanger plate suppliers: Materials, Thicknesses and Replacement Options
The plate is the primary heat-transfer component inside a Vicarb gasketed heat exchanger.
Professional vicarb plate heat exchanger plate suppliers should therefore confirm more than the outside dimensions of the original plate.
Important specifications include:
- Exact Vicarb model
- Corrugation pattern
- Port arrangement
- Plate dimensions
- Plate material
- Plate thickness
- Gasket groove
- Start, channel or end plate configuration
Common replacement materials can include SS304, SS316L, titanium and selected higher-alloy materials according to the operating medium.
SS304 can be suitable for general water and mild industrial duties. SS316L offers improved corrosion resistance for many process applications, while titanium is commonly considered for seawater and chloride-rich environments.
Buyers searching for a vicarb plate heat exchanger plate factory, customized vicarb plate heat exchanger plate factory, vicarb plate heat exchanger plate custom factory or vicarb plate heat exchanger plate customized factory should provide an original drawing, existing plate or detailed dimensions when specifications are incomplete.
Likewise, when evaluating a high quality vicarb plate heat exchanger plate factory, pressing accuracy, dimensional consistency, material quality and inspection should be considered rather than price alone.
Senovis PHE supplies compatible replacement plates for many Vicarb models, subject to technical confirmation.
Vicarb Heat Exchanger Gaskets: NBR, EPDM, FKM and Material Selection
Vicarb Heat Exchanger Gaskets are among the most frequently replaced components in older gasketed units.
The gasket prevents external leakage while directing fluids through the correct channels. A replacement therefore needs both the correct geometry and the correct elastomer material.
Common Vicarb Gaskets materials include NBR, EPDM and FKM.
NBR is commonly considered for oil, water and other compatible industrial fluids. EPDM is widely used for water and many compatible process applications. FKM may be selected for certain elevated-temperature, oil or chemical services when compatible with the process medium.
A buyer searching for a cheap vicarb plate heat exchanger gasket or low cost vicarb plate heat exchanger gasket should not evaluate the product only by initial unit price.
Incorrect gasket geometry or material can cause leakage, installation problems and additional equipment downtime.
For this reason, gasket selection should consider:
Fluid + Temperature + Pressure + Chemical Compatibility
The correct compound should be confirmed before production, particularly when the original gasket material is unknown.
How to Identify the Correct Vicarb Plate Heat Exchanger Gaskets and Plate Model
Correct identification is particularly important for legacy Vicarb equipment.
A request such as “Vicarb V28 gasket” provides a useful starting point, but additional information can significantly improve identification accuracy.
For Vicarb Plate Heat Exchanger Gaskets, provide:
- Nameplate
- Exact model
- Serial or drawing number
- Existing gasket photo
- Gasket material
- Required quantity
- Operating medium and temperature
For replacement plates, provide the plate material, thickness, dimensions, port diameter and existing plate photos where possible.
If the nameplate is missing, an existing physical component can also help.
Useful plate measurements include:
Overall Length × Width × Port Diameter × Horizontal Port Distance × Vertical Port Distance
For vicarb heat exchanger gaskets and plates, technical confirmation before production helps reduce the risk of receiving a component that looks similar but does not correctly fit the existing exchanger.
Vicarb V28, V60, V85, V110, V130 and Other Common Replacement Parts
Replacement demand covers many Vicarb legacy models.
For smaller units, common searches include vicarb v2 gaskets, vicarb v4 gaskets, vicarb v7 gaskets and vicarb v8 gaskets.
For Vicarb V13 and Vicarb V20, buyers may encounter vicarb v13 gaskets, vicarb v13-dw gaskets, vicarb v20 gaskets and vicarb v20-dw gaskets. DW references should be clearly stated during an inquiry.
Vicarb V28 is another model still encountered in maintenance projects. Buyers searching for vicarb v28 gaskets may already know the gasket material, quantity and operating conditions. For example, an NBR gasket requirement for water service can be evaluated more accurately when pressure and temperature are also provided.
Medium-size legacy searches can include vicarb v45 gaskets, vicarb v55 gaskets, vicarb v60 gaskets, vicarb v60-dw gaskets, vicarb v65 gaskets and vicarb v85 gaskets.
Larger model searches include Vicarb V100 and vicarb v100 gaskets, as well as Vicarb V110, vicarb v110 gaskets and vicarb v110 rt gaskets. If an original document contains an RT or other suffix, retain the complete reference when requesting a quotation.
Other common legacy requirements include vicarb v120 gaskets, Vicarb V130, vicarb v130 gaskets, Vicarb V170, vicarb v170 gaskets, vicarb v180 gaskets, vicarb v260 gaskets and vicarb v280 gaskets.
VU-series searches such as vicarb vu8 gaskets and vicarb vu12 gaskets should also be identified independently rather than assumed to match similarly numbered V-series equipment.
When Should vicarb heat exchanger gaskets and plates Be Replaced?
Not every maintenance problem requires replacement of the complete heat exchanger.
One advantage of gasketed equipment is that the plate pack can be opened for inspection, cleaning and component replacement.
Typical signs that gaskets may require replacement include:
- External leakage
- Hardened or brittle rubber
- Cracking
- Permanent deformation
- Damaged sealing areas
- Repeated leakage after reassembly
Temperature, pressure, fluid chemistry, cleaning methods and operating cycles can all affect gasket life.
Plates should be inspected for pitting, pinholes, corrosion, cracking, deformation and damaged gasket grooves.
If only a small number of plates are damaged, individual replacement may be practical. If a large portion of the plate pack has deteriorated, replacing a complete plate set may be more efficient.
Preventive inspection of vicarb heat exchanger gaskets and plates during scheduled shutdowns can help reduce the risk of unexpected leakage and downtime.
How to Request a Quote from vicarb plate heat exchanger gasket wholesalers
When comparing vicarb plate heat exchanger gasket wholesalers, buyers should evaluate technical identification, material quality, documentation, lead time and total cost—not only the vicarb plate heat exchanger gasket price.
For a gasket quotation, send:
Model + Material + Quantity + Nameplate + Operating Conditions
For example:
Vicarb V28 / NBR / 92 pcs / Water-Water
provides much stronger information than simply requesting a Vicarb gasket price.
For plates, provide:
Model + Plate Material + Thickness + Quantity + Nameplate
Distributors may additionally require drawings, technical datasheets, packing dimensions, net and gross weight, HS code, country of origin and inspection documentation.
For legacy equipment where original documentation is unavailable, photos, measurements or an existing physical sample can be used for additional confirmation.
Need Vicarb Gaskets or ViEX Replacement Plates and Gaskets?
Senovis PHE supplies new compatible replacement plates and Vicarb Gaskets for many common Vicarb V-series and selected legacy heat exchanger requirements.
Depending on the project, supply can include individual replacement plates, complete gasket sets and complete replacement plate packs.
For previous Vicarb spare-parts projects, production photos, inspection records, packing photos or shipment references may be provided where available.
Urgent requirements can also be prioritized for model identification, stock checking, technical confirmation, production planning and delivery arrangements where possible.
To request a quotation, send:
Vicarb / ViEX Model
Nameplate Photo
Plate or Gasket Required
Material
Quantity
Plate Thickness, if applicable
Serial or Drawing Number, if available
Operating Fluid and Temperature
Required Delivery Date
For older Vicarb and ViEX units, photos, dimensions and physical samples can help with identification when original documentation is incomplete.
Senovis PHE
Website: www.PHEheat.com
Email: sales@PHEheat.com
WhatsApp / Telegram / WeChat: +86 150 9439 6595
Vicarb, ViEX, Alfa Laval, GEA and other manufacturer names, trademarks and model references mentioned in this article are used for identification, historical context and compatibility reference purposes only. Senovis PHE supplies compatible replacement parts unless explicitly stated otherwise and does not represent these products as original OEM parts.
