A plate heat exchanger comprising:
- a first set of plate assemblies,
- a second set of plate assemblies,
- the plate assemblies of the first set being arranged alternately with the plate assemblies of the second set in a stacked, parallel relationship such that the plate assemblies of the first and second sets are respectively interleaved with one another,
- each plate assembly of said first set comprising a first elongated plate having a longitudinal center line and a second elongated plate having a longitudinal center line, said first and second plates of each plate assembly of said first set being arranged with their center lines generally parallel and having parallel, generally planar main body portions defining a space therebetween for the flow of a first fluid,
- each plate assembly of said second set comprising a third elongated plate having a longitudinal center line and a fourth elongated plate having a longitudinal center line, said third and fourth plates of each plate assembly of said second set being arranged with their center lines generally parallel and having parallel, generally planar main body portions defining a space therebetween for the flow of a second fluid,
- the plates of the plate assemblies of said first set each having first and second end edges which are parallel to one another and disposed at an approximate 45.degree. angle to the longitudinal center line thereof,
- the plates of the plate assemblies of said second set each having third and fourth end edges which are parallel to one another and disposed at an approximate 45.degree. angle to the longitudinal center line thereof in crossing relation to said first and second end edges respectively of the plates of the plate assemblies of said first set,
- said first and second plates of the plate assemblies of said first set having tapered end portions which extend beyond the main body portions thereof and beyond the third and fourth end edges respectively of the plates of said second set of plate assemblies,
- said third and fourth plates of the plate assemblies of said second set having tapered end portions which extend beyond the main body portions thereof and beyond the first and second end edges respectively of the plates of said first set of plate assemblies,
- said tapered end portions at one end of said first and second plates of each of the plate assemblies of said first set overlying one another in a registering pair and defining a fluid inlet opening and at the opposite end thereof overlying one another in a registering pair and defining a fluid outlet opening, and
- said tapered end portions at one end of said third and fourth plates of each of the plate assemblies of said second set overlying one another in a registering pair and defining a fluid inlet opening and at the opposite end thereof overlying one another in a registering pair and defining a fluid outlet opening.