Rising energy prices as well as regulatory pressure on industries for more efficient use of energy are expected to be among the major drivers of heat exchanger market growth in the near future. Also, replacement sales are expected to drive growth of heat exchangers to HVACR industry in North America and Europe. Many governments in Europe have banned the use of chloro-fluro carbons (CFC) systems and are promoting HFCs as an alternative. As a result, the HVACR industry is expected to register demand for new systems in the near future leading to growth of heat exchange sales to the HVACR industry. Furthermore, Frost & Sullivan forecasts annual price increases of 3-5% until 2013. In this period it expects suppliers to increase their portfolios and step-up their service operations in order to retain business with existing clients. At the same time, it anticipates increased R&D investment as manufacturers explore alternatives to compensate for the raw materials scarcity.

In terms of product segment, the Shell and Tube Heat Exchangers market, with an estimated 2006 share of 29.54%, forms the largest segment, while the Plate and Frame Exchangers market (3.25% over 2000-2010) forms the fastest growing segment. “The future of the heat exchanger market in Europe lies in the plate heat exchangers,” said Kaushik Ghosh, a market analyst at Frost & Sullivan, in the European Heat Exchanger Market report (2007). “Their popularity is growing mainly due to the advantages they hold over shell and tube categories. Plate heat exchangers are compact, can be modularised in different shapes and sizes and show increased efficiency in heat transfer," explains Ghosh. "They can withstand high temperatures and pressures, and also incur low installation and maintenance costs."

Source: Global Industry Analysts/Frost & Sullivan

In the following pages you can find info on the participating brands: Alfa Laval, Heatcraft, Heat Transfer, Karyer, Luvata ECO, Munters, SWEP