The Development History of Heat Exchangers in China

Empowering Global Energy Efficiency – The Rise of HEXNOVAS and China’s Heat Exchanger Industry

October 2025 — Industry Insight

Heat exchangers play a vital role in energy utilization, process engineering, and environmental control. In China, the evolution of the heat exchanger industry reflects the broader trajectory of the nation’s industrial modernization — from imitation and learning, to independent innovation and global leadership.
Among the new-generation manufacturers driving this transformation is HEXNOVAS, a symbol of China’s technical progress and brand globalization.

1. Early Stage (1950s–1970s): From Soviet Designs to Independent Manufacturing

In the early years after the founding of the People’s Republic of China, the country’s heavy industries relied heavily on Soviet and Eastern European technologies.
Heat exchangers during this era were mainly shell-and-tube types, used in petrochemical, fertilizer, and power generation facilities.

These units were large, heavy, and made primarily from carbon steel. Despite limited technical resources, Chinese engineers succeeded in absorbing and adapting foreign designs — marking the nation’s first step toward independent thermal equipment design.

2. Technology Introduction (1980s–1990s): The Birth of Plate Heat Exchangers

The reform and opening-up policy in the late 1970s brought rapid growth to China’s HVAC, chemical, food, and pharmaceutical industries, driving demand for more compact and efficient heat transfer equipment.

It was during this period that plate heat exchanger (PHE) technology was introduced into China:

• Brands such as Alfa Laval, Sondex, and SWEP entered the Chinese market.

• Local enterprises in Shanghai, Wuxi, Changzhou, and Jiangyin began to learn plate pressing, sealing, and assembly techniques.

• By the late 1990s, domestic manufacturers had achieved localized production, forming a complete industrial chain from imported assembly to domestic fabrication.

This phase laid the groundwork for China’s transformation from a technology importer to a manufacturing innovator.

3. Expansion and Diversification (2000s–2010s): From Domestic Growth to Global Supply

The early 21st century marked a golden decade for China’s heat exchanger industry. Urban heating networks, district cooling, and chemical plants drove enormous demand.

Key milestones during this era:

• Diversified technologies emerged: gasketed plate, semi-welded, brazed, spiral, and shell-and-plate exchangers.

• Material innovation expanded from carbon steel and 304/316L stainless steels to titanium, Incoloy, and copper-brazed stainless types.

• Industrial clusters formed in Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Liaoning, creating a full supply ecosystem.

• Chinese-made exchangers began to be exported, gaining market share in Southeast Asia, Eastern Europe, and the Middle East.

This was also the period when the HEXNOVAS brand concept began to take shape — bringing together engineering expertise and cross-factory collaboration to deliver high-quality, modular heat exchange solutions.

4. Modernization & Intelligent Manufacturing (2010s–Present): From “Made in China” to “Created in China”

As China entered the era of energy transition and carbon neutrality, the heat exchanger industry underwent profound upgrading.

Key Trends:

1. High Performance and Compact Design

   • Development of fully welded, titanium-brazed, and high-pressure stainless steel exchangers for demanding industrial applications.

   • Integration with heat pumps, hydrogen systems, desalination, and power electronics cooling.

2. Digital and Intelligent Production

   • Widespread use of robotic welding, automated plate stamping, and laser precision manufacturing.

   • Adoption of Unilab, Aspen EDR, and HTRI software for simulation and optimization.

3. Brand Internationalization

   • Companies such as HEXNOVAS represent a new generation of Chinese thermal technology brands, focusing on global distribution, co-branding partnerships, and localized service networks.

   • HEXNOVAS combines engineering expertise with digital selection tools and design automation to serve worldwide OEM and EPC clients.

4. Sustainability and Energy Recovery

   • Heat exchangers are increasingly used in waste heat recovery, renewable energy systems, and low-carbon industrial processes, contributing directly to China’s green manufacturing goals.

5. Future Outlook (After 2025): The Era of Smart and Sustainable Heat Exchange

The next decade will redefine the role of heat exchangers in a smart, data-driven, and sustainable world.
For China, the mission is no longer mass production — it is technological leadership.

Future Trends:

• System Integration – from standalone exchangers to full thermal management systems.

• Material Innovation – development of corrosion-resistant alloys and composite brazing materials.

• AI-driven Design – intelligent selection, lifecycle prediction, and digital twins.

• Global Standardization – deeper alignment with ASME, EN, and PED international standards.

As a forward-looking enterprise, HEXNOVAS is investing in intelligent design, digital configurators, and cross-industry partnerships — positioning itself as a global integrator of heat transfer solutions.

Conclusion

From the 1950s’ imitation of Soviet blueprints to today’s AI-driven design era, the development of China’s heat exchanger industry mirrors the nation’s industrial evolution itself.
Brands like BAODE, HEXNOVAS now carry the torch of innovation — integrating design, manufacturing, and service into a unified global platform that embodies the spirit of “Created in China.”