Thermal Processing

Heat Treatment skids feature automated control of product temperature, automated flow diversion and constant recording to ensure traceability. For pasteurization applications, full compliance with the Pasteurized Milk Ordinance is guaranteed. Energy recovery is maximized to reduce operating costs. Systems are fully tested to ensure rapid start-up and short ROI. Units are based on common PLC architectures, and integrate easily into existing control systems.

Process description

Raw product between 35 – 45 F fills a constant level tank. A timing pump operating at constant speed empties the tank, and delivers cold product to a heat exchanger. The raw product is warmed using outgoing, pasteurized product, and enters the heater. Hot water is used to bring the raw product to pasteurization temperature prior to a holding tube, which ensures proper pasteurization time. Automatic flow diversion valves prevent the forward flow of unpasteurized product. Hot pasteurized product is cooled using incoming raw product before entering a chiller to reach storage temperature.

An optional heat treatment module introduces pressurized water and flash steam to the product so that temperatures up to 302 F (150 C) are reached.

Suitable Products

dairy-tank-platforms

 

  • Milk
  • Buttermilk
  • Orange juice
  • Apple juice
  • Grape juice
  • Tea blends
  • Coffee blends
  • Soft drinks
  • Water
  • Ice cream blends
  • Blended liquid foods

Regardless of application, all heat treatment skids feature

processing equipment

 

  • Fully integrated and self-contained skid, wired and pneumatically plumbed prior to shipment.
  • Construction of 304/304L stainless steel, with product contact surfaces per USDA and 3-A sanitary requirements. The skid frame is fabricated from fully welded stainless steel tube.
  • Orbital welded holding tube with salt test ports. All holding tubes are inspected by boroscope.
  • Separate RTDs for measuring pasteurization temperature per FDA PMO requirements. A chart recorder is provided to document critical process parameters.
  • Timing pump, with electromagnetic flow meter.
  • Constant level balance tank, manufactured per 3-A, USDA, and FDA requirements.
  • Regenerative heat exchanger, with differential pressure controls, and final product cooler.
  • Electrical systems and components according NEMA 4 or IP69 as applicable. Pumps feature wash down duty motors. Motors require 480 V, 3 phase, 60 Hz.
  • Ready for fully automated clean in place (CIP) – just connect your chemical supply lines. Equipment is designed for CIP solutions with caustic and acid up to 5%.
  • Feed capacity between 800 – 16,000 gallons per hour. Engineered for 20 hours of continuous production between cleaning cycles.

Options

  • Plate or shell and tube product heater, depending on the product being processed.
  • Construction from 316/316L stainless steel. Other alloys are available upon request.
  • Integral hot water set with steam heat exchanger, circulation pump, and storage tank for bringing product to pasteurization temperature.
  • Vacuum degasser, to remove entrained air from the product, with liquid ring vacuum pump.
  • Integrated separators and homogenizers.
  • Other operating voltages, depending on the shipping destination.
  • Heat treatment module for production of shelf stable food products. Heat treatment process utilize pressurized water and flash steam to reach the desired temperatures.
  • Integrated separator/homogenizer.
  • pH monitoring and adjustment

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