Liquid Processing

SFPT’s experience with liquid processing includes dosing liquids, slurries, gases and powder or granular solids using load cell and flow meter technologies. Common PLC architectures provide state of the art automation and recipe management as well as integration with fully automated Clean in Place (CIP) and batch recording technologies.

  • In house evaluation and design of agitation technology using the latest computational fluid dynamics (CFD) tools. Agitator options include various impeller designs, jet mixers, inline-static solutions, or vacuum technologies capable of delivering a wide range of shear rates.
  • Customization for products involving multiple solid, liquid, or gaseous phases and integration of analytical technologies such as pH, viscosity, density, brix measurement, turbidity, and color measurement.
  • Tank-based or skid-mounted solutions may include heat transfer, pasteurization, and heat treatment technologies to ensure compliance with regulatory or other quality requirements for dairy or aseptic packaging.

In-Tank Solutions

SFPT produces a wide range of engineered vessel solutions with a wide range of applications and capacities, from 10 gallons up to 10,000 gallons. These vessels integrate easily into any production process, making them the ideal choice for challenging applications in the dairy, food, and beverage industries. Our tank solutions are manufactured according to 3-A sanitary standards, and are third party inspected prior to delivery.

These processors are used to pasteurize batches, reduce fruits and vegetables into juice, cook and simmer, and blend beverages. A wide range of agitator styles, cone or flat bottoms, and heat transfer surfaces are available to combine multiple processes into one compact solution.

Heat transfer surfaces are manufactured per the ASME pressure vessel code, and may be registered with a Canadian Registration Number. Standard operating conditions are 100 psig at 320 F, with higher pressures and temperatures possible depending on your application. Jacketed processors are insulated with polyurethane, and cladded with stainless steel.

Materials of construction include 304 stainless steel, 316 stainless steel, or exotic alloys to handle aggressive materials.

Agitator Types

  • A Squirrel-cage agitator is used to quickly dissolve powders at a high speed with multiple impeller blades.
  • Turbine agitators are offset to ensure constant mixing. Three or four blade impellers are used
  • A bottom sweep agitator is used to provide uniform mixing while ensuring vertical movement of product within the tank. A low rotation speed ensures proper and uniform heat transfer to the product.
  • A side/bottom sweep agitator is used for shear sensitive products. The blades on these agitators boost heat transfer and reduce burn on and product freezing on the tank walls.
  • Scraper blades use used to cool or cook batches of product while gently agitating fragile products. Ryton blades are used as standard to allow processing at temperatures above 200 F.
  • Scraper Turbine Agitators are primarily used in cooker kettles. Our standard scraper material, PPS, is suitable for temperatures above 200 F. Scraper blades constantly remove product from walls to prevent product adhesion, reduce burn on, and improve heat transfer. The turbine is offset, with impellers strategically located to achieve uniformity throughout the product.
  • Finger Agitators have centered finger blades rotating between fixed finger baffles to ensure gentle mixing of product. The finger blades are fabricated from PPS, and ensure that wall surfaces are constantly swept clean of product. This improves heat transfer while reducing burn on.
  • Contra-Rotating Scraper Agitators are used with the product requires aggressive agitation. Contra-Rotating finger blades continuously clear tank walls of product to ensure constant rates of heat transfer while preventing burn on. Finger blades are fabricated from PPS, and are suitable for use above 200 F.

Skidded Mixing and Blending Systems

In-line skidded mixing and blending systems are suitable for juices, diet beverages, and beverages containing alcohol. These units are fully automated, two-stream to multi-stream operation, and integrate quickly into other process systems.

  • Continuous monitoring and adjustment of the combined product, with capacities ranging from 500 – 10,000 gallons per hour.
  • Recipe-based operation allowing for rapid product switch. Up to 30 recipe slots are available.
  • High precision blending, with 1:10 – 1:2 blend ratios.
  • Turn down ratio of 25% of normal capacity.
  • Optional brix measurement. Other process analytical technologies are available.
  • Microcontroller or PLC-based control.
  • Factory assembled and fully tested prior to delivery.

Skidded systems feature 100% stainless steel construction, and are suitable for installation in wash-down environments.

Learn More About What We Can Do For You

Request additional information, literature, or speak to us with any questions you may have.
Contact Us