Heat exchangers are among the most integral components in any dairy operation.

Heat exchangers are among the most integral components in any dairy operation. Applying heat is often the most fundamental aspect of dairy processing. The trick is doing it in a way that makes the food safe for distribution and resale, while maintaining flavor and nutrients.

Equipment manufacturers offer three basic types of heat exchangers each of which has some application in dairy processing-plate, tube, and scraped surface heat exchangers.

On the following pages are some examples of the different models that are currently on the market, including a brand new plate heat exchanger that uses industrial steam.

The Tetra Plex line from TetraPak gives processors access to a wide range of compact plate heat exchangers that are especially designed for pasteurizing and other kinds of heating and cooling of liquid foods. The units offer a proven, reliable, hygienic and compact design, and durable construction.

The Tetra Plex units are manufactured by Alfa Laval, the world's leading producers of plate heat exchangers. All Tetra Plex models have very high heat transfer abilities. This means that you can minimize temperature differences between product and service medium. You get gentle treatment of your product while simultaneously minimizing the risk of fouling. The excellent press depth with relatively few contact points yields longer running times and the possibility to use thicker long life gaskets. The plates' patented distribution pattern assures a smooth flow, which also makes CIP easier. The Tetra Plex range includes a wide selection of plates with different geometries and patterns for different applications. Many plates can be supplied in a choice of materials - stainless steel, SMO or titanium. It is simple to disassemble Tetra Plex units for inspection. The glueless gaskets can be replaced quickly and easily on site, with the plates hanging in the frames. The food grade gaskets can be delivered in a range of materials for different applications and temperatures.

The Tetra Plex units are held together by sturdy, pressure graded frames with many smart, hygienic and labor saving features. All frames offer great flexibility for expanding and rebuilding the plate heat exchangers.

Tetra Pak
800/806-9675
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tetrapakprocessing.com

The Alfa Laval TS6 is a brand plate heat exchanger designed for heating water with industrial steam.

The new TS6 features unique geometry, stainless steel plates, special gaskets that tolerate temperatures up to 356º F and a robust frame. It is available in either painted or stainless steel frame versions. These features provide operational performance and economy that is unmatched by either shell and tube or traditional plate heat exchangers. The design and performance of the TS6 adds up to greater lifecycle economy when heating water. Cost savings can be found in both energy and time.

Alfa Laval Inc.
262/947-3706
Write in 451
e-mail: carl.lemke@alfalaval.com

A complete line of Plate Heat Exchangers is available from Chester-Jensen. Frames are available in solid stainless steel or coated carbon steel. Both metal-to-metal and gasket supported plate designs available in either type 304 or 316 stainless steel and appropriate quantity and thickness of plate sized for individual duty. Single piece gaskets, molded from a variety of formulated elastomers are selected to best meet application requirements. Gaskets are bonded to plates, for trouble-free service, yet are easily replaced, in the field. Standard six-bolt type closure with optional mechanical spindle or hydraulic assist closures available. Differential operating pressures to 150 PSIG. Computer designed configurations allow users to process single, dual or multiple fluids and/or duties simultaneously.

A unique gasket design prevents intermingling of opposing streams by directing any leaking fluid to the outside of the unit. Modular design facilitates re-streaming of heat exchanger to accommodate expanding or changing loads. Controlled turbulence assures the highest rate of heat transfer even at relatively low pressure drop and velocity. When required, higher allowable differential operating pressures permit increased fluid velocities and turbulence. All plate surfaces can be cleaned and sanitized safely and effectively by properly designed in-place recirculation systems. All units easily opened for thorough internal inspection.

Chester-Jensen Co.
800/685-3750
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www.chester-jensen.com

The Mueller Accu-Therm plate heat exchanger is a compact heat exchanger consisting of embossed heat transfer plates with perimeter gaskets to contain pressure and control the flow of each medium. The gasketed plates are assembled in a pack, mounted on upper and lower guide rails, and compressed between two end frames with compression bolts. Mueller Accu-Therm plate heat exchangers provide worry-free heat transfer by delivering greater efficiency, easier cleaning and maintenance, lower cost, and closer approach temperatures than other heat transfer technology.

Paul Mueller Co.
800/MUELLER (683-5537)
Write in 453
www.muel.com

The Pro5Plus™ plate, from AGC Engineering is a high thermal efficiency plate formulated to increase regeneration and save plant energy costs, and it is specifically designed for fluid milk applications. The gasket is snap-in style for easy plant maintenance. It is available as an upgrade for your existing plates or in a brand new AGC unit. It will fit in your existing AR56-SH, AR51-M, or AR51-H (self-contained hydraulic closure) frame. The Pro5Plus™ is the latest addition to the ProFlow™ sanitary series of plates. The ProFlow™ range has been specially designed for food and dairy applications, including an expanded port area, superior inlet design and a partially relieved gasket groove. AGC Engineering offers complete sanitary heat exchanger services, including new units, spare parts, re-gasketing, plate exchange programs and field inspections. For more information contact John Bohn, Director of Engineering.

AGC Engineering
800/715-8820
Write in 454
www.AGCEngineering.com

Alfa Laval is now launching a new generation of Contherm® Scraped-Surface Heat Exchangers which offers four new performance-enhancing features. Designed for heating and cooling of sticky, viscous, particulate and crystallizing/phase-change processes, these improvements on Contherm incorporate new features that enhance and/or extend performance limits. A new larger Contherm size, the Contherm 6 x 11, offers 15 percent more surface area than existing units. When utilizing a HIPEX heat exchange cylinder that is constructed of a new thinner and harder grade of stainless steel, the 6 x11 can provide 25 percent more capacity than traditional sizes. New blade materials with improved physical properties compared to traditional blades are now available. Among these new offerings, Alfa Laval has developed a unique detectable polymer that can enhance food safety and food security initiatives. A new three-inch tangential head, designed specifically for sanitary and food-processing applications, improves product quality by providing gentler product treatment. It is available as an option for new Contherm heat exchangers or as a retrofit for existing units.

Alfa Laval
978/463-6326
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www.alfalaval.us

The new Terlotherm vertical floor mounted scraped surface heat exchanger from Terlet Co. features a patented and unique design which allows this versatile piece of processing equipment to handle various process applications such as cooking, heating, cooling, crystallization, pasteurization, and aseptic processing of many different products. Applications include confectionary, creams, emulsions, fruit, soups and sauces, meat products, dairy and food products. The unit's main advantages are its vertical floor- mounted design for small foot print space, and its ease of maintenance. It has only one seal, and contains five times more heat exchange area than conventional equipment. A hinged top cover allows for inspection and cleaning without disturbing the seal. One piece scraper blades can be replaced without tools, and offer lower operating and maintenance costs. The unit will process the most sensitive or complex products or particulates without any damage to them. The unit is also bottom driven to eliminate the possibility of any product contamination, and is fully CIPable.

Terlet Co., Div. of MPE Group
856/317-9960
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www.terlotherm.com

Tetra Spiraflo MTC line from Tetra Pak is available in multitube, mono tube and fiber tube. These tube heat exchangers are designed for high viscosity products. The MTC design ensures a uniform product quality for viscous products like tomato products, fruit puree, concentrated juice, and highly viscous sauces such as mustard and mayonnaise. Concentric single channel design with heating/ cooling media on both sides of the product. Balanced product flow distribution and efficient heat transfer thanks to narrow gap.

Tetra Pak
800/806-9675
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www.tetrapakprocessing.com

Scherping Systems in-line, single pass heat exchangers are crafted using T304 stainless steel tube sheets, tubes, outer shells and reducing adapters. They are available in standard sizes or manufactured to meet your specific heat transfer capacity and space requiements. The heat exchangers include steam inlet, condensate outlet and vacuum break connections as required. Scherping Systems stocked, standard CIP heat exchangers have concentric and eccentric reducing adapters, reducing solution inlet and outlet ports with required tri-clamp connections. The reducing adapters assure proper drainage of horizontally mounted units. Our standard CIP heat exchangers are capable of increasing solution temperature on average of 40 degrees F per pass at flow rates of up to 170 GPM thus allowing you to reach required CIP temperature quickly. Options include:

• Modulating valves
• Steam traps
• Vacuum breakers
• Tubing hangers and other necessary items for mounting
• T304 stainless steel or T316 stainless steel

Scherping Systems
800/669-4401
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www.scherpingsystems.com