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Scraped surface heat exchangers have been used in difficult heat transfer applications involving viscous liquids or scaling problems such as evaporation processes. The most common scraped surface heat exchangers (SSHE) use a rotating shaft with a paddle or auger that cleans the surface of the tube. The HRS R series is based on this approach. However, this design is not suitable for all situations, which is why HRS has developed the Unicus range of reciprocating surfaced surface heat exchangers.
The HRS Unicus range is specifically designed to provide improved heat transfer of traditional SSHEs, but with a gentler effect to preserve the quality and integrity of delicate products such as cheese, yogurt, ice cream, meat sauces and products containing whole pieces of fruit. or vegetables. Over the years, many different scraper designs have been developed, meaning that every application, from curd processing to heating sauces or pasteurizing fruit preserves, can be carried out in the most efficient and gentle way. Other applications that benefit from the Unicus range include meat and mince processing as well as the processing of yeast malt extracts.
The hygienic design uses a patented stainless steel scraper mechanism that moves back and forth hydraulically within each inner tube. This movement serves two key functions: it minimizes potential contamination by keeping the pipe walls clean, and it creates turbulence within the material. These actions together increase the rate of heat transfer in the material, creating an efficient process ideal for sticky and heavily soiled materials.
Because they are individually controlled, the scraper speed can be optimized for the specific product being processed, so that materials subject to shear or pressure damage, such as cream and custard, can be finely worked to prevent damage while maintaining high horizontal speed. heat transfer. The Unicus range is particularly suitable for handling sticky products where texture and consistency are important. For example, some creams or sauces may separate when subjected to excessive pressure, rendering them unusable. Unicus overcomes these challenges by offering efficient heat transfer at low pressures.
Each Unicus SSHE consists of three elements: a hydraulic cylinder and power pack (although cylinders are available in smaller sizes), a separation chamber for hygiene and separation of the product from the engine, and the heat exchanger itself. The heat exchanger consists of several tubes, each of which contains a stainless steel rod with corresponding scraper elements. Use a range of food safe materials including Teflon and PEEK (polyetheretherketone) which offer different internal geometry settings depending on the application, such as a 120° scraper for large particles and a 360° scraper for viscous fluids without particles.
The Unicus range is also fully scalable by increasing the case diameter and adding more internal tubes, from a single tube to 80 per case. A key feature is the specially designed seal that separates the inner tube from the separation chamber, adapted to the application of the product. These seals prevent product leakage and ensure internal and external hygiene. Standard models for the food industry have a heat transfer area of ​​0.7 to 10 square meters, while larger models can be made up to 120 square meters for specific applications.