Injection UHT Systems
The APV® Injection UHT Systems are high-efficiency direct UHT processing solutions that use steam injection to rapidly sterilize products with minimal thermal damage. They are ideal for aseptic processing of milk, cream, flavored beverages, custard and other sensitive liquid foods. These systems help ensure long shelf life without compromising taste, color, or nutrition, all with reliable, consistent performance.
Direct UHT Technology Designed for Product Integrity and Processing Flexibility
In the dairy and beverage industries, delivering shelf-stable products with clean taste and strong visual appeal takes more than high heat, it takes the right kind of heat. SPX FLOW’s Injection UHT Systems use direct thermal processing to achieve exceptional quality and efficiency. They are ideal for milk, flavored beverages, custard, cream and other low- to medium-viscosity products.
Today’s food and beverage processors need to overcome critical challenges:
- Avoiding heat damage that can impact flavor, color, or nutritional value
- Maximizing runtime by reducing fouling and CIP frequency
- Running diverse product lines with consistent results and easy changeovers
Why APV® Injection UHT Systems?
Built on decades of thermal processing expertise, APV Injection UHT systems are designed for rapid, gentle processing that maintains product quality while minimizing operational downtime. They deliver:
- Fast heating (~300°C/sec) for optimal taste and minimal degradation
- Instantaneous flash cooling for flavor and aroma preservation
- Precise thermal control with uniform product treatment
- Efficient spore kill with very low C values* for excellent shelf stability
- Low fouling and extended CIP intervals for increased uptime
- Energy-efficient operation with lower total cost compared to indirect systems
- Broad product compatibility of low- to medium-viscosity products from milk, plant-based to specialty beverages, ice cream mix, flavored drinks and custards
- Operator-Friendly Design with usability in mind, the system features intuitive controls and automated cleaning functions, ensuring easy day-to-day operation and simplified maintenance.
- Pre-assembled and factory-tested for fast deployment
- Available with compliance options including ASME, PMO, and 3-A
- Low on maintenance and energy costs, supporting long-term operational efficiency
- Supported by pilot UHT plants for testing and product development
- Backed by SPX FLOW’s global service network, including training, preventive maintenance, spare parts, and remote diagnostics, ensuring ongoing performance, uptime and ROI.
Distinctive Advantages
At the core of the Injection UHT System is the APV Steam Injector — a purpose-built component engineered for thermal precision and reliability.
Key advantages include:
- Advanced Processing: Innovative automation and controls deliver high food safety and process consistency
- PEEK Nozzle Technology: Prevents direct contact between metal and product using specialized nozzles, reducing fouling and burn-on risk
- Simplified Design: High mixing efficiency ensures rapid and even heat transfer
- Stepless Steam Gap Adjustment: Allows real-time adjustment for precise heating control and greater flexibility
- Silent Operation: Uniquely designed for the lowest noise levels in its class
This injector technology supports longer run times, better product protection and simplified maintenance — reinforcing the system’s performance edge.
Product Applications
- UHT milk and flavored milk
- Cream, coffee creamers and custards
- Plant-based beverages (oat, almond, soy)
- Ice cream mix and milkshake base
- Nutritional and specialty drinks
Theory of Operation
Designed for high throughput and reliable aseptic processing, this UHT system meets rigorous standards for product quality and food safety in low- to medium-viscosity products, including milk, flavored milk, cream and plant-based beverages.
The Injection UHT System operates on the principle of direct UHT processing. During the process:
- Culinary-grade steam is injected directly into the product through a specially engineered nozzle. The steam is free from any off-flavors that could alter the taste of the product.
- The product is instantly and evenly heated to sterilization temperatures (~138–142°C), achieving a high microbial kill rate.
- It is then transferred into a flash chamber where the injected steam is rapidly evaporated, cooling the product back down and removing excess moisture.
- The result is a commercially sterile product that retains its natural taste, color and nutrients — making it ideal for aseptic food processing applications.
This precise thermal control enables a gentle process with maximum efficiency and minimal degradation, perfectly suited for sensitive applications like UHT processing milk, flavored dairy drinks and premium beverages.