Small-Scale UHT System Designed for Product Innovation and Development Agility

The APV Pilot UHT System gives processors and developers a powerful, hands-on tool for exploring new product ideas, refining formulations and simulating ultra high temperature processing in a controlled environment. It replicates the performance of full-scale systems in a highly flexible, modular format.

Today’s development teams face critical challenges:

• Testing small batches without risking production downtime
• Matching lab trial results with commercial line conditions
• Scaling new products efficiently and cost-effectively
• Validating recipes for aseptic food processing standards

Why Choose the APV Pilot UHT Systems?

Our APV pilot UHT systems are built for speed, flexibility and precision, helping processors accelerate innovation, validate new recipes and reduce scale-up risk. They offer:

• True UHT performance in a compact, mobile footprint
• Multiple heating configurations: plate, tubular, injection, or infusion
• Full CIP/SIP capability for hygienic, repeatable trials
• Precise thermal control with data logging and validation tools
• Low-volume batch testing to minimize waste and reduce development costs
• Adjustable flow rates and holding times to simulate full-scale production
• Fast changeovers for multiple product trials per day
• Integrated control panel with recipe management, alarms and diagnostics
• Modular design for future expansion or reconfiguration
• Pre-assembled and factory-tested for rapid deployment
• Compliance-ready with global standards including ASME, PMO and 3-A
• Supported by SPX FLOW experts through our global Innovation Centers
• Backed by SPX FLOW’s worldwide service network, including training, preventive maintenance, spare parts, and remote diagnostics, ensuring long-term performance and ROI.

Distinctive Advantages

APV Pilot UHT Systems are designed for flexibility, accuracy and scalability. They are:

• Custom-configurable to match your product type, thermal process and validation requirements
• Available with aseptic filling options for packaging and shelf-life testing
• Compatible with high- and low-viscosity products
• Built for repeatability to ensure small-scale trial data translates to full-scale production

Applications

• R&D for dairy, plant-based and beverage products
• Validation of new UHT recipes and processing conditions
• Pre-production testing of formulations before scale-up
• Operator training and demonstration runs
• Shelf-life, flavor, and stability testing under UHT process conditions

Theory of Operation

The APV Pilot UHT System mimics the thermal stages of a full-scale UHT process, offering customizable options such as:

1. Preheating – Prepares the product using heat regeneration
2. UHT Treatment – Delivers rapid heating up to 157°C using chosen technology (indirect or direct)
3. Holding – Maintains sterilization temperature for precise durations
4. Cooling – Reduces temperature for packaging or storage
5. Aseptic Outlet (optional) – Transfers product into sterile packaging for shelf-life studies

The system supports all major UHT processing technologies, enabling processors to compare methods and optimize results before committing to commercial-scale implementation.