SSHE UHT Systems | Scraped Surface UHT Processing for Viscous & Particulate Products |APV® I SPX FLOW

Scraped Surface Heat Exchanger UHT Systems

APV® Scraped Surface Heat Exchanger (SSHE) UHT Systems use scraped surface heat exchangers to enable ultra-high temperature processing of heat-sensitive, viscous and particulate-rich products. Designed for reliable, gentle treatment of challenging formulations, these systems ensure consistent thermal performance, smooth texture and shelf-stable results — making them ideal for aseptic processing of dairy desserts, fruit preps, baby food and sauces.

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High-Viscosity UHT Processing Plant

When it comes to shelf-stable foods with texture, from puddings and fruit blends to thick sauces, uniform heat transfer without fouling is critical. APV SSHE UHT Systems use scraped surface heat exchangers to keep product moving during processing, ensuring even heating and reliable aseptic food processing of thick or particulate-laden formulations.

Today’s processors face several key challenges:

Avoiding burn-on or overprocessing in heat-sensitive, viscous products
Ensuring aseptic integrity for complex or textured formulations
Maintaining texture and mouthfeel while achieving high microbial reduction
Managing cleaning cycles and reducing operational downtime

Why APV SSHE UHT Systems?

With decades of experience in UHT processing, APV SSHE UHT Systems are purpose-built for applications where traditional tubular or plate systems are not suitable. They provide:

Efficient heat transfer with continuous scraping for uniform, consistent processing
High product compatibility, including shear-sensitive or particulate-rich formulations
Low burn-on risk, even with starches, sugars and thickening agents
Precise thermal control to maintain product quality, texture and stability
Reduced fouling for extended run times and fewer cleaning interruptions
Gentle product handling to protect structure in fibrous or particulate-laden products
Modular, flexible design for easy integration and future expansion
Low operating costs, driven by energy efficiency, long equipment life and minimized downtime
Pre-assembled and factory-tested for faster installation and commissioning
Available with compliance options including ASME, PMO, and 3-A to meet global food safety regulations
Pilot testing support through SPX FLOW innovation centers to accelerate development and scale-up
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

APV SSHE UHT systems are engineered for demanding applications and long-term reliability. They are:

Modular and customizable to support a wide range of product types and flow rates
Designed for cleanability, with full CIP/SIP compatibility and a robust hygienic design

Applications

Dairy desserts (pudding, custard, rice milk)
Fruit and vegetable purées
Baby food and nutritional products
Tomato-based sauces and soups
Creams, starch-thickened products
UHT processing milk-based formulations with particulates

Theory of Operation

Our APV SSHE UHT System uses scraped surface heat exchangers in combination with indirect thermal processing. The product flows through jacketed cylinders while rotating scraper blades continuously remove buildup from the walls, enhancing heat transfer and keeping product in motion.

A typical SSHE UHT process includes:

Preheating – Product is gently heated in a regenerative section.
Sterilization – High-viscosity or particulate product is heated to 135–145°C under controlled conditions using scraped surface heat exchangers.
Holding – Product is held at temperature to achieve microbial inactivation.
Cooling – Regeneration and final cooling prepare the product for aseptic filling.
Aseptic Transfer – Product is transferred under sterile conditions to downstream aseptic systems.

This method is ideal for aseptic food processing that demands precise control, texture preservation and reduced fouling.

Our APV SSHE UHT Systems are engineered to deliver precision, efficiency, and versatility in ultra-high temperature (UHT) processing. Below is an in-depth look at the system’s specifications that make it ideal for aseptic processing:

Processing capacity:	500 – 15,000 L/h (130 – 4,000 U.S. gal/h)
Product temperature profile	Up to 145°C (293°F)
Viscosity range:	Up to 10,000 cP and beyond
Particulate Size:	Up to 15 mm (customizable)
Pressure Rating:	Up to 30 bar (435 psi)
Materials:	316L stainless steel
Heat Regeneration:	Up to 75%
CIP-ready:	Fully CIP/SIP compatible
Configurations:	Modular and fully customized systems available

Our APV SSHE UHT Systems come with a range of premium options to further customize and optimize your aseptic processing operations:

Designed according to ASME, PMO and 3A
The system is optionally designed to comply with ASME, PMO and 3A accommodating regulatory requirements for global markets
Energy Efficiency
The system is equipped with advanced energy-saving features:
- Non-Aseptic Cooler (NAC): This patented design achieves up to 67% energy recovery during sterilization and cleaning processes, significantly reducing operational costs.
- Condensers with Energy Recovery: A set of condensers enables an additional 12% energy recovery, which can be reused internally or externally within the UHT plant, enhancing overall energy efficiency.
- Sterile Water Unit: This feature produces sterile water for the homogenizer, eliminating the need for condensate and contributing to resource optimization.
- Hibernation Mode: During waiting times, the intelligent energy reduction mode saves over 50% in energy consumption, making the system extremely efficient even when not in active production.
Run Times and Product Integrity

Aseptic Pulsation Dampener
The aseptic pulsation dampener reduces pressure fluctuations within the system, ensuring steady product flow and maintaining an aseptic system and product integrity. By stabilizing pressure, this option enhances product safety and consistency, especially when dealing with delicate or high-viscosity products.