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.
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.