Tubular UHT Systems
APV® Tubular UHT Systems are robust, modular solutions for high-volume aseptic processing of milk, plant-based drinks, cream and other liquid foods. The systems are built for flexibility and efficiency and deliver consistent thermal treatment, long production runs and high product quality. They are available in modular or fully customized setups and support everything from basic dairy lines to complex multi-product operations.
Indirect UHT Technology Designed for Reliable, Gentle Processing and Operational Efficiency
In dairy and beverage processing, achieving safe, shelf-stable products with consistent quality demands more than just heat, it requires precise, controlled thermal treatment. APV Tubular UHT Systems use indirect heating to gently sterilize products without compromising taste, color, or texture. They’re ideal for milk, cream, plant-based beverages, desserts and other low- to high-viscosity applications.
Today’s food and beverage processors face several key challenges:
- Preserving sensory and nutritional quality during heat treatment
- Managing fouling and minimizing downtime
- Adapting to diverse product types and batch sizes with minimal changeover time
- Controlling energy usage and operating costs in continuous production environments
Why APV Tubular UHT Systems?
Built on decades of thermal processing expertise, APV Tubular UHT Systems are engineered for consistent, hygienic and energy-efficient performance. They offer:
- Uniform heating via indirect tubular exchangers for gentle thermal treatment
- High energy recovery (up to 90%) to reduce utility consumption and operating costs
- Modular, flexible design to support custom configurations and future expansion
- Low fouling performance for extended run times and fewer interruptions
- Long operation windows between CIP cycles to boost productivity
- Broad product compatibility, from milk, cream and oat drinks to custards and sauces
- Custom engineering options for specific product or compliance requirements
- Operator-friendly automation with intuitive controls, recipe management and integrated CIP
- Pre-assembled and factory-tested for faster installation and commissioning
- Compliance-ready with global standards including ASME, PMO and 3-A
- Low maintenance and lifecycle costs for dependable, long-term performance
- 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 consistent uptime and strong ROI.
Distinctive Advantages
- Modular and scalable, allowing configuration flexibility and easy upgrades
- Fully customizable to match plant layout, utilities and regulatory standards
Applications
- UHT milk and flavored milk
- Plant-based beverages (e.g., oat, soy, almond, rice)
- Cream and coffee creamers
- Dessert bases (e.g., puddings, custards, flan)
- Ice cream mix and milkshake base
- Fruit preparations and sauces
- Nutritional drinks (including medical and infant formulas)
- Soups and savory emulsions
- Liquid egg products
- High-viscosity and particulate-containing products (optional with custom design)
Theory of Operation
The APV Tubular UHT System applies indirect UHT processing via a series of stainless-steel tubes and heat exchangers. The modular system typically includes:
- Preheating – Incoming product is preheated by outgoing sterile product for energy recovery.
- Sterilization – Product is indirectly heated to 135–145°C using steam or hot water in the heat exchanger.
- Holding – The sterilized product passes through a defined holding section to meet time-temperature requirements.
- Cooling & Regeneration – Cooled by regenerating heat to incoming product, followed by final chilling.
- Aseptic Transfer – Product is transferred to sterile fillers or tanks under aseptic conditions.
This controlled aseptic food processing method ensures food safety, long shelf life and product consistency.