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Scraped surface heat exchangers have been used in difficult heat transfer applications involving viscous fluids or scaling problems, such as evaporation processes.The most common scraped surface heat exchangers (SSHE) use a rotating shaft with a blade or auger that scrapes the surface of the tube.The HRS R series is based on this approach.However, this design is not suitable for all situations, so HRS has developed the Unicus range of reciprocating scraped surface heat exchangers.
The HRS Unicus range is specifically designed to provide the improved heat transfer of traditional SSHE, but with a mild effect to maintain the quality and integrity of delicate foods such as cheese, yogurt, ice cream, meat sauces and products containing whole pieces of fruit or vegetables.Many different scraper designs have been developed over the years, meaning that every application, from processing curds to heating sauces or pasteurizing fruit preserves, can be handled in the most efficient yet gentle way.Other applications where the Unicus range is beneficial include processing meat pulp and mince, and processing yeast malt extracts.
The hygienic design uses a patented stainless steel scraping mechanism that hydraulically moves back and forth within each inner tube.This motion performs two key functions: it minimizes potential contamination by keeping the tube walls clean, and it creates turbulence within the material.These actions together increase the rate of heat transfer in the material, creating an efficient process ideal for sticky and high fouling materials.
Because they are individually controlled, the speed of the scraper can be optimized for the specific product being processed so that materials susceptible to shear stress or pressure damage, such as cream and custard, can be finely processed to prevent damage, while still providing high Horizontal heat transfer.The Unicus range is particularly suitable for handling sticky foods where texture and consistency are important attributes.For example, some creams or sauces may shear when put under too much pressure, rendering them unusable.Unicus overcomes these problems by implying efficient heat transfer at low pressure.
Each Unicus SSHE consists of three elements: the hydraulic cylinder and power unit (although cylinders are available in smaller units), a separation chamber to ensure hygiene and keep the product separate from the motor, and the heat exchanger itself.The heat exchanger consists of a number of tubes, each containing a stainless steel rod fitted with appropriate scraping elements.Uses a range of food-safe materials including Teflon and PEEK (polyetheretherketone), which offer different internal geometry settings depending on the application, such as a 120° scraper for large particles and a 360° for particle-free viscous fluids scraper.
The Unicus range is also fully scalable by increasing the housing diameter and adding more inner tubes, from a single tube to up to 80 in a housing.A key feature is a specially designed seal that separates the inner tube from the separation chamber, tailored to the product application.These seals prevent product leakage and ensure internal and external hygiene.Standard models for food processing range from 0.7 to 10 square meters of heat transfer area, while larger models can be manufactured up to 120 square meters for specific applications.