Versatile heat transfer solutions

The Contherm® range of scraped-surface heat exchangers

Full spectrumof equipment and know-how

The many processes involved inmanufacturing food, chemicals, pharma-ceuticals, cosmetics, health and beautyproducts all require sturdy, reliable heattransfer solutions designed to ensureremoval of the fouling layer normallyassociated with viscous and stickyproducts, as well as to optimize theintegrity of particulates.

For these and many other applications,Alfa Laval provides a complete range ofscraped-surface heat exchangers(SSHEs) capable of meeting eachcustomer’s processing requirements.

Full spectrum of equipmentAlfa Laval supplies the heat transferequipment needed, either as individualcomponents or as complete engineeredmodules to be integrated into process-ing lines. Such modules are pre-engineered and pre-configured so theycan be brought on line as quickly andeasily as possible.

The cost-effectiveness of Alfa Lavalsolutions ensures you the best possiblepath to processing success.

Full spectrum of know-howThe Alfa Laval global sales network pro-vides you with access to an exceptionalpool of knowledge for improving, extend-ing and developing your processing set-up, locally as well as internationally.

Our application experience is backed bythe R&D resources, materials technologyand know-how available from theworld’s foremost specialists in the use ofheat transfer, fluid handling andseparation technologies.

Going globalThis vast body of expertise is on tap forour customers. We are fully familiar withall the international technical require-ments that you may encounter whentackling both commodity and niche mar-kets throughout the world. Alfa Lavalcan deliver equipment and systems con-figured to comply with the national andinternational codes and standards ofyour choice.

The Contherm® scraped-surface heat exchanger range

The Contherm SSHE range 3

4 The Contherm SSHE range

Nowadays, convenience food plays animportant role in people’s lifestyles. Forthe modern consumer, fresh flavour anda pleasing texture at an affordable priceare still critical. These consumerdemands present a challenge to foodmanufacturers, particularly in the case ofprepared foods made from delicate rawmaterials or featuring consistencies thatinvolve special processing.

From a hygienic design point of view,personal care and pharmaceutical appli-cations can be even more demandingthan food. The design of the Conthermrange is based on aseptic technologythat complies with stringent internationalhygiene standards, including USDAand 3A.

Why scraped-surfaceheat exchangers?Many manufacturers need to be able toensure continuous production. Thishelps provide a high throughput anduniform heat transfer, which play animportant role in profitable production.However, the consistency or contents ofmany food products normally hinderefficient heat transfer.

The Contherm range of SSHEs fromAlfa Laval is fully capable of meetingsuch demands, and is able to deal withthe kinds of products where other typesof heat exchangers are known toclog or foul.

A comprehensive range

Meeting customer requirements

Application examples:

ViscousKetchup, mayonnaise, chocolatespreads, fruit pie fillings, gravies andsauces, whipped/aerated products,peanut butter, pizza sauces, puddings,salad dressings, salsa and taco fillings,sandwich spreads, bread dough,mechanically deboned meat (MDM),gelatine, omelettes, baby food, nougat,skin lotions, shampoos, liquorice, etc.

Heat sensitiveLiquid and scrambled egg products,meat emulsions, fruit preparations andfruit purées, cream cheeses, wheyproteins, fish meal, etc.

Crystallizing and phase changeCoffee/tea extracts, icings and frostings,sugar concentrates, margarines, short-ening, spreads, gelatine broth, lard,fondant, biscuit creams, solvents, fattyacids, petroleum jelly, beerand wine, etc.

ParticulateMeat, chicken pieces, fish meal, petfood, jams and preserves, yoghurt fruits,a variety of fruit preparations, rice pud-ding, vegetable pieces, etc.

StickyCaramel, cheese sauces, lecithin,processed cheese, confectionery, yeastextracts, gums, gelatine, mascara,toothpaste and starch, etc.

Applications

Contherm Core is available in a horizontal installation frame. Asmany as three units can be stacked on top of each other in orderto maximize floor space.

The Contherm SSHE range 5

6 The Contherm SSHE range

Wide range availableOur customers’ processes and appli-cations are by no means identical, andthe same is true of the Contherm rangeof scraped-surface heat exchangers.For example, when using raw productsthat are easy to process, a basicContherm design consisting of polymerblades and single mechanical sealswould be a suitable solution. Whereasfor highly demanding products andprocesses, the materials and compo-nents need to be more rugged andmore durable in order to ensuredependable operation.

Alfa Laval provides tailored solutionsdesigned to add the most value to yourproduct and process requirements. Tomatch the Contherm range to the par-ticular requirements of our many diffe-rent customers and the applicationsthey work with, Contherm SSHEs aredivided into four categories.

Contherm CoreMade for low-viscosity and/or foulingproducts with or without particulate mat-ter. The Contherm Core is a simplifieddesign made with the high-quality well-proven Contherm components that ourcustomers have come to rely on.

Contherm Core is available in a horizon-tal installation frame, with an option tostack as many as three Contherm Coreunits on top of each other. This is a trulyeconomical solution for the right applica-tions.

ConthermMade for medium-viscosity and/orfouling products with or without particu-late matter. This standard Conthermmodel is designed with ease of servicein mind, and therefore allows automatedremoval of components.

A Contherm range to meet eachcustomer’s requirements

Contherm SelectMade for use with special applicationsand process requirements. Examplesinclude extremely viscous, sticky, abra-sive or fouling products. ConthermSelect models are also ideal for applica-tions that require significant mixing andshear, and for aerated products andapplications that require deep cooling,including cryogenic design.

ConvapA modified Contherm scraped-surfaceevaporator used for removing moisturefrom viscous and/or heat-sensitive pro-ducts that tend to cause fouling in staticheat exchangers.

Features and benefits of each range

The Contherm SSHE range 7

Astra Sweets, a leading confectionery producer located in Turnhout, Belgium usessix Alfa Laval Contherm SSHEs to heat the confectory mass for pasteurization andthen to cool it afterwards. The Contherm units are ideal for this production processas they preserve the taste, colour and texture of the product.

The Contherm heat exchangers allow Astra Sweets to skip daily cleaning routines,which would result in hours of downtime if other types of heat exchangers wereused. “As a result, we have lower maintenance costs,” says Technical ManagerKris De Vries from Astra Sweets.

Working principleProduct enters the cylinder through thelower product head and flows upwardsthrough the cylinder. At the same time,the heating/cooling media travel in acounter-current flow through the narrowannular channel.

Rotating blades continuously removeproduct from the cylinder wall in order toensure uniform transfer of heat from themedia to the product. An optional coil inthe annulus increases media velocity,adding to the heat transfer efficiency.

Product exits the cylinder through theupper tangential port. Product flow androtor speed can be varied to suit theproperties of the particular product flo-wing through the cylinder.

Numerous Contherm configurations areavailable. Trained, knowledgeableAlfa Laval staff are able to customizeeach Contherm unit by selecting theappropriate materials, features andoptions to meet each customer’s exactrequirements.

Contherm – how it works

Motor

Productoutlet

Heating/coolingmedia port (in)(Refrigerant – out)

Insulation

Heating/coolingmedia port (out)(Refrigerant - in)

Productinlet

Rotor lifting device

Contherm scraped-surfaceheat exchanger

Blade

Rotor

Heat transfersurface

Equipment for any viscous application

When processing less complicated low-to medium-viscosity products, a moresimple scraped-surface heat exchangersolution is often needed.

Based on the standard Contherm modeland certain “core” components,Contherm Core was developed to pro-vide a straightforward, cost-effectivedesign with all the quality and reliabilitycustomers expect from Alfa Laval. Thisdesign ensures ease of installation andreliable operation, adding up to a longerservice life and better return oninvestment.

For extreme applications and processrequirements, Alfa Laval can source andmanufacture Contherm SSHEs with acomprehensive range of special designfeatures. This results in highly robustContherm Select units that have a uni-que ability to modify the product beingprocessed.

Features such as stainless steel blades,enlarged blade pins, bearing isolatorsand hard coatings on the surface of theheat exchanger are examples of theheavy-duty design features available inthe Contherm Select models. These areintended to maximize the durability anddependability of the equipment.

Contherm Select

Contherm Core

Up to 7.5 kW (10 HP)Direct coupled gear reducer(Up to 350 RPM)

Motor mountingflange

No hydraulic lift

Proven Contherm componentsHeat exchanger cylinderSealsBlades

Bolted mountingdrive end

Smaller diameter 2 pieceouter stainless steel trimsheet

Bolted mountingnon-drive end

Center portheads

8 The Contherm SSHE range

A

B

C

E

D

The Contherm SSHE range 9

Contherm Core is designed specificallyto process low- to medium-viscosityproducts, such as soups, sauces,ketchups, fruit purées, dressings, babyfood and desserts as well as skinlotions, facial creams and shampoos.

The Contherm Core is also ideal forbatch augmentation, a process in whicha product is more efficiently heated orcooled while being circulated from abatch tank, through a Contherm Coreunit and back to the original tank.

The features and benefits ofContherm Core include:� Economical scraped-surface heatexchanger solution for use with low-to medium-viscosity products

� Uses well-proven core componentsof the standard Contherm model,including the 316L stainless steelheat transfer cylinder, seals and blades

� Can deal with viscosities of up to50,000 cps and particles up to 25 mm(1 inch) in diameter

� Horizontal mounting� Flushed seals (optional equipment)permit aseptic processing.

The features and benefits of Contherm Select include:� High-torque rotor spline and enlarged heavy-duty blade pinsfor products with extremely high viscosity

� Sealed isolator design that ensures extended/long life ofContherm bearings

� Single or double-flushed configurations available. Huhnsealdesigned specifically for Contherm to extend seal life andperformance

� All blade types available, including metal detectable. PEEKand slotted USDA blades available for particularly demand-ing or unusual applications

� Inboard bearing seals and 76 mm (3 inch) tangential inletsfor use with large particulates or highly viscous products toreduce system pressure drop

� Designed to comply with the most stringent industry stan-dards, including USDA and 3A hygienic design certification.

This system provides the advantages ofcontinuous processing, includingconsistent product quality as a result ofexacting temperature control, but at afraction of the cost.

Sturdy, versatile Contherm Select unitscan handle applications such as high-solids confectionery products, mechani-cally de-boned meats, shortening andmargarine, fish meal and other industrialproteins, peanut butter and marsh-mallow, ice cream variegates, mascaraand gelatine.

wInboard bearing seals and76 mm (3 inch) tangential inlets

ConthermCore Contherm Contherm

Select Convap Particulars required for quotation

Horizontal n n n

Vertical n n n

0.28 m2 / 3 ft2 n n n

0.56 m2 / 6 ft2 n n n

0.84 m2 / 9 ft2 n n n n

1.0 m2 / 11 ft2

152 mm / 6 inches

n n n

ASME n n n n

n n n n

PED n n n n

3A n n

Cryogenic n

316 L Stainless steel n n n n

316 L HIPEX Stainless steel n n

Corrosion resistant alloy n n

Nickel n n

Chrome n n

Triple-Chrome n n

Alfaloy n n

20 Bar / 300 psig and full vacuum n n n n

27 Bar / 400 psig n

-35°C to +170°C / -30°F to +338°F n n n n

Cryogenic and other upon request n

17 Bar / 250 psig n n n n

48 Bar / 700 psig n

-35°C to +170°C / -30°F to +338°F n n n n

51 mm / 2 inch Centre port n

n

n n n

51 mm / 2 inch Tangential n n n

76 mm / 3 inch Tangential n n

51 mm / 2 inch DIN, Tri-clamp, SMS, other n n n

76 mm / 3 inch DIN, Tri-clamp, SMS, other n n n

51 mm / 2 inch Upper - NPT or flange n

n

n n n

37 mm / 1 1/2 inch Upper - NPT or flange n n n n

Single carbon mechanical n n n n

Carbon flushed / aseptic n n n n

Hard face n n n

Hard face flushed / aseptic n n n

Inboard seal n

Silicone carbide (high-speed applications) n

Huhnseal n n

High torque / flushed n n

Industrial packing gland n

Alfalon III, Nylon n n n n

Alfalon III-S (metal detectable) n n

Nylon n n

Teflon n n

PEEK n n

Stainless steel n n

Corrosion resistant alloy n n

Slotted feature n n

Spring loaded n

51 mm / 2 inch diameter n

76 mm / 3 inch diameter n n n n

102 mm / 4 inch diameter n n n

114 mm / 4.5 inch diameter n n n nParticulate descriptionMixing and/or shear requirements

127 mm / 5 inch diameter n

High torque spline n n

Heavy duty blade pins n n

Eccentric rotation n

Water tempered n

High speed / high sheer n

3.7 kW / 5 HP n n n

5.5 kW / 7.5 HP n n n n

Viscosity

7.5 kW / 10 HP n n n n

11+ kW / 15+ HP n n

Direct drive n n n n

Belt and sheave

n

n n

Right angle drive n

Explosion proof n n

Blades

Surface area

Certifications

Cylinder inner diameter

Materials

Unique coatings

Product

Seals

Desired ease of inspection and service

Media

Mounting

Product temperatures in and out

Heating or cooling media type and available temperature

Product properties that can dictate materials of construction

Product and media flow rate

pH · % Total solids · Density

Motors

Power

Type

Heads

Rotors

Unique designs

Media connection

Conthermcylinderfeatures

Inlet, outlet,heads andconnections

Rotor diameter

Product connection

Contherm portfolioFloor space or ceiling height restrictions

Technical information

Model

Heatingsurface

m2A

mmB*

mmC

mmD

mmE

mm

Netweight

kg

Floorspace

m2

6x36x66x96x11

0.2790.5570.8361.020

854138719972355

2502364548645689

864 864864864

933 933933933

717132619362205

140234 274 306

0.330.33 0.33 0.33

Model

* The height may vary depending on the size of the motor

Heatingsurface

ft2Ain

B*in

Cin

Din

Ein

Netweight

lb

Floorspace

ft2

6x36x66x96x11

3.06.09.0

10.5

33.6 54.678.692.7

98.5143.5191.5224.0

34.034.034.034.0

36.836.836.836.8

28.252.276.286.8

308 515 605 675

3.63.63.63.6

Metricsystem

Americansystem

Product configurations

Alfa Laval reserves the right to change specifications without prior notification.

Typical Convap applications include theproduction of purées, mashes, pulps,concentrates and pastes from fruits andvegetables. Convap units are also usedfor processing a wide selection of con-fectionery, protein solutions such aswhey protein, lecithin, sugar solutions,chemical and pharmaceutical solutions,and for concentrating plant waste ma-terials into a heavy slurry for easydisposal. Convap units can also beused for concentrating coffee andother extracts.

How it worksJust as in Contherm units, product ispumped into the lower end of theConvap heat exchanger cylinder. Theheating/cooling media flows in the annu-lar space between the heat transfer walland the insulated jacket. Mechanicalagitation, provided by the revolvingblades, creates the convection condi-tions essential for efficient heat transfer.

The scraping blades continuouslyremove the thin product film from theprecision-finished cylinder wall. The cen-trifugal action of the Convap rotor, drivenby a motor on the upper end of the unit,spins the heavier liquid droplets towardthe cylinder wall. This action assures acontinuous re-wetting of the heattransfer surface and preventsproduct burn-on.

The features and benefits of Convapinclude:� Continuous product flow� Extreme levels of solids can beachieved at overpressure orunder full vacuum

� Product gravity feeds out of separator– with pump assistance if necessary

� Moisture is removed from theseparator vessel and can becondensed for subsequent use

� Uniquely designed vapour dome andvapour separation vessel forenhanced evaporation and producttemperature control.

Convap

The Convap is normally operated undervacuum. Vaporization occurs in theConvap scraped-surface heat exchang-er cylinder. A separator, connected tothe Convap by a custom-designedvapour dome, allows the separation ofthe concentrate from the vapour phase.In the separation vessel, the watervapour exits the top and concentratedproduct exits at the bottom.

Convap is a specially modifiedContherm unit designed as a continu-ous, scraped-surface evaporator thatcan effectively concentrate products toextremely high solids levels. It is oftenused to process products that rapidlybecome viscous as they undergoconcentration.

Pre-concentration prior to dryingConvap units are especially suitable forconcentrating products that have beenpre-concentrated by other means andhave become too viscous to handle.The Convap can concentrate someproducts up to 99% total solids.

Convap system for production drying offruit and more

Many heat exchangers encounter theirlimits when handling process fluids thatare sticky, cause fouling or are heatsensitive. This is not the case withContherm range from Alfa Laval, how-ever. These units are capable of handlingproducts that other heat exchangersfind too difficult. As long as a productcan be pumped, a Contherm SSHE canhandle it.

To help verify this prior to installation, atest unit is available to enable our cus-tomers to test and develop food andnon-food processing techniques on asmall scale, prior to making decisionsabout installing new equipment.

Features and options for good operatingeconomics

We aim to prove to you that ConthermSSHEs are robust enough to handle theprocessing of your particular product.Our analytical test programme providesyou with concrete data about the physi-cal properties of each product whilebeing processed using Contherm equip-ment. This analytical data includes mois-ture content, pH, specific gravity andparticle size.

If you are interested in testing how yourcompany’s product will perform, pleasecontact us via the nearest Alfa Lavalsales office or by e-mail:info.contherm@alfalaval.com

Competence centre and testing

Flexible testing facilityAlfa Laval has a number of rental unitsavailable for shipping to any location inthe world for testing at customer sites.

In addition to renting a test unit, custo-mers can also have tests carried out atCustomer Testing Centers in either theUS or Europe. Here an expert staff oflaboratory technicians assists customersin optimizing both equipment and ope-rating conditions to fit their specific pro-duct and process.

The main components at the Alfa Lavaltesting centre include ConthermSSHEs and Convap scraped-surfaceevaporators. This equipment makes iteasy to set up small-scale processinglines for heating, cooling, evaporationand crystallization, enabling customersto “try before they buy”.

Analytical dataAt Alfa Laval, we know that a critical fac-tor for our food processing customers isthe ability to preserve the exact taste,texture and quality that their customersdemand. And it is equally important forour non-food customers to maintainconsistent quality in their products.

This is why Alfa Laval provides customerswith the ability to determine the bestconfiguration of their process line priorto any actual purchasing decision.

Hydraulic lift and blade funnel for easymaintenance

10 The Contherm SSHE range

Contherm test unitincluding Convap evaporator,control panel and mobile feed pump.

The Contherm SSHE range 11

Relying on Alfa Laval

Genuine spare parts and serviceTo enable your staff to run and maintainyour Contherm and Convap equipment,Alfa Laval supplies genuine OEM spareparts, services and training for the com-plete Contherm range.

With Alfa Laval sales companies in morethan 50 countries and a global networkof regional service centres, you can relyon 24/7 service from trained expertswho are close at hand to help you ifneeded.

Contherm upgradesDecades of continuous improvementenable our customers to take advantageof the many ongoing Contherm productimprovements, most of which are de-signed to be backwardly compatiblewith existing equipment.

Equipment rental and exchangeContherm heat transfer cylinders, rotorsand other critical components are avail-able on a rental and exchange basis.This enables our customers to continueproduction should they have to wait forequipment to be replaced or repaired.

Auditing, consulting and trainingTrained field service technicians andproduct specialists can carry out on-sitetraining and equipment audits in order toassist our customers in identifying areasof risk and/or opportunities for opti-mizing existing set-ups.

Maintenance toolsA comprehensive range of tools is avail-able to assist our customers in maintain-ing their equipment to ensure consis-tent, dependable performance andimprove product quality. For example,process control equipment can bespecified for the Contherm range andwe can supply maintenance documen-tation and instructional videos on how toservice the specific Conthermequipment.

Genuine parts, service and training

Alfa Laval in briefAlfa Laval is a leading global provider ofspecialized products and engineeredsolutions. Our equipment, systems andservices are dedicated to helpingcustomers to optimize the performanceof their processes. Time andtime again.

We help our customers to heat,cool, separate and transport productssuch as oil, water, chemicals,beverages, foodstuffs, starch andpharmaceuticals.

Our worldwide organization worksclosely with customers in almost 100countries to help them stay ahead.

How to contact Alfa LavalUp-to-date Alfa Laval contact details forall countries are always available on ourwebsite at www.alfalaval.com

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