HRS Unicus heat exchangers

The Unicus from HRS Heat Exchangers has been specifically designed to provide effective heat transfer with a wide range of difficult materials across a range of industries, particularly those which have a high fouling potential (therefore limiting heat transfer) but at the same time require delicate handling to preserve fragile product integrity. A process of continual improvement means that the heat exchangers are available with a wide range of scraper types, providing more choice for applications from food pasteurisation to biomass pretreatment.

The series, which is designed for industrial and hygienic applications, is based on traditional shell and tube heat exchangers, with the addition of a stainless steel scraping mechanism which is hydraulically moved back and forth within each interior tube. This movement performs two key functions. Firstly, it minimises potential fouling of the product by keeping the tube wall clean. Secondly, the movement creates turbulence within the material. Both of these actions help to increase heat transfer rates; together, they create an efficient heat transfer process that is suitable for viscous and high fouling materials.

Another benefit is the fact that the separate hydraulic action means that the speed of the scrapers (which are available in a number of different designs) is controllable and can be optimised for the product being processed. This means that materials which are susceptible to shear stress or pressure damage can be handled gently to prevent such damage, while still providing high levels of heat transfer.