SSHE throughput characteristics and flow geometry

The Contherm Max scraped-surface heat exchanger addresses high-capacity industrial requirements by employing two concentric heat transfer walls. This geometry creates a 51 mm product path that facilitates the movement of large particulates and high-viscosity fluids with minimal pressure drop. Because the product is exposed to heating or cooling from both inner and outer surfaces simultaneously, the heat transfer rate remains high. This is particularly valuable for heat-sensitive products that require rapid thermal processing to preserve colour, flavour, or chemical stability. The highly engineered rotating scraping cage assembly is designed to minimise drive power while continuously removing fouling material from both walls.

Thermal efficiency for low to medium viscosity media

For processes involving low to medium viscosity products, the Contherm Core provides a modular alternative built on the same proven core components — including Alfalon III scraping blades and a 316/316L stainless steel cylinder. This model handles products up to 25,000 cps and particles up to 25 mm (1 inch). While the Contherm Max operates vertically for high-capacity duties, the Contherm Core uses a horizontal frame that allows two units to be stacked, saving floor space. This flexibility enables plant managers to scale thermal processing capacity without significant rigging or infrastructure changes.

Counter-current media flow and product recovery

Heating or cooling media enters at the top of the Contherm Max and flows counter-current to the product, which enters at the bottom tangential port and exits at the top. This counter-current arrangement maximises the temperature driving force across the full length of the exchanger. At the end of a production run, the product can be drained or displaced by water, resulting in minimal product loss. The unit is then Cleaned in Place following recommended CIP guidelines, avoiding manual teardowns and reducing downtime between production runs.

Maintenance and operational reliability

Operational costs are a key consideration in the Contherm Max design. The unit has only one single mechanical seal per unit, reducing the time and expense of scheduled maintenance compared with traditional SSHE models that require two seals per unit. The Contherm Max is a stand-alone unit that installs vertically and does not need to be fixed to adjacent structures such as a wall or ceiling, further reducing installation costs and rigging requirements.