Food processing is the transformation of agricultural products into food, or of one form of food into other forms. In various processes such as pasteurization, cooling, heating, evaporation, concentration, and sterilization, stainless steel gasket plate heat exchangers are essential equipment in the food industry. Their versatility, compactness, and ability to maintain product quality make them a preferred choice for many food processing applications.

1. Pasteurization: Plate type heat exchangers are widely used in the pasteurization process of dairy products, such as milk, yogurt, and cheese. The heat exchangers heat the product to a specific temperature for a predetermined time to eliminate harmful bacteria, ensuring the safety of the product.

2. Cooling and chilling: Gasketed plate heat exchangers are commonly used for cooling and chilling various food products. After pasteurization, the product needs to be rapidly cooled to prevent bacterial growth and extend its shelf life. PHEs efficiently remove heat from the product, allowing it to cool down quickly. This is especially important for beverages like fruit juices, where maintaining freshness and taste is crucial.
3. Heating: Plate heat exchangers are also employed in the heating process of food products. They are used to heat sauces, soups, and other liquid-based products to the desired temperature. The corrugated design of the plates creates turbulence, which enhances heat transfer and allows for efficient heating.
4. Evaporation and concentration: Plate heat exchangers can be utilized in the evaporation and concentration of food products. This process involves removing water from a liquid to increase its concentration or create a more viscous product. The heat exchangers enable efficient heat transfer, allowing for rapid evaporation and concentration while maintaining the desired product characteristics.
5. Sterilization: Plate and frame heat exchangers are also used in the sterilization process of food products, such as canned goods. By subjecting the product to high temperatures, harmful microorganisms are eliminated, ensuring the safety and shelf life of the product.

Advantages of plate and heat exchangers for the food industry

1. The efficient heat transfer of plate heat exchangers helps to achieve rapid and uniform heating, reducing processing time and improving productivity.
2. The PHE helps to maintain the quality and taste of the product while reducing processing time and energy consumption.
3. The compact design and efficient heat transfer of plate heat exchangers make them suitable for sterilization applications.

The semi-welded plate heat exchanger is used when gasket plate heat exchangers are not suitable for one of the process media, such as sugar, starch, sweetener, and beverage production.