A tomato sauce producer was using a three-way steam-valve jet cooker and getting poor results. The unit had difficulty maintaining target temperatures and vibrated severely, causing concerns over the piping’s integrity.

The operating conditions were as follows:

• Flow rates of 25 to 75 gal/min (9.4 kl/m).
  
• The inlet temperature was an ambient low of 45°F (7°C).
  
• Outlet temperature was 195°F (91°C).
  
• Steam pressure was 120 to 130 psig (8.2 to 8.9 bar).

The solution to the problem rested with Hydro-Thermal Corp, Waukesha, Wis., which installed its Solaris Hydroheater, designed for highly viscous fluids. The straight-through flow design of the process steam heater minimizes flow disturbance and enables instant condensation of steam without vibration or noise. Target temperatures are reached quickly and held constant. The sauce maker reports that the Solaris handles the entire flow range with smooth operation. The safety concerns experienced with the other steam valve do not exist with the process steam heater.

The Hydroheater is designed specifically for each user’s process conditions and application. The direct steam injection system helps companies save energy and have more control.Visit www.hydro-thermal.com to complete an application data sheet.