Industrial Heater in Food and Beverage industry

What is an Industrial Heater in the Food & Beverage Industry?

An Industrial Heater in the Food & Beverage industry is a sanitary, skid-mounted system that generates, heats, and recirculates process hot water to precise setpoints for unit operations like pasteurization (HTST/UHT water loops), jacketed-tank heating, and CIP sanitation. Built in SS304/316L with PLC/HMI control, it integrates pumps, heat exchangers, valves, sensors, and safety devices to deliver stable ±0.5–1 °C temperature control, hygienic construction, and easy line integration.

>>>Feature and Advantage:

• Precise temperature control – Digital control system ensures accuracy within ±1°C.

• Energy saving – Heat exchanger and insulation materials reduce energy consumption.

• Continuous hot water supply – Ensure uninterrupted and stable production.

• Multi-source heating – Compatible with steam, electricity, gas or oil.

• CIP cleaning compatibility – Supports automatic cleaning system to ensure hygiene.

• Durable stainless steel structure – Corrosion-resistant and meets food-grade safety standards.

How It Works

1. Heating/Generation: Make-up water enters a plate/tubular heat exchanger where steam or electric elements raise temperature to the setpoint.

2. Recirculation & Control: A sanitary pump drives a closed loop; PID control modulates steam/electric power via control valves/SSR to hold temperature.

3. Delivery & Return: Hot water feeds pasteurizers, jackets, or CIP users; return water is mixed or reheated for efficiency.

4. Hygiene & Safety: CIP-ready piping with minimal dead legs, pressure relief and interlocks, level/temperature/pressure monitoring—ensuring reliable, food-safe operation with low energy loss.

Step 1: Water supply and preheating

Cold water is pumped into the heating system and preheated to a moderate temperature.

Step 2: Heating and temperature control

A heat exchanger or heating element raises the water temperature to the required level (e.g. 60°C - 90°C for pasteurization, over 100°C for sterilization).

Step 3: Hot water circulation

Pumps circulate hot water throughout the system to ensure a continuous supply.

Step 4: Automatic temperature regulation

Sensors monitor and adjust temperature to maintain precise control, avoiding overheating or wasting energy.

>>>Working principle:

Hot water systems operate by heating water to a preset temperature and maintaining that temperature for various uses. 

The heating process can be achieved by:

Steam heating (through a heat exchanger)

Electric heating (using an immersion heater)

Gas or oil burners (for large industrial systems)

Systems typically include:

Tank - stores and heats the water.

Heat exchanger - transfers heat from steam, electricity, or other sources to the water.

Circulation pump - ensures a constant flow of hot water.

Temperature control system - maintains precise temperature settings.

Insulation - reduces heat loss and increases efficiency.

• Food and beverage production：for pasteurization, sterilization and ingredient preparation.

• Dairy processing：heating milk and cleaning pipes.

• Juice and beverage industry：supporting UHT (ultra-high temperature) processing.

• CIP systems：providing hot water for cleaning and sterilization.

1. Installation and Training: Our team provides online, on-site installation and operator training to ensure smooth operation.

2. Warranty and Spare Parts Warranty: Major components are covered for 1 year.

3. Technical Support: We provide online support, video assistance and on-site troubleshooting if needed.

4. Preventive Maintenance Program: Regular service programs help keep your machine running efficiently and extend its life.

>>>FAQ:

Q1: What is the purpose of hot water systems in food and beverage production?

A: Hot water systems provide controlled heating for processes such as pasteurization, sterilization, ingredient mixing, and CIP (clean-in-place) cleaning.

Q2: What is the typical temperature range for hot water systems?

A: Depending on the application, systems can provide water from 40°C to 100°C. Some models can achieve higher temperatures using pressurized systems.

Q3: How does a hot water system ensure temperature accuracy?

A: A PLC-based automated control system with sensors maintains precise temperature settings, typically within ±1°C.