January/February 2022 - 20

TECHNOLOGY
STEAM- INJECTION PROCESSING
during every batch can be challenging. Our patented direct
steam injection heater (DSI) works by mixing steam and
process liquids thoroughly while delivering precise
temperature and on-demand heating to ensure
product quality.
The versatility of Hydro-Thermal's heaters is
what puts us above other heating systems like
heat exchangers. Our DSI heaters can either cook
thoroughly inline or cook to a stage of completeness
like parboiling, immersion cooking or tank heating
- all depending on the process or product's recipe.
Even at the end of production, DSI heaters are there for
packaging. With concerns over recalls, E-coli and other
bacterial contamination - heating to exact temperatures
for sanitization and pasteurization is critical in the canning
process and increasing the product's shelf life.
DSI heaters can be used for utility or 3A sanitary
ingredient water with our Hydron heater. By heating to
exact temperatures, processors have greater recipe control
ensuring a consistent product. As a result, many customers
see a return on investment (ROI) in less than three months.
What are some fruit- or vegetable-based products it has
been used for? (I don't need name brands or companies,
just general products, i.e., tomato paste or jams, etc.)
 Hydro-Thermal's Hydron 400 series is a 3A
Certified Sanitary Hydroheater that delivers
process flexibility and stability, all while
being able to reduce equipment burn-on.
We can heat various products from baby food to tomato
paste. DSI heaters also can heat liquid in high-particulate
products, such as salsa, while maintaining particulate
integrity. In the end, the heaters work specifically with
our end user's recipe without fouling or degradation of the
product. The result is a great tasting product, consistent
batches, a bacteria-free environment and, ultimately,
cost savings.
What question do you hear most from your customers
who utilize produce in their products?
The most asked question we get from potential customers
thinking about adding a direct steam injection heater is
adding water to their recipe and diluting their end product.
Yes, using a steam injection heater will add water to the
process as the steam used will condense back into the water.
But this water can be removed using a flash tank where the
heat is released, and the condensate evaporates, generating
flash steam and removing the excess water.
The easiest way is to incorporate the condensate into the
recipe, adding it to the existing water already captured on
an ingredient statement. The general rule of thumb is 1%
water for every 10°F of temperature rise. We can provide
a water adjustment formula to the product recipe, which
adds the sterile condensate making up for the water content
that will be subtracted from the recipe. Steam is, in fact,
sterile water and doesn't alter the taste. Many companies
incorporate the steam from the DSI heater in their processing
systems without issues, and in most cases, the product
results in better quality, texture and taste.
What other equipment or technology does HydroThermal
have that might apply to produce processing?
Our EZ Heater and EZ Heater Skids are the industry
leader in all things hot water. They are workhorses requiring
minimal maintenance and easy insulation as they connect
directly into the plant utilities. What's great about our
direct steam injection heaters is that there is no lag time
meaning on-demand hot water. Which is ideal for cleaning/
washdown and sanitation. We like to say, 'The perfect
temperature, every time,' and we live by that. Our steam
injection heaters save energy by heating fluids to exact
temperature the first time, making for quicker startups,
reducing set-point temperatures, and improving product
quality. A win-win in our book.
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January/February 2022

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of January/February 2022
