Hygienic WideGap
Increase your process hygiene and energy efficiency with our hygienic WideGap plate heat exchanger, part of Alfa Laval Hygienic line. Engineered specifically for fluids containing fibres and particles, this innovative technology enables impressive energy savings and heat recovery, surpassing the limitations of traditional shell and tube heat exchangers. Designed for food processing applications, the hygienic WideGap is perfect for a wide range of products, ranging from pulp-filled juices and purées to crushed tomatoes, dressings, and even plant-based beverages.
Heat recovery
Heat recovery is crucial for improving energy efficiency and reducing costs. The innovative plate pattern of the WideGap plate heat exchanger enables high heat recovery, even with high fibrous fluids. By running the plate heat exchanger product to product, heat transfer between fluids is optimized, resulting in efficient heat recovery. This process achieves a close temperature approach, enhancing heat transfer efficiency. By capturing and utilizing heat from the outgoing fluid to preheat the incoming fluid, significant energy savings can be achieved.
Our customers
A fruitful collaboration with Dolomiti
All-natural fruit juices, pulps and purées made with organically grown apples and pears are a firm favourite with Italian consumers. But it’s a competitive business, and producers have to keep an eye on their margins. Here we describe how Dolomiti Fruits, a Northern Italian producer, used Alfa Laval’s plate heat exchangers to make their production more efficient, and their business
Service
More uptime for hygienic food and beverage plate heat exchangers
Raise productivity and yield on your processing lines with Alfa Laval services for your hygienic plate heat exchangers. Maximize your return on investment by keeping them in good operating condition. Proper maintenance extends equipment service life and brings you peace of mind.
Get easy access to spare parts, service kits, routine or preventive maintenance, and troubleshooting support wherever you are. Or take advantage of advanced services like plate reconditioning, integrity test, or visual condition assessment. Better yet, adopt a more proactive approach to safety and uptime with a service agreement. Learn more.
How it works
The versatile hygienic WideGap plate heat exchanger for fluids with large fibres and particles can be designed for various applications. The unit can be configured with asymmetrical channels allowing fluids carrying sizable particles to smoothly flow through the wide channel. By rearranging the plates into a symmetrical channel, heat recovery and substantial energy savings are enabled. Moreover, with its ingenious port design, fibres effortlessly navigate the channels without risk of clogging, enabling uninterrupted processing operations.
Branded features
SmoothPort
The streamlined SmoothPort™ prevents build-up and maximizes cleanability and drainability.
OpenChannel
OpenChannel™ allows longer operating time for fluids with particles and fibres.
Technology conversion: WideGap plate heat exchangers vs shell and tube
When considering heat exchangers for food processing, the WideGap plate heat exchangers offer a versatile and cost-efficient solution compared to the traditional shell and tube design.
- WideGap plate heat exchangers have a smaller footprint, saving valuable floor space. This also means transport and installation costs are lower.
- The design is versatile enabling the capacity to be adjusted simply by adding or removing plates, all within the existing frame.
- Maintenance is easier since all heat transfer surfaces are easily accessible for inspection or mechanical cleaning.
- A specially designed plate pattern ensures a high degree of turbulence over the whole plate, which not only reduces fouling but also makes cleaning very effective.
Hygienic line
This range of premium plate heat exchangers optimizes process hygiene and energy efficiency. They are specifically developed for hygienic applications thus raising the bar on hygiene overall while reducing the carbon footprint for food, beverage, pharmaceutical and other manufacturers who demand outstanding performance and total efficiency.