CONCENTRIC SYMMETRICAL BRANCHED HEAT EXCHANGER SYSTEM

摘要

A concentric symmetrical branched heat exchanger system includes an inlet manifold that divides the product flow evenly in the first section of the system and also includes an array of tubular concentric heat exchangers arranged in parallel and in series. Flow through each leg of the system can be divided further with secondary manifolds. Division of the product flow enables efficient heat exchange at higher and controllable product flow rates and at lower heat exchanger inlet pressures. Having lower inlet pressures reduces the heat exchanger construction cost and allows attachment of cutting or shaping devices at the exchanger exits to create uniquely shaped pieces. The cutting or shaping devices can be installed at the end of the branched heat exchanger to provide cooling and cutting in one process step while eliminating the material handling step of conveying product to and from a blast freezer or similar cooling device.

主权项

1. A method comprising the steps of dividing a food product, which is travelling through a single conduit, into at least two product streams that each enter a different branch of a heat exchanger array with about the same flow rate into each branch relative to the other branches, and each branch comprises a heat exchanger.