Convap Scraped Surface Evaporator
Convap® is a single-wall, two-phase scraped-surface evaporator (SSE) with high efficiency for high-viscosity and high-fouling material. It has been specially designed to effectively concentrate products to extremely high solids levels.
- Convap can process fluids to essentially zero moisture content.
- Continuous scraping action and high turbulence ensure impressive heat transfer coefficient when concentrating high solids material.
- Advanced design allows Convap to handle high viscosity and high fouling materials that exceed the limitations of other evaporation solutions.
- Vacuum conditions preserve valuable color, flavor and nutritive product components.
- Vertical design ensures a small footprint when limited space is available.
Related products
The scraped-surface evaporator principle
Like Contherm® units, the product enters the Convap® scraped surface evaporator through the lower end of the cylinder, assisted by a pump. The heating or cooling media flow in the annular space between the heat transfer wall and the insulated jacket. Mechanical agitation, provided by rotating blades, creates convection conditions essential for efficient heat transfer.
The scraping blades continuously remove the thin film of product from the precision-finished cylinder wall. The centrifugal force of the Convap® rotor, powered by a motor at the upper end of the unit, directs heavier liquid droplets toward the cylinder wall. This ensures continuous re-wetting of the heat transfer surface, preventing product burn-on and maximizing heat transfer efficiency.
More possibilities with Contherm® solutions
For continuous processing of demanding products, the complete Contherm® range offers tailored solutions. Alfa Laval is the only supplier providing both double-wall and single-wall scraped surface heat exchanger solutions.
Since every application has unique requirements, Contherm® heat exchangers are customized to ensure maximum efficiency, capacity, and profitability.
Processing viscous products with Convap®
Convap® supports continuous processing of low to extremely high-viscosity liquids. No matter the challenge, there is a Contherm® solution to meet production needs. Common applications include:
- Ketchup, mayonnaise, and hummus
- Chocolate spreads and fruit pie fillings
- Gravies, sauces, and whipped/aerated products
- Peanut butter, pizza sauces, and puddings
- Salad dressings, sandwich spreads, and bread dough
- Mechanically deboned meat (MDM), omelets, baby food, and nougat
- Skin lotions, shampoos, and liquorice
Efficient processing of heat-sensitive products
Scraped surface evaporators are ideal for heat-sensitive products prone to fouling in traditional heat exchangers. Alfa Laval provides solutions tailored to challenging heat-sensitive applications.
Example applications:
- Liquid and scrambled egg products
- Meat emulsions and fruit preparations
- Cream cheeses, whey proteins, and fruit purées
Crystallizing products and applications with phase change challenges
Preserving taste, color and/or texture is a particular challenge for manufacturers of products that can undergo crystallization. We work with your business to find the optimal Contherm® solution to fit your production.
Example applications include coffee/tea extracts, icings and frostings, sugar concentrates, margarines, shortening, spreads, gelatine broth, lard, fondant, biscuit creams, solvents, fatty acids, petroleum jelly, beer and wine, and more.
Handling products with particulate matter
Contherm® solutions can handle both particulate and non-particulate products, adapting to different processing needs. Whether the product contains large, small, or mixed particles, the system ensures optimal performance.
Example applications:
- Meat, chicken pieces, and fish meal
- Pet food, jams, and preserves
- Yogurt with fruit, rice pudding, and vegetable pieces
Processing sticky products without limitations
Many heat exchangers struggle with sticky process fluids, but Contherm® ensures seamless handling. Whether mildly sticky or extremely adhesive, the system effectively processes a wide range of products. Example applications:
- Caramel and cheese sauces
- Lecithin and processed cheese
- Confectionery, yeast extracts, and gums
- Gelatine, mascara, toothpaste, and starch