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Category Archive: Custom Shell and Tube Heat Exchangers

Tag Archive: Custom Shell and Tube Heat Exchangers

  1. Chemical industry preparing for resurgence in manufacturing

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    Chemical manufacturing Chemical manufacturing is on the rise in the U.S. due to affordable energy.

    The chemical industry is quickly becoming one of the nation’s most predominant manufacturing sectors due to affordable energy prices. A report from the analysis firm Boston Consulting Group explained that with steady production due to hydraulic fracturing and affordable labor costs, the chemical industry has been able to take advantage of these trends.

    Currently, the U.S. chemical industry is worth roughly $800 billion, according to the American Chemistry Council. But, experts at BCG believe the value of the industry could increase by $11 billion to $21 billion by 2025. The firm is calling the chemical manufacturing boom “a once-in-a-generation renaissance” for North America.

    Shale boom boosting chemical production

    U.S. chemical manufacturers have seen the recent success in production due to the shale boom and availability of low-cost natural gas and liquid natural gas resources. With advancements in fracking technology, the oil and gas industry has completely revamped U.S. production, making it nearly sustainable on domestic resources.

    However, the success of fracking technology has bled over into other industries, and more specifically, into chemical manufacturing. Now, chemical manufacturers are able to reevaluate their production methods with cheaper energy and labor rates.

    BCG analysts said from 2010 to 2015, within the height of the shale boom, the U.S. chemical industry gained more than $130 billion in capital investments due to natural gas production.

    Rejuvenating chemical manufacturing processes

    With the excess of natural gas and LNG resources, the chemical industry is now able to revitalize its production and manufacturing processes. According to the BCG report, chemical companies will now be able to focus on core business issues such as investing in updated equipment.

    One area of manufacturing equipment that chemical processors rely on is chemical shell and tube heat exchangers. According to a press release from MicroMarket Monitor, the heat exchanger market is expected to rise at a compound annual growth rate of 6.4 percent from 2014 to 2019 in North America. The U.S. will account for roughly 80 percent of the new heat exchangers purchased in North America.

    The primary reason for this uptick in the heat exchanger market is the nation’s chemical industry, which accounts for almost 40 percent of the North American heat exchanger market.

    Additionally, the ACC reported the chemical industry in the U.S. would likely see a 3.2 percent growth in 2015 and another 3 percent in 2016. That type of growth would exceed the entire U.S. economy for the next couple of years with a 5 percent range expected between 2017 and 2019.

    The ACC also believes consumers will see a significant drop in energy bills by as much as 5 percent for 2015. While the production of natural gas is helping consumers, it ultimately leads back to the major chemical producers who can now invest in new technology to keep production levels high.

    Using stainless steel shell and tube heat exchangers could reduce fouling and other downtime issues within the chemical processing stage.

  2. Enhancing Food Safety in Processing Plants

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    Editor’s Note: This content was last updated 3/14/24.

    In recent years, the organic market in the United States has experienced unprecedented growth, reshaping consumer preferences and challenging food processing plants to prioritize safety and quality. With organic products now pervasive in grocery stores nationwide, the need to adapt processing methods to meet these evolving demands has become paramount. This article explores the intersection of this organic surge with the imperative for food safety and innovation within processing facilities. We’ll uncover the critical role of heat treatment equipment, regulatory compliance, and proactive measures in shaping the future of food production.

    The Surge of Organic Products

    Within food processing facilities, a profound focus is placed on crafting wholesome, nutritious, and safe offerings for consumers. Over the past decade, the organic market in the United States has experienced an exponential ascent, driven by a growing consumer appetite for healthier choices. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Economic Research Service, organic products now grace the shelves of approximately 20,000 natural food stores and three of four standard grocery stores. Notably, in 2022, organic sales accounted for 6 percent of total food sales in the nation. With the demand for organics continuing to climb, it becomes imperative for food processing plants to prioritize the production of safe, healthy, and nourishing products.

    The 2010 USDA Dietary Guidelines Committee defines processed foods as any alterations from raw agricultural commodities, encompassing most prepackaged or canned items. These foods typically undergo chemical or mechanical operations to extend their shelf life and maintain safety standards. As organic foods increasingly infiltrate the American diet, producing safer food through canning, drying, freezing, or self-curing is paramount.

    Harnessing the Power of Heat

    Central to these processing methods is heat—a critical step in eradicating harmful microbes and deactivating plant enzymes that contribute to food spoilage. Food processing facilities rely on heat treatment equipment, such as shell and tube heat exchangers, to achieve these objectives. However, striking a balance between microbial elimination and preserving taste and texture is crucial. Improper heating can lead to a significant loss of nutritional value, compromising the very essence of why people consume food. Shell and tube heat exchangers are vital for keeping the maximum nutrients in a food product without allowing harmful bacteria to grow.

    Creating Safer Products

    According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the agency enforces food processing facilities to have a control plan if they handle any one of the eight major food allergens. These products include fish, shellfish, milk, eggs, soybeans, tree nuts, peanuts, and wheat.

    To create the maximum level of safety in processing plants, facilities must then address six key issues:

    Training and supervision to ensure all facility employees are up to date on hygiene and contamination issues.

    Separating food items in storage and handling processes to limit cross-contamination in other food products in the facility.

    Updating cleaning procedures so equipment is completely fit for food processing.

    Acknowledging all cross-contamination issues within the facility to ensure products are handled in appropriate areas.

    Making sure all items are properly labeled with appropriate allergens or USDA guidelines.

    Implementing a supplier control program to ensure all ingredients are properly labeled on the food item.

    In tandem with stringent regulations and comprehensive control plans, processing facilities can ensure that the products reaching our tables satisfy our palates and safeguard our health. As the food industry evolves, the quest for safer, more efficient equipment remains paramount in creating a healthier and more secure food supply chain for all.

    If you’re in the market for stock or custom heat exchangers, we invite you to contact us or request a quote today. 

     

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  3. Enerquip invests in improvements to its Wisconsin facility

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    Enerquip, a homegrown company that specializes in a wide variety of shell and tube heat exchangers, recently broke ground on construction of facility improvements to meet its plans for continued growth.

    Enerquip has been one of the leading providers of heating and cooling equipment for production plants and the OEM’s and system integrators that support them. The company crafts stainless steel and high alloy shell and tube heat exchangers of the highest quality, with delivery lead-times that are half of the industry standard. The size of Enerquip heat exchangers can vary from the length of a loaf of bread to the size of a school bus.

    The new additions to the facility will include an expanded and remodeled office area, allowing enough room for 10 new employees. The facility has also installed building-wide Wi-Fi, which will allow employees to use state-of-the-art video meeting screens to remotely review projects with clients from their conference rooms.

    “We wanted Enerquip to make a better first impression on our customers, and to be a place that our employees are proud to come to work,” said Jeannie Deml, President & CEO.

    Enerquip also gave the facility a facelift, and the building underwent some light construction to add more windows throughout the facility to allow access to additional natural light. The facility increased its shop floor space by 25 percent by adding vertical storage racks, which didn’t require the company to add on to the building.

    “With the additional space and updated facilities, Enerquip will be able to serve customers more efficiently, increase production throughput and volume, and blend better with the surrounding neighborhood,” said Tim Strebig, Plant Manager.

    The indoor renovations are planned to be complete for staff to move in by the end of January, 2015. Exterior improvements and landscaping are scheduled for completion in the Spring of 2015.

    About Enerquip

    For more than 40 years, Enerquip has been a top designer and fabricator of stainless steel and high alloy shell and tube heat exchangers, with a reputation for quality and fast delivery. The company is one of the most trusted in the industry and provides both custom and standard off-the-shelf solutions for heating and cooling applications. Enerquip serves markets such as the pharmaceutical, beverage, brewing, food processing, dairy, paper, chemical, waste water and renewable fuels industries.

  4. Why floor space is vital for food processing facilities

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    Food processing facilities have to ensure the highest safety standards while handling food products for consumption. Bacteria can grow in damp areas or on equipment if it is not properly cleaned. While this all might sound simple and basic enough, floor space is actually very critical to a processing plant’s operations.

    Easily cleanable materials

    The U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Guidance Regulation report for Retail Food Protection explained that surface characteristics for indoor areas have to be both smooth and cleanable. The report added that areas that are highly prone to moisture such as food preparation areas, walk-in refrigerators, bathrooms or washing areas should have nonabsorbent surfaces for easier cleaning.

    “Walls and ceilings may be constructed of a material that protects the interior from the weather and windblown dust and debris,” the FDA report stated.

    Flooring and spacing

    The factory floor material should be smooth, waterproof and hard with an anti-slip finishing preventing injuries, the Food and Beverage Reporter stated. Additionally, some processing facilities that work with meat cutting should have cutting done in separate rooms to prevent any cross contamination on the facility’s other products.

    “In open food areas in particular, a high performance and functional floor which fulfills the requirements of the HACCP International Food Standard (IFS), those for volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and also workplace safety, forms the basis for quality and high-value products in the meat industry,” said Gary Johnson, business section manager for Performance Flooring, according to the source.

    The spaces in these areas have to be open so workers are able to move around heavy machinery and other large pieces of equipment, comfortably and safely. The open spaces also allow for easier cleaning so stray food products don’t get lost or avoided during cleaning periods.

    Certain pieces of equipment can take up large amounts of space in food processing facilities. However, larger critical pieces of equipment like shell and tube heat exchangers can be customized specifically to the facility to create more floor space throughout a manufacturing facility. They can also be mounted vertically, overhead, or in a mezzanine area.

    Handling multiple cleanings

    Flooring and process equipment has to be able to withstand numerous cleanings since sanitary practices are followed each and every day, since food processing facilities are able to build up bacteria quickly.

    “Puddling of cleaning solutions, if allowed to evaporate, may lead to deposits on the surface and ‘water marks’ which can be hard to remove subsequently,” Johnson said, according to Food and Beverage Reporter. “It follows that removal of cleaning solutions and adequate rinsing is required to keep your floor looking its best. Contaminants that could quickly spoil food must be removed with suitable processes in defined cleaning cycles.”

    Proper walkways and spaces

    For food processing facilities, finished food products could be contaminated when exposed to raw products nearby. According to Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, facilities have to create appropriate walkways for unpackaged food and finished products so they do not rest or move around one another.

    To create these types of spaces, customizing heat exchangers to fit appropriately in the facility could clear enough room to make necessary walkways. When it comes to food preparation, sanitation, cleaning and efficient use of floor space are all necessary.

    Editor’s note: This content was originally published in 2015 but was updated in 2024.

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  5. Microbreweries gaining ground in the beer making industry

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    Over the past 15 years, there has been explosive growth in the number of microbreweries elevating the American drinking experience. According to the U.S. Brewers Association, an impressive 13.2% of the beer market, equivalent to $28.4 billion, now proudly belongs to these innovative microbreweries.

    As the market continues to flourish and competition reaches new heights, breweries find themselves compelled to invest in cutting-edge processing equipment that promises a substantial return on investment. Among the indispensable tools shaping the brewing landscape, the shell and tube heat exchanger stands out as a workhorse in ensuring quality and precision.

    The Vital Role of Custom Shell and Tube Heat Exchangers in Elevating Microbrewery Quality

    When using a heat exchanger where two liquids are involved, the heat exchanger uses heat from one fluid in the shell of the exchanger to warm or cool the other liquid in the tubes of the exchanger. Learn how to choose a heat exchanger for your brewing process.

    In the world of brewing, the heat exchanger plays a pivotal role in the art of yeast manipulation. Yeast, a crucial ingredient in beer, harbors bacteria that needs careful handling. Enter the custom shell and tube heat exchanger, the unsung hero ensuring the elimination of harmful bacteria without compromising the essence of the product.

    Having a custom shell and tube heat exchanger allows breweries to reach proper temperatures to kill off the bacteria without damaging the state of the product. According to Serious Eats, there is such a thing as “friendly yeast,” which can be introduced to add numerous flavors while breaking down the sugar. Heating these products can kill off the appropriate yeast needed to craft beer. According to Brew Like a Pro, cleaning and sanitation is essential for the “cool side” of the beer-making process because the thermophilic bacteria can multiply and double every 20 minutes. Enter the stage of the brewing process where precision is not just a preference but a necessity. The rolling action of the boil, the heartbeat of brewing, demands a level of precision only achievable through custom heat exchanger solutions.

    Looking for a heat exchanger solution in your brewing process? Contact us today.

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    This post was last updated 1/22/24.