Thermablend® Industrial Cooker

The ThermaBlend® Industrial Cooker provides excellent cooking, cooling and blending operations. Available in a single or double agitator, the ThermaBlend® is a versatile unit capable of cooking, searing, caramelizing, chilling, sautéing and blending.

ThermaBlend® is a registered trademark of Apache Stainless Equipment Corp., Beaver Dam WI.

Thermablend Industrial Cooker

Model 170 ThermaBlend®

The Model 170 ThermaBlend® is designed specifically for large scale batch operations. All of the components from the tub to the agitators are custom designed to meet the needs of the blending application.

  • Our wrap-around steam jacket, fabricated by ASME certified welders, provides up to 50% more heat transfer area than hemispherical kettles or other conventional jacketed cookers.
  • Unique agitator designs provide quick homogeneous blending while minimizing shear.
  • A durable, bi-directional scraper system keeps the heat exchange surface clean, minimizing burn-on while optimizing heat transfer.
  • The massive heat transfer area, highly efficient agitators and patent pending scraper system dramatically reduce process time over conventional batch cookers.
  • Optional vacuum cooking and cooling can reduce process time.
  • Reversing agitators w/VFD Speed Control from 6-30 RPM

 

 

What are the options for cooling product after a cook cycle?

The options are Cryogen (CO2 or N2), vacuum cooling or cooling jacket. Consult your Mepaco representative for application support.

Which method is more effective for cooling, indirect steam (jacket) or direct steam injection?

Direct steam injectors are more efficient for cooking; however the formulation will pick up moisture. In addition to higher efficiencies, direct steam does not require a scraper used to prevent burn-on to the inside surfaces of the tub.

When are scrapers needed?

Scrapers are needed when the potential for burn-on exists. This is typical when using indirect methods for cooking. Scrapers eliminate burn-on which reduces the heat transfer coefficient. Scraper systems also provide cooking consistency with sensitive cooking applications.

Do scrapers need to be removed for cleaning?

Scrapers can be clean-in-place or removed for cleaning, depending on product and sanitation protocol.

When do scrapers need to be replaced?

If the scraper doesn't function properly and leaves residual burn-on, it is a sign that the scraper needs to be replaced.  Upon visual inspection, the edges of the scraper will be rounded and worn at which point the scraper needs to be replaced.

How do I know if I need a ThermaBlend™ or a Mixer-Cooker?

If product needs to be scraped, a ThermaBlend™ is recommended since it is designed with a "wrap around" jacket. In addition, when you are cooking and cooling in the same vessel, the ThermaBlend™ design lends itself to the drastic changes in temperatures.

How do I know if I need a dual or single screw?

Applications with thick and dense product need a dual screw. Also, if you have a variety of suspended solids, the dual screw units tend to do a good job of mixing and cooking while maintaining a homogeneous blend - even for the most delicate particulates. Single screw units are often used for sauces, soup bases and lighter, less viscous products.

What do you recommend for indirect chilling?

The use of a serpentine style jacket is a possibility, but there may be issues with inefficiency and cross contamination of system media. Consult Mepaco's technical team about your application.

When running partial batches, is there a way to optimize the system cooker?

We recommend a dual zone jacket when cooking with indirect steam. This allows you to only heat up the zone required to complete the the batch, saving energy and cost.

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