filmevaporatorer

Filmevaporatorer, or thin-film evaporators, are a class of heat-exchanger devices used to concentrate liquids by forming a very thin film on a heated surface. This configuration promotes high heat transfer rates and minimizes the residence time of the liquid, helping to reduce thermal degradation of heat-sensitive components.

The liquid is fed as a thin film on tubes, plates, or other heat-transfer surfaces. Heat is supplied by steam or hot condensate, causing partial boiling and vapor formation. The vapor is removed from the system while the liquid film flows down under gravity or with the aid of immersion devices. Common configurations include falling-film evaporators, where the liquid film flows downward, and rising-film evaporators, where vapor motion helps lift and maintain the film.

Filmevaporatorer are widely used to concentrate dairy products, fruit juices, syrups, sugar solutions, and various chemical or pharmaceutical liquids. They are often employed in single-effect or multi-effect configurations to improve energy efficiency, and may be integrated with vapor recompression or other energy-saving schemes.

Key design and operation considerations include maintaining an appropriate vacuum level to control boiling, selecting suitable materials to resist corrosion and fouling, and implementing cleaning-in-place procedures. Fouling and high-viscosity or particulate-laden feeds can complicate operation. Equipment are commonly designed for CIP, easy disassembly for inspection, and compatible with the required sanitary standards.

Overall, filmevaporatorer provide rapid, gentle concentration for heat-sensitive liquids, albeit with considerations related to fouling, capital cost, and process complexity.