Today, we’re excited to share the recent launch of the new Votator Origin Series by SPXFlow and their brands APV, Gerstenberg Schroder, and Waukesha Cherry-Burrell. The new Origin series is a global scrape surface heat exchange effort designed specifically for light duty hygienic processing applications. Robust and thoroughly tested, the new Votator Origin features a modular design and like all SPXFlow products, is rigorously tested to better understand heat transfer characteristics and capabilities. So how did we get to Origin series and what else makes it unique? Let’s take a closer look.
What Sort of Applications is the Origin Series Designed for?
As we mentioned in the introduction, the Origin Series is designed specifically for light duty or low viscosity applications in the 15,000 cps range. Think things like common personal care items (moisturizes, shampoos, ect.), salsas, dressing, condiments, jams, soups, and even cream cheese. When we see more medium duty or higher viscosity products, things like peanut butter, marshmallow, and margarine, we’re still going to use a standard Votator II SSHEX.
Using the origin series, we can cover a range of processes, including heating, cooling, pasteurization, sterilization, gelatinization, re-melting, and crystallization (small amounts). Unfortunately, no refrigeration option is available at this time.
A Trip Down Memory Road
Some long-time users of Waukesha Cherry-Burrell equipment may be asking themselves- didn’t you already have a light duty scrape surface heat exchanger? The short answer to that question is, “Yes”.
The original light duty Votator, the one we still see with some frequency in plants is the “four by” series otherwise known as the 4×120” or the 4×60”. These units, originally introduced in the 1970s, were pioneering for light duty scrape surface heat exchange applications.
Then, in 2014, Waukesha Cherry-Burrell introduced the Votator LD or “light duty” series. When you add in APV’s VT+, HT+, and Gersten Burg Schroder Consistator LD, you have 5 different light duty products available globally from SPXFlow. Sort of confusing, eh? The Origin brings the best of each model for a standardized design moving forward. So what makes it so special? Let’s look at that next.
What makes Origin Different?
To start, Origin is the most flexible light duty scrape surface heat exchanger on the market, available in both horizontal and vertical orientations. The Origin also features 3 different shaft sizes (2.84”, 3.8”, or 4.5”), both single and double mechanical seal options, a removable tube/jacket assembly, an optional insulated cover (especially helpful for steam applications) and even an optional shaft heater for applications where product can build on the shaft.
Because it’s an SPXFlow product, it goes without saying that this is a robust and well built design, featuring product pressure ratings up to 290 PSI (or 360 PSIG in some special execution applications), 316L product wetted materials, hinged or flat PEEK scraper blades and either a single or double mechanical seal option that uses many of the same parts from the proven APV W+ seal design.
Origin is also the easiest light duty scrape surface heat exchanger to service. The Origin uses a simple cartridge seal, as well as a two-piece split flange design on the product head that not only gives the Origin increased flexibility, but also makes for quicker assembly and disassembly.
What will happen to your current light duty SSHEX moving forward?
So now that Origin is the global light duty scrape surface heat exchanger, you may be wondering what will happen to your Votator LD or 4 x 120. While you won’t see much change through the first quarter of this year, as we look out at the horizon, that begins to change. By the second half of this year, expect all requests for new units to be quoted as Origin series with legacy units being discontinued. While aftermarket support for legacy models will continue, as volume falls, prices will rise, making the move to Origin a compelling way to lower your total cost of ownership.
In closing, we are extremely excited to share with you SPXFlow’s new global light duty scrape surface heat exchanger, the Votator Origin. This light duty workhorse is easy to use and assemble, gives you the same great thermal performance you expect from any product carrying the Votator name, and configuration flexibility and options that enhance the overall product experience. If you have any questions about your light duty scrape surface heat exchange application, please contact a Triplex Sales Engineer today!
