The company claims that the new system, which combines a 500-litre vessel, in-feed entrainment hoppers and a programmable electronic control system, therefore has the potential to significantly cut costs and boost efficiency in liquid food production.
Indeed, the technology has been specifically developed to address the key processing concerns of food plant managers.
The PDX Sonic 25 replaces conventional multi-stage food production processes with a compact, self-contained production system that has a footprint of just 3.6m x 2.2m x 2.0m. The fully automated batch processing system can mix, pump, homogenise and cook ingredients simultaneously, with the patented shockwave technology delivering unrivalled rates of heating.
The company also claims that the new technology is reliable, safe and can be easily installed in both in-line and batch processes. Pursuit Dynamics says that the process will not damage even the most delicate particulates and, unlike conventional methods of steam injection with high thermal gradients, thermal shock is reduced and cook-on eliminated. As a result, food quality is maintained whilst cleaning times are reduced.
CIP time is further reduced since there are no moving parts in the PDX processor - a factor which also reduces maintenance, downtime and through life costs.
Along with increasing production efficiency, the technology can also help manufacturers reduce waste and conserve energy. This is an important consideration, given the forthcoming introduction of stringent environmental legislation.
The IPPC (Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control) regulations for example have wide-ranging energy-efficiency implications for food plants. The food industry is one of the largest consumers of energy, and energy conservation is becoming a key concern of food manufacturers.
Steam supply is via a 1" BSPP connection, with the process typically consuming 3.0kg/min of steam flow at a nominal 6.0 barG delivery pressure. The supersonic technology delivers phenomenal rates of heating - for example raising the temperature of 500 litres of water from 15°C to 85°C in just 16 minutes at an industry standard steam cost of 52 pence - so reducing overall processing times and reducing energy requirements.
Water supply is via 1" BSPP coupling, and nominal flow is 14,000 litres per hour.
The company says that the PDX Sonic 25 is constructed to the most demanding industry standards. All components in contact with the process flow are made from AISI 316 stainless steel, whilst all other components are made from AISI 303/304 as a minimum.
Fluid inlet and outlet connections are via 1.5in TRI-Clamp union fittings as standard, SMS, RJT or flange type inlet and outlet connections as options.
UK-based Pursuit Dynamics has developed the PDX technology over the past four years at a cost in excess of £6.5 million. The company owns 100 per cent of the intellectual property rights of the PDX technology.