APV SteamRecycle™ — Energy-Efficient Solution for Ultra-High Temperature Processing

Steam Reuse for Lower Energy Consumption and Reduced CO₂ Emissions

Modern dairy and plant-based beverage manufacturers are increasingly focused on energy efficiency, lower operating costs, and reducing carbon emissions. To support these goals, SPX FLOW developed APV SteamRecycle™ — an innovative solution for reusing process steam during ultra-high temperature processing.

The system integrates with APV Infusion UHT units and significantly reduces the consumption of fresh steam, electricity, and cooling water.

How SteamRecycle™ Works

During ultra-high temperature processing, secondary steam is generated after flash cooling and is typically lost. SteamRecycle™ uses Mechanical Vapor Recompression (MVR) technology to recover this energy and return it to the production process.

Operating principle:

1. Secondary steam is collected after the flash chamber.
2. The steam is compressed using an MVR compressor.
3. Steam temperature and pressure are increased.
4. The steam is reused in the thermal processing system.

This creates a closed-loop energy recovery cycle.

Key Benefits of APV SteamRecycle™

Significant Energy Savings

SteamRecycle™ enables reuse of up to 100% of secondary steam after system startup, greatly reducing the need for fresh steam.

Reduced CO₂ Emissions

By lowering steam and energy consumption, the system helps manufacturers reduce their carbon footprint and support ESG initiatives.

Lower Cooling Water Consumption

The system also reduces cooling requirements, helping decrease water usage.

High Energy Efficiency

SteamRecycle™ delivers a coefficient of performance (COP) of approximately 4, generating nearly four times more thermal energy than the electrical energy consumed.

Preserving Product Quality

APV Infusion technology combined with SteamRecycle™ provides:

• gentle thermal treatment,
• natural product taste,
• stable product structure,
• extended shelf life.

Suitable Applications

APV SteamRecycle™ is ideal for processing:

• ultra-high temperature milk,
• plant-based beverages,
• cream,
• high-protein beverages,
• nutritional products,
• functional drinks.

Retrofit for Existing Processing Lines

One of the main advantages of SteamRecycle™ is the ability to integrate it into existing APV Infusion UHT systems.

This allows manufacturers to:

• modernize existing equipment,
• improve production energy efficiency,
• avoid complete line replacement,
• achieve faster return on investment.

A Modern Approach to Sustainable Production

APV SteamRecycle™ combines:

• energy efficiency,
• technological innovation,
• environmental responsibility,
• consistent product quality.

The solution helps manufacturers lower operational costs while creating more sustainable and competitive production facilities.

Viravix — Solutions for Modern Food Processing

Viravix supplies advanced SPX FLOW technologies for the dairy and food industries, including APV solutions for ultra-high temperature processing and energy-efficient production modernization.

Contact our specialists to find the optimal solution for your production facility.