Apple processing is a process involving multiple links, including washing, peeling, cutting, heat treatment, concentration, drying, packaging, etc. In these processes, the use of heat energy is very critical. As a high-efficiency heat recovery equipment, high temperature heat pump (HTHP) can recover waste heat (such as wastewater, waste gas, etc.) in the apple processing process, raise it to the required high temperature, realize energy reuse, reduce energy consumption, improve production efficiency, and meet the goal of sustainable development.
Main heat energy demand in apple processing
- Washing and peeling
- Process: Apples need to be washed and peeled before entering the processing link to remove surface impurities and pesticide residues.
- Temperature requirement: The washing process generally requires hot water of 30~40°C, while peeling may require higher temperatures.
- Heat source requirement: hot water, steam.
- Heating and concentration
- Process: In the production process of apple juice, apples need to be heated to a certain temperature for crushing, extracting juice, and then concentrating.
- Temperature requirement: The heating temperature of apple juice is generally 70~90°C, while the concentration process requires a higher temperature, usually 80~110°C.
- Heat source requirement: steam, hot water, heater.
- Heat treatment and sterilization
- Process: In order to ensure the safety of apple products, the products in the process need to be heat treated or sterilized.
- Temperature requirement: The temperature required for the sterilization process is generally 90~120°C.
- Heat source requirement: steam, high-temperature water.
- Drying and drying
- Process: If dried apple slices or dried apples are produced, the slices need to be dried.
- Temperature requirement: The drying temperature is usually 50~70°C.
- Heat source requirement: hot air, steam.
- Packaging and cooling
- Process: The heated, concentrated or dried apple products need to be cooled to room temperature before packaging.
- Temperature requirement: The cooling process is usually at room temperature or between 10~20°C.
- Heat source demand: cooling water, cold air.
Application of high-temperature heat pumps in apple processing
- Recovery and reuse of wastewater waste heat
During the apple processing process, a large amount of wastewater with a lower temperature (such as 30~40°C) is often generated in the washing process. The heat energy in these wastewaters can be recovered by high-temperature heat pumps and reused in other process links.
- Application case: The wastewater generated in the washing process is heated to 60~70°C by high-temperature heat pumps to provide the heat required for apple heating or concentration. This can save energy consumption in the heating process and avoid heat waste caused by direct discharge of wastewater.
- Waste gas heat recovery and reuse
During the apple processing process, especially in the heat treatment, drying and concentration stages, high-temperature waste gas (such as 70~100°C) is generated. The heat in these waste gases can be recovered by high-temperature heat pumps and raised to the required temperature for use in other process links.
- Application case: Assuming that the exhaust gas temperature is 90°C during the drying or concentration process, the high-temperature heat pump can heat the exhaust gas to 120°C for use in other links with high heat source requirements (such as heat treatment, sterilization, etc.), realizing heat recycling and reducing external energy consumption.
- Provide heat source for steam and hot water supply
Many links in apple processing (such as washing, peeling, heating, and concentration) require hot water or steam as a heat source. High-temperature heat pumps can provide stable and efficient hot water and steam by recycling the waste heat generated during the production process, reducing dependence on traditional heat sources such as gas boilers and electric heaters.
- Application case: In the apple concentration process, the temperature is required to reach 90°C. By recycling the heat in the wastewater or exhaust gas, it can be heated to the required temperature through a high-temperature heat pump, saving a lot of energy expenditure.
- Improve the energy efficiency of the drying process
When producing dried apples or apple slices, the drying process is a high-energy consumption link. High-temperature heat pumps can improve energy efficiency and reduce the demand for external energy by recycling the hot air and waste heat generated during the drying process.
- Application case: In the production process of dried apples, apple slices usually need to be heated to 60~70°C. By recycling the heat in the exhaust gas, the high-temperature heat pump can increase the exhaust gas temperature from 70°C to 90°C for use in drying equipment, saving fuel or electricity consumption.
Advantages of high-temperature heat pumps in apple processing
- Energy saving and high efficiency: High-temperature heat pumps can recycle low-grade waste heat and raise it to the required high temperature, avoiding energy waste and reducing the energy consumption of enterprises.
- Environmental protection and emission reduction: Using high-temperature heat pumps instead of traditional boilers or electric heating equipment can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and help enterprises achieve green production.
- Reduce operating costs: By recycling waste heat and improving energy efficiency, high-temperature heat pumps can significantly reduce energy costs in apple processing and improve economic benefits.
- Improve production stability: High-temperature heat pumps can provide a stable heat source, ensure the accuracy of temperature control in each link of the production process, and improve product quality and production efficiency.
Case analysis: Energy-saving effect of high-temperature heat pumps in apple processing
Assume that an apple processing plant requires 500 kW of heat energy per hour to meet the needs of heating, concentration, sterilization and other links. Traditionally, enterprises use gas boilers to provide heat, and the efficiency of boilers is about 85%. In order to meet this demand, the heat that the boiler needs to provide is:
If a high-temperature heat pump is used instead, assuming that the wastewater or exhaust gas temperature is 60°C and the COP of the high-temperature heat pump is 4.5, the required electricity is:
In this way, the company saves 477.13 kW of energy consumption per hour, correspondingly reduces gas costs or electricity costs, and improves the economic benefits of production.
Conclusion
The application of high-temperature heat pumps in apple processing provides a very effective energy-saving solution. Through the recycling and reuse of wastewater and waste gas, not only can energy costs be greatly reduced, but also environmental pollution can be reduced and the green production capacity of enterprises can be improved. With the continuous rise in energy prices and stricter environmental protection requirements, more and more apple processing companies will choose high-temperature heat pumps to improve their energy utilization efficiency and achieve a win-win situation for economy and environmental protection.
