Jacketed Tanks
📝 Machine Overview
Jacketed Tanks are specialized process vessels engineered for precise thermal control of their contents. Integrating an outer shell (the jacket) that surrounds the inner product tank, they create an annulus for circulating heating or cooling media. This design enables efficient, uniform temperature management—critical for maintaining product viscosity, driving chemical reactions, crystallizing materials, or preserving sensitive ingredients. Our jacketed tanks are precision-fabricated to optimize heat transfer, ensure process consistency, and meet the stringent hygiene and safety standards of demanding industries.
Heating & Cooling: Precise temperature ramping and holding for chemical synthesis, food processing, and pharmaceutical mixing.
Crystallization & Precipitation: Controlled cooling to form and grow specific crystal structures.
Viscosity Management: Maintaining optimal viscosity for pumping, mixing, or coating processes (e.g., syrups, resins, chocolate).
Fermentation & Bioreaction: Maintaining precise biological process temperatures.
Dissolution & Slurry Preparation: Heating to accelerate dissolution of solids.
CIP & SIP Systems: Heating cleaning and sanitizing solutions to required temperatures.
Pharmaceuticals & Biotechnology
Food & Beverage
Chemicals, Paints & Adhesives
Cosmetics & Personal Care
Cannabis & Hemp Processing
Specialty Materials & Lubricants
Research & Pilot Plants
The core principle involves indirect heat exchange. A thermal transfer fluid—such as steam, hot water, thermal oil, or chilled glycol/water—is pumped through the jacket’s annulus. Heat energy is transferred through the inner tank wall to or from the product, without direct contact. This method provides superior temperature uniformity and control compared to direct steam injection or internal coils, preventing localized hot spots, product degradation, and dilution. The jacket’s design directly impacts heat transfer efficiency, pressure rating, and cleanability.
Conventional / Plain Jacket: A single outer shell welded to the inner vessel, suitable for low-pressure steam or hot water. Economical for moderate heating/cooling duties.
Dimple Jacket (Plate-Coil): An outer shell spot-welded to a dimpled plate attached to the inner tank. Offers high structural strength, handles higher pressures (up to 10 bar typical), and provides excellent heat transfer with a lower fluid volume.
Half-Pipe Coil Jacket: Continuous half-pipes welded contiguously around the vessel. The industry standard for high-pressure (up to 70 bar) and high-temperature thermal oil systems. Allows for zoning for different temperature control on separate sections of the vessel.
Insulated & Clad: All jackets can be externally insulated (mineral wool, PIR foam) and clad with stainless steel or aluminum for energy efficiency and personnel protection.
⚙️ Technical Specifications & Features
" Core Technical Specifications "
| Parameter | Specification Range | |
|---|---|---|
|
1 |
Vessel Capacity |
100 Litres to 50,000 Litres (standard range) |
|
2 |
Jacket Types |
Conventional, Dimple, Half-Pipe Coil |
|
3
|
Jacket Design Pressure |
Up to 10 bar (Dimple), Up to 70 bar (Half-Pipe) |
|
4
|
Jacket Media |
Steam, Hot Water, Chilled Water/Glycol, Thermal Oil (Synthetic/Mineral) |
|
5 |
Inner Vessel Materials |
Stainless Steel 304/316L (Standard), Duplex, Carbon Steel, Nickel Alloys |
|
6
|
Surface Finish (SS) |
2B Mill, #4 Brushed, Electropolished (Ra ≤ 0.5µm for sanitary) |
|
7 |
Heat Transfer Area |
Full sidewall, dished bottom, partial sidewall (zoning available) |
|
8 |
Insulation |
50-100mm mineral wool or PIR foam, SS or Aluminum cladding. |
|
9 |
Agitation Options |
Top- or bottom-entry mixers with mechanical seals; various impeller types. |
|
10 |
Compliance |
cGMP, FDA, EHEDG, 3-A Sanitary Standards (where applicable). Pressure vessels to ASME/PED. |
" Advanced Technical Features "
Core Features
Optimized Jacket Design: Engineered for maximum heat transfer efficiency with minimal pressure drop, using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) for critical applications.
Zoned Temperature Control: Multiple, independent jacket zones (e.g., on sidewall and bottom) allow for precise thermal profiles and prevent product burn-on.
Superior Internal Cleanability: CIP spray ball systems, fully drainable bottoms, radiused corners, and polished welds ensure compliance with hygienic standards.
Robust Agitation Integration: Reinforced tank heads and properly sized nozzles for agitator mounting, ensuring stable, vibration-free operation.
Comprehensive Instrumentation: Pre-fitted nozzles for temperature sensors (product and jacket), pressure gauges, safety valves, air vents, and drains.
Energy-Efficient Construction: High-performance insulation and cladding minimize thermal loss, reducing operational energy costs.
Competitive Advantages
Process-Validated Performance: We design based on your specific heat-up/cool-down rates, temperature uniformity, and agitation requirements, not just standard dimensions.
Extended Service Life: Premium materials, expert welding (orbital for sanitary joints), and proper design for thermal expansion/contraction cycles prevent jacket failure.
Hygienic Design Leadership: For regulated sectors, our tanks are designed to eliminate dead legs, facilitate full drainage, and support validated cleaning cycles.
Reduced Operational Risk: Properly rated jackets with correct safety relief devices prevent over-pressurization, ensuring safe operation with steam or thermal oils.
Single-Source Integration: We can supply the complete thermal system, including the jacketed tank, pumps, heat exchangers, and temperature control units (TCUs), ensuring seamless compatibility.
Installation & Operational Considerations
Installation requires proper support, connection to utilities (jacket media supply/return, product inlet/outlet, CIP), and integration with temperature control panels. Jacket systems must be properly vented during filling and include safety relief valves sized for the heat source. We provide detailed P&IDs (Piping & Instrumentation Diagrams), installation manuals, and operational training to ensure optimal and safe performance.
