VACUUM EVAPORATOR
A machine for evaporating water from the product under reduced pressure. It allows juice, puree, mousse or another liquid product to be thickened at a lower temperature, helping preserve the taste, aroma and color of the finished product.
WHAT IS IT USED FOR
A vacuum evaporator is used to concentrate a product by controlled evaporation of part of the water. Thanks to operation under reduced pressure, the boiling point is lower than under atmospheric conditions, which limits excessive thermal load on the product.
This solution works well when the goal is to increase extract content, reduce product volume or prepare concentrate for further processing, storage or filling. The evaporator can operate as an independent process machine or as one of the stages of a larger processing line.
Technical specifications
The vacuum evaporator is selected individually according to product type, expected concentration level and line capacity. The system can be prepared as a compact solution or as an extended process installation with automation, buffering and integration with CIP cleaning.
HOW DOES A VACUUM EVAPORATOR WORK?
Juice, puree or another liquid product is fed from the buffer tank to the evaporator. Input parameters, such as temperature, dry matter and line capacity, are selected according to the planned final result.
The vacuum system lowers the pressure inside the installation so that evaporation can occur at a lower temperature than during standard cooking. This is especially important for products sensitive to overheating.
The product is heated in a controlled manner and part of the water evaporates. The operator or automation monitors temperature, vacuum level and final concentration to obtain a stable and repeatable result.
After reaching the required parameters, the thickened product goes to the next stage of the process, for example to a tank, pasteurization, further mixing or filling. The system can be integrated into an existing production line.
CONSTRUCTION OF A VACUUM EVAPORATOR
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They heat the product in the working chamber and enable controlled water evaporation at the set process temperature.
It protects the installation against excessive pressure increase. If the set value is exceeded, the valve releases pressure from the system.
This is the main working space of the evaporator where the product to be thickened is fed. Heating, mixing and water evaporation take place inside the chamber.
It keeps the product in motion, reduces the risk of burning and sticking to the chamber walls, and helps achieve an even consistency during thickening.
It provides convenient access to the inside of the working chamber during loading, emptying, inspection and washing. Its design supports daily machine operation.
It allows the operator to control evaporator operation and set the most important process parameters, including temperature, operating time and agitator speed.
VACUUM EVAPORATOR IN A PROCESSING LINE
Bin tipper
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Washer with
Belt press
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Buffer
Vacuum
Pasteurizer
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Bottle fillingIn a typical configuration, after initial preparation and pressing, the product goes to a buffer tank and then to a vacuum evaporator, where it is concentrated under controlled conditions. After reaching the intended extract level, it can be directed to further preparation, pasteurization and final filling.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
The price of a vacuum evaporator is usually from about 23,300–46,600 EUR net. For larger and more complex machines, the cost may be higher. The price is influenced by the working chamber capacity, heating power, vacuum system, agitator, automation and the scope of adaptation to a specific process.
We select the capacity individually according to the process and product type. What matters is not only the number of liters or kilograms per hour, but also the target concentration level, the amount of water that needs to be evaporated and the required process temperature. For a machine with a 120 l tank and 12 kW heaters, approximate evaporation of several liters of water per hour can be assumed.
A vacuum evaporator is used to thicken products by evaporating part of the water under reduced pressure. This makes it possible to obtain concentrate, thicker juice, puree, mousse, sauce or another semi-finished product without long cooking at high temperature.
The product enters the working chamber, where it is heated and mixed. The vacuum system lowers the pressure inside the machine, so water evaporates at a lower temperature than during classic cooking. Water vapor is removed from the system and the product gradually becomes more concentrated.
In a vacuum evaporator, the process takes place under reduced pressure, so water evaporates at a lower temperature. As a result, the product is exposed to less thermal stress, which helps retain its taste, color and aroma. Additionally, the lower process temperature can reduce energy consumption compared with long cooking in an open tank.
The vacuum evaporator can be used for liquid and semi-liquid products that require thickening. It is used, among others, for juices, purees, mousses, concentrates, sauces, fruit and vegetable pulps and other food products in which the evaporation of water at a controlled temperature is important.
The agitator keeps the product moving during heating and thickening. It helps distribute temperature evenly, reduces product sticking to the chamber walls and improves the uniformity of the final concentrate.
The lead time for a vacuum evaporator is usually 4 to 8 weeks. The exact date depends on the machine configuration, component availability, scope of implementation and current production load.
We provide a 36-month warranty on the welded structure of the evaporator. For purchased components, such as automation elements, vacuum system, heaters, sensors or other components, the warranty period is usually from 12 to 24 months, depending on the component manufacturer. After the warranty ends, we provide post-warranty service and access to spare parts.
Yes, we provide service for vacuum evaporators, technical support and access to spare parts. We help with machine start-up, operating parameter settings, vacuum system operation, agitator and automation settings, and solving problems during operation.
Yes, before purchasing, you can see how a vacuum evaporator or a similar machine works in real production conditions, if such an opportunity is currently available. The presentation depends on machine availability, date and the type of product to be tested.
The payback time depends on product type, production scale, concentrate value, energy and labor costs, and the amount of water that needs to be evaporated from one batch. A vacuum evaporator can be particularly profitable where thickening increases product value, reduces storage costs or allows a higher-quality product to be obtained than with classic cooking.
