Novel beverage heating and fast-cooling processes separately using an absorption chiller and using electric heat pumps

Beverage heating and fast-cooling are key processes in beverage production. Two novel heating and fast-cooling processes are designed for ultra-high temperature treated (UHT) sterilization separately using an absorption chiller and electric heat pumps. Field tests were conducted for specific parameter designs. Comparisons on energy consumptions are made between the original process with heat recovery and two novel processes. When the heat recovery ratio is lower than 93%, the absorption chiller process consumes least energy. When the heat recovery ratio ɳ is higher than 93%, the electric heat pumps process consumes least energy. Economic analyses are conducted considering basic investments and running costs. The paper provides instructions to novel concepts of heating and fast-cooling designs in UHT sterilization and other heating and fast-cooling processes.