When we started looking at ways to optimize the hygienic design of a plate heat exchanger the port was one of our focus areas. This is where media flows in and out of each section inside the heat exchanger – and from a hygiene perspective this area is really important to optimize. On conventional plates, the plate pattern at the edge of the port is there to keep the gasket in place. But with some fluids, particles can get stuck in this pattern – especially solids, like fruit or cereal fibres. To get rid of these particles, you might need longer and more frequent cleaning-in-place. We wanted to really optimize the cleanability of the heat exchanger and make it easier to get complete hygienic assurance. So, we spent a lot of time coming up with a plate and gasket design that would let us smooth out the ports, without compromising the sealing function. In the end, we found a design that brings the gasket right up to the port edge where it provides superior hygiene while retaining a tight seal. The SmoothPort improves the cleanability of the heat exchanger. And after cleaning, it makes it easier to drain the system completely without any residue or cleaning agent remaining in the port. During processing, the media flow is more straightforward through the SmoothPort which means no pressure drop is wasted. Instead, the available pressure drop is used across the plate which gives you more efficient heat transfer. That makes the whole process more energy efficient. I’d say that SmoothPort shows quite well how innovation works here at Alfa Laval. We pay attention to the details – and we don’t give up until we find a better, safer, and more efficient way to do things.