Question:

The part of HTST pasteurizer that limits its application with respect to temperature is

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Plate Heat Exchanger Limitations: GASKETS (Elastomers like NBR/EPDM) limit the maximum temperature in plate pasteurizers ($T_{\max} \approx 140^\circ\text{C}$) due to thermal hardening.
  • Heat transfer plate
  • Gaskets
  • Connecting plates
  • Pressure plates
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The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Plate heat exchanger (PHE) thermal elastomer limitations: corrugated stainless steel plates withstand $> 200^\circ ext{C}$, but elastomeric polymer sealing gaskets (NBR, EPDM, Silicone) undergo thermal degradation, hardening, and compression set above $135-145^\circ ext{C}$, limiting PHE pasteurizer operating temperatures.
Key Formula or Approach:
\[ \text{Operating Limits: Stainless Steel Plates (} T > 300^\circ\text{C)} \quad \longleftrightarrow \quad \mathbf{Elastomer \text{ } Gaskets (NBR: } T_{\max} \le 110^\circ\text{C}, \; \mathbf{EPDM: } T_{\max} \le 140^\circ\text{C)} \]

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:

In dairy processing plant engineering and Plate Heat Exchanger (PHE) design:
- A continuous HTST plate pasteurizer comprises stainless steel heat transfer plates clamped together and sealed along channels with elastomeric gaskets:
1. Heat Transfer Plates (AISI 304/316) (A): High-grade stainless steel easily withstands temperatures exceeding $300^\circ ext{C}$ and pressures up to $25\text{ bar}$.
2. Gaskets (B): Molded from synthetic elastomers (Nitrile Butadiene Rubber [NBR], Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer [EPDM], Fluoroelastomers [Viton]):
- Under continuous exposure to high steam/hot water temperatures ($> 135^\circ - 140^\circ ext{C}$), elastomer chains cross-link, lose elasticity, harden, and experience compression set failure, causing fatal product cross-contamination and liquid leaks.
- Therefore, the Gaskets represent the critical weak link that strictly limits the maximum operating temperature and steam application of HTST plate pasteurizers.

Step 3: Final Answer:

Therefore, the part that limits application with respect to temperature is Gaskets, corresponding to option (B).
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