A jacketed pan is an industrial piece of equipment used for heating and/or cooking liquid or paste-like products, very common in the food, cosmetics, pharmaceutical, and chemical industries. Its main feature is the outer jacket (hence the name "jacketed"), through which a thermal fluid circulates, indirectly heating the contents of the pan.
This jacket allows indirect heating, preventing the product from coming into direct contact with the heat source—which prevents burning, sticking, or altering the quality of the heated material.
Main applications:
- Food industry:
Production of sweets, jellies, chocolates, sauces, and creams;
Melting fats and butters;
Preparation of syrups, etc.
- Cosmetic industry:
Melting and mixing of waxes, creams, and lotions;
Production of soaps and emulsions.
- Pharmaceutical industry:
Preparation of ointments, syrups, and dermatological creams.
- Chemical industry:
Mixing of pasty or liquid products;
Formulations requiring controlled heating.
- Types of heating in jacketed pans:
Jacketed pans can utilize different heating systems, depending on the process needs, the type of product, and the desired level of thermal control. The main types of heating used are listed below:
- Steam heating:
In this system, water vapor circulates through the pan jacket, transferring heat quickly and efficiently. It is widely used in industry due to its high heat transfer capacity and the uniform heating it provides. It can be used with low or high-pressure steam, depending on the process.
- Thermal oil heating:
Uses mineral or synthetic oil as the thermal fluid, allowing higher temperatures (above 200°C) to be reached without the need for high pressure. This system is ideal for processes requiring more intense heating and precise temperature control.
- Hot water heating:
Water is heated and circulated through the pan jacket, promoting gentle and economical heating. It is recommended for applications that do not require very high temperatures and where moderate temperature control is sufficient.
- Electric heating:
In this case, electrical resistors are installed directly in the pan jacket, heating the thermal fluid or the metal structure itself. It is a compact, easy-to-install option that eliminates the need for boilers or external heating systems. Ideal for smaller processes, pilot plants, or environments with limited infrastructure.
- Induction heating (less common):
Uses magnetic fields to generate heat directly in the pan body or on a conductive surface. This technology offers fast, precise heating with minimal energy loss, but is still rarely used in industrial jacketed pans due to the cost and complexity of the system. |
