polaron SSHE
POLARON SCRAPED SURFACE HEAT EXCHANGER
FOR MARGARINE AND SHORTENING
Superior product quality depends on precision at every stage, and that includes how your product is cooled, heated, and crystallised. The Gerstenberg Services Polaron SSHE is designed to deliver consistent and controlled crystallisation while treating your product gently. With its flexible, high-pressure tubular design and continuous scraping action, the Polaron SSHE ensures uniform product texture, structure, and quality – every time.
Energy efficiency and environmental footprint
The Polaron is designed for maximum energy efficiency through optimized heat transfer and minimal refrigerant consumption. When operated with CO₂ as the cooling medium, the system achieves exceptionally high heat transfer performance. Compared to traditional ammonia systems, CO₂ offers up to seven times better heat transfer characteristics, allowing up to 40% higher capacity, reduced energy consumption by up to 40%, and more compact equipment design. This results in a system with higher capacity, lower operating costs, and a smaller environmental footprint, without compromising product quality.
Hygienic design
All product-contact parts are made from food-grade stainless steel with smooth, polished surfaces that minimize product buildup and bacterial growth. The design follows health and safety requirements of Food and Contact Material Regulation (EC) 1935/2004 and FDA guidelines, ensuring compliance with the highest hygienic standards. The closed system eliminates external contamination and supports full CIP cleaning.
Scraper system
The Polaron scraper mechanism provides continuous renewal of the heat transfer surface, maintaining high efficiency. The scraper blades are easily replaceable and are available in a range of materials including stainless steel, Stellite, and PEEK allowing optimal performance for different product characteristics, operating temperatures, and wear requirements.
Cleaning maintenance and service
Polaron is fully CIP-compatible, ensuring fast and thorough cleaning without manual disassembly. Routine maintenance is simplified through easy access to seals, scraper blades, and bearings. Polaron service packages include on-site inspection, spare parts supply, and remote technical support, ensuring long-term reliability and minimal downtime.
Materials
All product contacting components are made from AISI 316 stainless steel or better materials to ensure optimal hygiene and corrosion resistance. The process cylinder features a carbon steel body with a hard chromium-plated surface for excellent heat transfer and durability, while the tungsten carbide seal faces provide exceptional wear protection and long service life.
Certifications/compliance
The Polaron is designed and built in full compliance with the European Machinery Directive (2006/42/EC) and the European Regulation on Food Contact Materials (EC 1935/2004), ensuring safe and hygienic processing across a product temperature range of –29°C to +95°C. The pressure vessel is certified in accordance with the Pressure Equipment Directive (PED 97/23/EC), guaranteeing reliability and safety under demanding operating conditions. Additional certifications, such as ASME approval are available upon request to meet regional or customer-specific requirements.
Efficient cooling with natural and traditional refrigerants
The Polaron SSHE is specifically designed for direct cooling with CO₂ (R744): a natural, sustainable refrigerant gaining ground as the preferred choice in modern food production. By using CO₂, the system offers unmatched heat transfer efficiency, enabling faster, more precise temperature control and reducing overall energy consumption.
This advanced cooling method not only improves process stability and product consistency but also contributes to lower operational costs and a smaller environmental footprint. CO₂ is a non-ozone-depleting, low-GWP (Global Warming Potential) refrigerant, making it an ideal solution for future-proof, eco-conscious production facilities.
For additional flexibility, the Polaron SSHE can also operate with NH₃, ensuring seamless production facilities.
Consistent performance across a wide variety of crystallised fats and butter products
The Polaron SSHE is built for flexibility, making it the ideal choice for processing a wide variety of fat-based products.
PRODUCT EXAMPLES:
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Table margarine
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Puff pastry margarine
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Industrial margarine
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Shortening
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Ghee
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AMF (Anhydrous Milk Fat)
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Low fat butter
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Texturised butter
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CBS (Cocoa Butter Substitute)
REFRIGERANTS:
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CO₂ (R744)
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NH₃ (R717)
The efficient heat transfer and scraping action of the Polaron SSHE ensure consistent texture, structure, and product quality, whether you are producing standard recipes or specialised formulations.
Energy efficiency and environmental footprint
Optimized for maximum energy efficiency and minimal environmental impact.
Hygienic design
All contact surfaces are food-grade stainless steel, smooth and easy to clean.
Scraper system
Scraper blades maintain heat transfer efficiency and are replaceable in multiple materials.
Cleaning maintenance and service
Fully CIP-compatible with easy access to all service points.
Materials
High-quality stainless steel and durable components for long-term use.
Certifications/compliance
Compliant with European Machinery and Food Contact Regulations; certifications available on request.
BENEFITS OF THE POLARON SCRAPED SURFACE HEAT EXCHANGER
HYGIENIC, FOOD-SAFE DESIGN
The Polaron SSHE complies with 3-A Sanitary Standards, ensuring reliable food safety and corrosion resistance.
EASY MAINTENANCE & SERVICE
The wearing parts of the water shaft seals are designed for quick, easy replacement, reducing service time and keeping your line running smoothly.
CIP-COMPATIBLE FOR FAST CLEANING
Fully compatible with Clean-in-Place (CIP) and sterilisation routines, the Polaron SSHE simplifies hygiene management and minimises production downtime.
BUILT FOR MODERN FOOD PRODUCTION
The Polaron SSHE is designed to meet strict demands for hygienic, safe, and efficient processing, delivering reliable performance in continuous, high-pressure applications for the fat crystallisation industry.
Designed for performance and flexibility
The Polaron SSHE is engineered to handle demanding fat crystallisation processes with a working pressure of up to 120 bar depending on product type and capacity. Its versatile design makes it suitable for a wide range of applications, whether you’re producing margarine, shortening, or other crystallised fats and butter products.
To offer maximum flexibility and seamless integration into different production setups, the Polaron SSHE is available in three distinct versions:
Polaron
Compact, short-length model designed for use with CO₂ (R744) or NH₃ (R717) refrigerants.
Polaron L
Extended-length version optimised for NH₃ (R717) applications, offering increased cooling surface area.
Polaron CL
Extended-length version specifically designed for CO₂ (R744) refrigeration, delivering outstanding cooling performance with a natural refrigerant.
This ensures you can select the perfect solution for your process requirements, capacity needs, and refrigerant preferences while maintaining the trusted durability, hygienic design, and consistent performance Gerstenberg Services is known for.
Proven performance backed by industry expertise
When it comes to processing margarine, shortenings, and crystallised fats and butter products, consistent texture, structure, and product quality are essential. That’s why leading manufacturers around the world rely on Gerstenberg Services’ Polaron SSHE.
With decades of expertise in developing high-performance equipment for the fat crystallisation industry, Gerstenberg Services understands the unique challenges of continuous, high-capacity production environments. The Polaron SSHE is the result of that experience, combining superior cooling efficiency, hygienic design, and reliable mechanical performance in a system built to deliver consistent, high-quality results batch after batch.
Whether you’re expanding capacity, optimising an existing line, or building a new production setup, the Polaron SSHE offers proven reliability, flexible integration, and long-term support from a partner who knows your processes inside and out.
See all of our crystallisation equipment
From purchase to production
At Gerstenberg Services, we are more than a system provider: we are your processing partner. When you choose a Gerstenberg Services solution, you gain more than cutting-edge equipment. You gain a committed team that supports you through every stage of the production journey.
From initial consultation and system selection to installation, commissioning, and ongoing service, we are by your side to ensure your equipment delivers optimal performance from day one. Our experts work closely with your team to customise solutions, provide comprehensive training, and offer responsive technical support whenever you need it.
With Gerstenberg Services, it’s not just about delivering a product: it’s about building a lasting partnership that helps your business run smoothly, faster, and more profitably.
OPTIMISE YOUR PRODUCTION WITH GERSTENBERG SERVICES
Are you interested in learning more about the Polaron SSHE, or do you have questions about our other products?
Get in touch with our experts to learn how Gerstenberg Services can help you improve your process, reduce downtime, and boost profitability.
We look forward to connecting with you and answering any questions you may have.
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Polaron is a registered trademark of Gerstenberg Services and covers the series of advanced high pressure crystallisation equipment.