It’s said that the Komax Klean-Wall Heat Exchanger can be up to 300% more efficient than other standard tube exchangers and slurry heaters. This is quite a daunting number, one that sounds a bit too good to be true perhaps? How can this be so?

One of the biggest improvements of this component is that is decreases the retention time of slurry within a digester by 50%. Because the waste can be utilized so much quicker than other systems more can be utilized and the inputs, which in most cases are more than plentiful, can be increased. This can be a major improvement for digester heaters as more recycling will take place while better heat extraction happens.

The mixing elements behind this heat exchanger also help to drastically improve bacteriology activity. It’s tendency to maintain a continual flow and high-shear environment means digestion happens much faster than if slurry was left to sit. Keeping the system active and moving is a pinnacle part in the extreme efficiency, but there is also a secret element that really makes this piece of machinery a beautiful recycling champion.

Something simple yet great is that the heat exchanger uses effluent, or already digested waste, to help bring inputs up to the proper temperature. Other options rely solely on external heat sources to bring waste up to digesting temperature, which is a huge expenditure of energy. By taking thermal energy from material on its way to disposal, this system really makes the most out of recycling.

As with all other Komax products, the Klean-Wall Heat Exchanger is a completely non-fouling design that also promotes a self-cleaning environment. The mixing elements can pass solid debris up to 50% of the mixer’s diameter, meaning there is no pre-processing of inputs before integration within the system. If 300% efficiency improvement sounds crazy, imagine what this single improvement can do for your overall operation.