Abstract:
A flexible heat exchange jacket is provided which has channels for flow of a heat exchange fluid along one side, with inlets and outlets attached to a source of heat exchange fluid. The jacket can be attached in a watertight manner around the circumference of a cylindrical process container containing a liquid for heat treatment. Preferred embodiments include devices for heating and/or cooling the heat exchange fluid prior to entering the jacket, mixers for the liquid under treatment within the container, and heaters for the liquid within the container and/or the bottom of the container itself. A dairy pasteurizer version combines a cylindrical process container with a heat exchange jacket installed around its exterior with heating and refrigeration units for the heat exchange fluid, heat sensing and mixing devices, and a control system programmed to execute a pasteurization cycle.

Description:
REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is related to Applicant&#39;s U.S. Pat. No. 6,276,264 for PORTABLE BATCH PASTEURIZER and to U.S. Ser. No. 10/923,331, published as US2005/0103213, for BATCH PASTEURIZER, now U.S. Pat. No. ______, although not claiming priority from either. This patent and pending application are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. 
     
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Subject Matter 
         [0003]    The present embodiments pertain to apparatus for transferring heat, i.e., heating ans/or cooling liquids in containers. 
         [0004]    2. Discussion of Relevant Art 
         [0005]    Many systems have been devised over the years to provide indirect heating for milk and other heat-sensitive products, such as double boilers, steam-jacketed kettles and the like. Similarly, various means for cooling liquids or other heated foodstuffs in containers are available, including the placing of such containers in refrigerated spaces or simply placing a heated bucket into a cooler liquid. Creating combinations of containers, heating and cooling means to optimize the heating and cooling of liquid and slurry materials is a continuing quest. 
         [0006]    Extensive summaries of relevant art in the pasteurizer and heat exchanger art are listed in the background sections of Applicant&#39;s above patent and application, which are incorporated by reference herein. 
         [0007]    Despite all the systems extant for heating, pasteurizing and cooling various liquid and slurry materials in containers, the need remains for a compact means of contacting heat-permeable containers of various materials with flowing heat exchange fluids to provide fast and efficient heating and/or cooling treatments. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    It is an aspect of the present embodiments to provide heat exchange apparatus which are effective in the transfer of heat between fluids within containers and heating and/or cooling fluids which are applied to the exterior of such containers. Another aspect is to provide a flexible heat exchange jacket comprising channels along one side for the circulation of heating/cooling fluids, the jacket being adapted to be fastened securely to the circumference of a container of liquid so as to allow the heating/cooling fluid to circulate in direct contact with the outer surface of the container. Another aspect is the provision of heating and/or cooling means for heating/cooling fluids to be circulated through the channels in the heat exchange jacket. Still another aspect is the use of temperature sensing means to measure the temperature of liquid within the container and control means to facilitate the heating and/or cooling of the liquid within a container to at least one desired temperature, and to maintain such temperature(s) indefinitely or for predetermined periods of time. A complementary aspect is the provision of mixing or circulation means for liquid within the container to expedite the heating or cooling of the liquid. An aspect of certain embodiments is to configure and control the apparatus to pasteurize liquids such as dairy products or other food products in containers. Additional heating means, both internal (submerged within the fluid treated) and external (e.g., heater(s) at the bottom of the container) can be provided to augment the heat exchange means disclosed herein. 
         [0009]    Another aspect of certain embodiments is to provide control means for heating and/or cooling means which can closely control the temperatures and time periods at various temperature levels for processes such as pasteurization which are dictated by increasingly exacting requirements which are dictated by advancing scientific research. An aspect of this objective is to attain faster, more efficient and responsive heat exchange by employing flowing heat exchange fluids in direct contact with the exterior of the process container. A further aspect is to employ heat exchange jackets which provide such flows of heat exchange fluids while also insulating the exterior of the process container. A related aspect is to provide channels for flow of heat exchange fluids within such heat exchange jackets to optimize the flow of heat exchange fluid and thus increase the rate and efficiency of heat exchange. Such heat exchange fluids can be circulated through these channels by any suitable means, including pumps, normal pressurized water sources and gravitational systems. Another related aspect is to provide heat exchange jackets which are flexible and fabricated of materials which permit watertight attachment to process containers in conformance with their exterior shapes and surface properties. 
         [0010]    Certain of these objects and aspects are attained by various embodiments described below. One embodiment comprises a sheet of a flexible material having at least one set of inlet and outlet means connected by fluid channels impressed in an inner side of the sheet, the channels being arranged and having suitable capacity to permit flows of the heating/cooling fluid within the channels and directly against the outside surface of a liquid-container to optimize heat transfer between the heating/cooling fluid, the container and the liquid within. Preferably, the channels are configured to allow laminar flow of the heating/cooling fluid through the channels and against the container outer surfaces when the jacket is attached around the circumference of the container. The jacket is configured to permit securing of opposite ends together after it is tightly wrapped about the container with the fluid channels inward. The jacket can also be configured to be attached, sealed or otherwise melded together to form an open cylinder which can then be slid over the external surface of the container to provide close adherence to the container, preferably with mechanical attachments to the container. The channels can describe various serpentine patterns to allow flow from one edge of the jacket to the other, thus directly contacting the container surface and transferring heat from the treated liquid within to the heat exchange fluid. In an embodiment, the channels can be configured to match as opposite ends of the jacket are connected around the container, then describing a helical pattern from one side of the jacket to the other and permitting continuous flow from one edge to the other without abrupt changes in direction. 
         [0011]    Preferred embodiments provide a container for the processing of liquids, having a substantially round cross section and cylindrical form, mounted in a unit which combines the container, a heat exchange jacket, a source of heating and/or cooling fluid, control means for the unit and mixing means for the fluid processed. The source of heating and/or cooling fluids comprises a reservoir or vessel containing a heat exchange fluid, means for heating and/or cooling the fluid and pumping means to circulate the heat exchange fluid at the desired temperature into the heat exchange jacket (where the fluid circulates through the fluid channels and against the outer surface of the container filled with liquid being processed) and back to the reservoir. A preferred embodiment provides a refrigeration unit which provides chilled heat exchange fluid. Various embodiments include control means adapted and programmed to produce a variety of functions, ranging from simple heating or cooling of the processed liquid to pasteurization cycles for various types of liquids or slurries requiring such treatment. Temperature sensing means are provided to detect and maintain proper set temperatures for the heat exchange fluid and processed liquid. Stirring means are provided to circulate the treated fluid within the container to expedite heat exchange and make the temperature of the treated fluid as uniform as possible. Stirring means can include motor-driven drive shafts carrying at least one propeller, impeller or the like. A preferred embodiment comprising a hollow shaft coupling which is mechanically attached to the motor drive shaft and contains a slot along the side thereof which permits the drive shaft to be inserted into the housing from the side and then screwed into interior threads or otherwise mechanically attached for use. 
     
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0012]    The objects and advantages of the present embodiments will be further understood by perusal of the following detailed description, the appended claims, and the drawings, in which: 
           [0013]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a heat exchange jacket revealing a heat exchange channels and connections for intake and discharge of heat exchange fluids; 
           [0014]      FIG. 1A  is a plan view of the inner surface of a heat exchange jacket comparable to that of  FIG. 1 , illustrating a helical pattern of heat exchange channels; 
           [0015]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the jacket of  FIG. 1  illustrating an alternate pattern of heat exchange channels; 
           [0016]      FIG. 3  is a plan view of the jacket of  FIG. 2  illustrating the complete pattern of serpentine heat exchange channels; 
           [0017]      FIG. 4  is a plan view of the reverse side of the jacket of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0018]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the jacket of  FIG. 1  secured to form an open cylindrical shell with the heat exchange channels inside; 
           [0019]      FIG. 6  is a sectional view of the jacket of  FIG. 1  showing channels having cross sections of various shapes; 
           [0020]      FIG. 7  is a front perspective view of a complete assembled pasteurization apparatus with an enclosure case; 
           [0021]      FIG. 8  is a rear perspective view of the unit of  FIG. 7 ; 
           [0022]      FIG. 9  is a side perspective view of the unit of  FIG. 7  with the enclosure case removed to reveal the liquid container and a refrigeration unit; 
           [0023]      FIG. 10  is a rear perspective view of the unit of  FIG. 7  with a back panel removed; 
           [0024]      FIG. 11  is a top perspective view of the unit of  FIG. 7 ; 
           [0025]      FIG. 12  is a detailed rear perspective view of the unit of  FIG. 7  revealing electrical and control components; 
           [0026]      FIG. 13  is a perspective view of the refrigeration unit component of the unit of  FIG. 7 . 
           [0027]      FIG. 14  is a side perspective view of the motor and drive shaft assembly; and 
           [0028]      FIG. 15  is a side perspective view of the shaft coupling assembly. 
       
    
    
       [0029]    Further graphical details of the apparatus disclosed are provided in the parts list attached as Appendix A and the attached 3.5″ disk (Appendix B) containing electronic versions of these and other drawings. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0030]    Firstly, the embodiments described herein may be described as having upper and lower surfaces or first and second surfaces. These embodiments will be described in terms of apparatus only or installed for use as system components, and in a terrestrial field of reference wherein “upper” signifies a direction away from the surface of earth and the gravitational force and “lower” signifies the opposite direction. Where used, the expression “and/or” is used in the sense of A, B or A+B. The term “circular” is used to mean an edge or contour having a uniform radius of curvature. Where used, the terns “inner” and “outer” or similar expressions relate to the orientation of the disclosed heat exchange jackets relative to the containers about which they are used. 
         [0031]    Turning now to the drawings,  FIG. 1  shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a heat exchange jacket  106  of a flexible material which is waterproof and insulating, with the inlet and outlet means  107 B and  107 A and heat exchange fluid channels  109  visible. For convenience, the longer edges  106 A will be denominated “sides” and the shorter edges  106 B “ends,” with one side normally designated as the “top” side when the jacket is installed. The surface containing the fluid channels will be considered the inner surface  106 C and the opposite surface the outer,  106 D (not seen here). Jacket  106  is designed to heat the liquid contents of a heat-permeable container by indirect heat exchange. 
         [0032]    In operation, the jacket is fastened securely about at least a portion of the circumference of the container, and tends to fit closely to its surface because of its construction of a rubbery material which is elastic and tends to conform to the surface. The jacket can be secured mechanically to the container by any suitable means, such as elongated worm-gear clamps  142  (known as “hose clamps” in smaller sizes), as shown below, and may also be overwrapped with adhesive tape or polymer films of various types. Covers of other materials comprising sheet metal or closed cell polymer foams can also be used to fasten the jacket to the container and provide extra insulation. Briefly, a heat exchange fluid (normally a liquid, not shown) enters through at least one inlet  107 B and passes through the complete system of channels  109 , reversing course multiple times at the sides  106 B before exiting through outlet  107 A. The heat exchange fluid is provided at the desired temperature from a source having heating and/or cooling functions, and can be recycled to the source for restoration of the desired temperature and recirculation through jacket  106 . 
         [0033]    In addition to channeling heat exchange fluids along the exterior surface of the vessel it surrounds, the jacket  106  also provides considerable insulation for the system. For example, in the systems disclosed herein, the jacket insulates the container while its contents are heated to a desired temperature, preventing significant heat loss before heat exchange fluids are employed to cool the treated contents, and thereafter to stabilize the end temperature. The jacket can serve as a protective blanket and/or cosmetic blanket for the vessel, and even a protective wrap preventing operators from direct contact with the potentially hot surfaces of the vessel during or after a heating process. The jacket may also be marked on its exterior with the manufacturer&#39;s logos, technical information, warnings or the like, as appropriate to individual applications. 
         [0034]      FIG. 2  provides a detailed view of the fluid channels  109  which are molded or otherwise impressed into the inner surface  106 C of the jacket, passing substantially parallel with the ends  106 B of the jacket and reversing direction in a serpentine fashion near the sides  106 A of the jacket. The fluid thus passes in a substantially vertical pattern when installed on a container, as compared with the substantially horizontal pattern described above and illustrated in  FIG. 1 . Each end of this serpentine pattern of fluid channels  109  is connected to tubular inlet/outlet means  107 B/ 107 A extending to the outer surface  106 D of the jacket (not shown here). These connections (at least one each for inlet and outlet purposes) can be used interchangeably as inlet or discharge connections, depending upon how the jacket is installed on the container for the liquid to be processed or treated. 
         [0035]      FIG. 3  provides a detailed view of fluid channels  109  in the jacket of  FIG. 2 , which pass substantially parallel with the ends  106 B of the jacket, reversing direction in serpentine fashion near the sides  106 A of the jacket. In both versions, the heat exchange fluid can be pumped from bottom to top or top to bottom of jacket  106 , depending upon the process requirements. The entry points of inlet  107 B and outlet  107 A are shown entering channels  109 . Alternative embodiments could provide a substantially unobstructed space on the inner surface  106 C of jacket  106  or multiple serpentine paths along inner surface  106 C, each served by its own inlet and discharge connections (not shown.) 
         [0036]      FIG. 4  shows the smooth outer surface  106 D of the jacket  106 , with inlet/discharge connections  107 B/ 107 A protruding. One groove  103  is visible on end  106 B, and a similar groove  103  is located at the other end  106 B on inner surface  106 C (not visible here). Grooves  103  interlock to facilitate the secure connection of ends  106 B of jacket  106 . Grooves and/or ridges  105  are also provided along both sides  106 A on outer surface  106 D of jacket  106  to facilitate the placement of elongated worm clamps  142  when used to secure the jacket in place (illustrated and discussed below).  FIG. 4  illustrates the outer surface  106 D of cooling jacket  106 , including intake  107 B and discharge  107 A connections and groove  103  along end  106 B on outside surface  106 D near these connections. A similar groove  103  is found on the inner surface  106 C at the opposite end  106 B. Grooves  103  are used to fasten the opposite ends  106 B of jacket  106  together to form a secure and watertight seal around the container within the cylindrical shell of jacket  106 . 
         [0037]    While the channel patterns shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  2  and  3  are expected to be functional, other arrangements or patterns as described above can be used to optimize the flow of heating/cooling fluids and/or heat transfer. The heat exchange fluids can be circulated through the channels by various pumps, normal pressurized water sources or gravitational systems. Preferably, these channels are arranged, shaped and have smooth inner surfaces to promote substantially laminar flow through the channels and optimize heat transfer. Alternatively, knobbed or finlike protrusions (not shown) can be molded into the surfaces of channels  109  to slow the flow of the heat exchange fluid through jacket  106 . 
         [0038]      FIG. 6  is a sectional view of the jacket of  FIG. 2  illustrating different possible cross sections for channels  109 , e.g. square channel with rounded corners  109 A, rounded channel  109 B, oval channel  109 C (not shown) and V-channels  109 D, which can form a sawtooth cross-sectional pattern as shown or be separated by portions of inner surface  106 C of jacket  106  as shown for channels  109 A and  109 B. The size (i.e., cross sectional area), shape and interior finish of channels  109  can be molded into jacket  106  according to process requirements and the volume and type of flow desired. 
         [0039]      FIG. 5  illustrates the jacket  106  of  FIG. 1  with ends  106 B mechanically secured with interlocking grooves  103  (not visible here) to form an open cylindrical shell with the heat exchange channels  109  inward, as the jacket would be arranged around a container for heat exchange purposes. The ends  106 B of jacket  106  can be secured together using interlocking grooves  103  by any suitable mechanical means, including adhesives suitable for the jacket material and operating temperatures, direct thermal bonding or vulcanization of rubber materials used for jacket  106 , mechanical clamps, lacing materials or other methods known in the art (not shown.)  FIG. 5  illustrates jacket  106  formed into a cylindrical form with outer surface  106 D outward and inner surface  106 C with channels  109  inside. Grooves and/or ridges  105  along edges  106 A are provided to facilitate fastening the jacket into place on a container, as discussed above. Ends  106 B of jacket  106  are secured together using interlocking grooves  103  as discussed above. In certain embodiments (See  FIG. 1A .) channels  109  can be molded to extend to grooves  103  so that they meet at opposite ends  106 B when jacket  106  is secured in its cylindrical form. While this may require more care to install on the container and prevent leaks, the channels can then be molded to form at least one helical or other pattern extending between the edges  106 A of jacket  106  when installed to eliminate the requirement for abrupt changes in direction for the heat exchange fluid and provide fuller contact with the container surface. 
         [0040]    Jacket  106  is formed of a resilient, rubbery material which can be attached permanently or temporarily to the surface of a treatment container of substantially round cross section to form a watertight seal which keeps the heating/cooling fluid within the channels  109  during operation. A preferred embodiment has used molded Buna rubber for the jacket, but any rubber or polymeric material having the desired properties (including elasticity, sealing ability, resistance to decomposition by the heating/cooling fluid and atmospheric conditions) can be used. As with rubber for auto tires, the materials can be compounded to provide the desired balance between elasticity and hardness, according to the process requirements. The jacket  106  is normally attached to the container (after being positioned correctly) by mechanical means such as strong elastic bands, metal straps, large metal cable clamps  142  or the like. Suitable industrial adhesives or sealing compounds can be used on at least a portion of the inner surface of the jacket to provide a better seal and/or to make the installation more permanent. Normally jacket  106  is designed to fit around the circumference of a treatment container, preferably being secured by fastening ends  106 B together with grooves  103  interlocking, but with ends  106 B overlapping if necessary. Two or more jackets could be used end-to-end to cover larger containers, being fastened in place by any suitable means. 
         [0041]    As discussed below in an operational embodiment, the rate of flow of heat exchange fluid through channels  109  of jacket  106  is controlled by factors including the fluid pressure applied (which can be controlled by valves or similar means—including on-off control, variable port size and the like), channel size, shape, and interior finish; the pattern(s) of channels  109  in jacket  106  and back pressure as heat exchange fluid returns to its source. 
         [0042]    Container  150  for treated liquids are preferably of a substantially cylindrical shape because of the ease of applying the heat exchange jacket, but can have other geometrical cross sections. The container materials should be compatible with the foodstuffs, chemicals or other materials treated therein, and should have good heat conducting properties. Generally, stainless steel and other noncorrosive alloys thereof, aluminum and various alloys thereof, and internally-tinned copper are suitable, but other materials may be suitable and cost effective for particular applications. For example, various plastics as disclosed in column 5 of U.S. Pat. No. 6,276,264 may be suitable, albeit generally lacking the superior heat conducting properties of metals. The size and capacity of the container are limited only by the particular application(s), with the heat exchange jacket(s) and other components described below sized accordingly. Embodiments for dairy applications using 10 and 30 gallon containers have been successfully tested. 
         [0043]    Various foodstuffs and dairy products can be treated in embodiments of the apparatus disclosed herein, including milk and other dairy products, juices from fruits or concentrates, and any other types of food products which require heat treatment for safe consumption or cooking. See also the food products of various viscosities disclosed in the paragraph bridging columns 4/5 of U.S. Pat. No. 6,276,264. Furthermore, the disclosed apparatus can be used in many other processes which require heat exchange, such as exothermic chemical reactions, mixing processes, epoxy temperature control, and various oils or other products which must be maintained above or below ambient temperatures. 
         [0044]      FIGS. 7 through 13  illustrate apparatus for employing a heat exchange  106  jacket described above installed around a round cylindrical container  150  for heating, cooling, pasteurizing or the like.  FIG. 7  illustrates apparatus  202  which comprises a refrigeration cabinet  161  with panels  160  as its base. At least one filter screen  184  for intake and exhaust air is provided in the refrigeration cabinet  161 . Upper cabinet  159  with panels  158  encloses product pot or container  150 . Upper cabinet  159 , refrigeration cabinet  161  and their respective components are separable units which can be handled separately for sales, maintenance or repair as necessary. A false cover  148  is provided for optional port exits to accommodate other sizes of containers  150 . Outlet means for product such as the pipe nipple  174  and ball valve  182  are provided, preferably at the front of cabinet  158  in a position below the expected lower edge of jacket  106 . Control box  156  is mounted atop at least two stir motor brackets  162  and CPC connector  120  provides electrical communication between controller panel  110  and components below in the cabinet housing. Control box  156  includes a control panel  110  for controlling various functions of the apparatus and a slotted vent  227  on its top. A representative control panel is shown in FIG. 4 of U.S. Pat. No. 6,276,264. Control systems, sensors and other components for this apparatus can be designed and assembled to control heat treating (such as pasteurization), heating and cooling processes as disclosed in this patent, particularly as in FIGS. 3, 4, 7 and 8 and in columns 6/7. 
         [0045]    A shaft coupler  146  connects the stir motor (not shown here) to shaft  154  and propeller  108  (not seen here.) Details of shaft coupler  146  are provided below. Cabinet top  140  encloses the heat exchange jacket  106 , container  150  and other mechanisms. Thermocouple cordgrip  118  is emplaced in cabinet top  140  below control box  156 . 
         [0046]      FIG. 8  illustrates the back of apparatus  202  with all covers and panels in place. A second filter screen  184  is on a panel  160  of refrigeration cabinet  161 . Electrical wire grommets  210  and  212  are provided in the rear panel of control box  156  for thermocouple wires and a wire harness for controller panel  110 , respectively. Reservoir port  200  at the rear top surface of refrigeration cabinet  161  is provided for filling the coolant reservoir  186 , with a dipstick cap (not shown) for checking coolant level. Inlet  214  and outlet  216  are provided at the rear of main cabinet  159  for tap water when used for cooling. Inlet and outlet  214 / 216  can be connected to the inlet and outlet  107 B/ 107 A of cooling jacket  106  as required. A hole  119  in the rear panel  158  of cabinet  159  permits access to cord grips  114  and  116  and fuse holder  122 , discussed below in  FIG. 12 . 
         [0047]      FIG. 9  illustrates the apparatus  202  with the upper cabinet panels  158  and the rear panel  160  of refrigeration unit cabinet  161  removed to illustrate working components. Chilled reservoir  186  is kept filled with a chilled cooling fluid (not shown) by the refrigeration unit  168 , comprising condenser  198  and a Copeland compressor unit  222  (not visible). This fluid is normally a liquid such as water or synthetic liquids of higher heat capacity such as propylene glycol, but could be a gas or steam. Currently propylene glycol at 25 deg. F. is used for cooling. The choice of cooling or heat exchange fluids will take into consideration safety and health requirements for handling dairy products or other foodstuffs, as well as the characteristics of the rubber or other polymeric materials used in the heat exchange jacket  106 . Filter screen  184 , a duplicate of that on the other side of the unit, is visible, and a conventional refrigeration condenser unit  198  is partially visible inside refrigeration unit cabinet  161 . An optional placement  148  for pipe nipple  174  on the front of the unit is also visible. At the top of the unit  202 , stir motor  126 , gearbox  127  and shaft coupler  146  are visible, mounted on motor brackets  162 . Rocker switch  188  on the side of control box  156  is the power switch for the stirring and control unit. Motor  126  is an electric motor, preferably operating on 115 VAC and geared (through gearbox  127 ) to provide at least one suitable speed for stirring liquids to be treated. Further details are provided in the parts list attached as Appendix A. Slotted vent  227  is provided in the top of control box  156  to ventilate the motor. 
         [0048]    Cooling jacket  106  is shown mounted around pot  150 , with outer surface  106 D visible with product outlet coupling  144  mounted below the expected lower edge of jacket  106  and connected to pipe nipple  174  and outlet valve  182 . Utility plate  164  mounts control components of controller system  111 , described below. 
         [0049]      FIG. 10  shows the apparatus  202  with the back panel  158  of upper cabinet  159  removed. Motor  126  connects to shaft  154  via gearbox  127  and shaft coupler  146 . Shaft  154  extends through pot lid  152 , which retains heat and prevents spillage. Shafts  154  of selected lengths for different sizes of containers  150  or different products can be removably attached to coupler  146 . Thermocouple cordgrip  118  receives a connection for thermocouple  132  (not visible here) and CPC coupling  120  provides for power connections between controller panel  110  and other components. Lid  152  covers pot  150 . The back panel  158  of upper cabinet  159  is removed to reveal heat exchange jacket  106  which surrounds pot  150  and is secured with a large worm clamps  142  at top (not visible) and bottom. Thermocouple  132  fits through thermowell  134 , shown in  FIG. 11  near the bottom of container  150 , to measure the temperature of liquid in pot  150 . Reservoir port  200  provides for the introduction of a heat exchange fluid. A power cord  104 A (usually 115 VAC, not shown here) connects to connection  104  to provide power to all components. Power cord  112 A (220 VAC, not shown here) connects to connection  112  to supply optional large heater components, discussed below. Utility plate  164  holds various components which are discussed below. 
         [0050]      FIG. 11  illustrates the unit  202  with pot lid  152  removed, revealing the inside of pot  150 , the heat exchange jacket  106  on the exterior  106 D thereof, and propeller  108  mounted on shaft  154 . Thermowell  134  (containing thermocouple  132 ) is also visible. Pipe nipple  174  and ball valve  182  provide the outlet drain for container  150 . 
         [0051]      FIG. 12  illustrates the unit  202  with both upper and lower cabinet cases removed. Motor brackets  162  support control box  156 , containing motor  126  and gearbox  127 . Shaft coupler  146  connects motor  126  to shaft  154  via shaft  127 . Shaft  154  for propeller  108  is mounted near the rear of the top opening of pot  150  and slanted slightly toward the center of container. While not essential, this provides more space for pouring liquid to be treated into container  150  while providing for good mixing of the liquid during treatment. Propeller  108  can be selected as described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,276,264. In this embodiment, propeller  108  has plural upturned vanes  108 A. Although in present embodiments a single propeller shaft  154  is threaded into shaft coupler  146 , which in turn is secured to the shaft (not shown here) of gearbox  127 , making unidirectional rotation the preferred mode, this system can also be designed to operate in either direction, and multiple propellers or other types of impellers can be used, depending upon operational requirements. 
         [0052]    A substantially cylindrical treatment container or pot  150  enclosed in heat exchange jacket  106  is mechanically attached atop plate heater  124  and supported by brackets  151  or other suitable mechanical means. In one embodiment, plate heater  124  is a “Hi-Heat” 220 VAC unit comprising a mica-edged foil heating element, but any suitable flat electrical heater can be included to provide heat for the contents of container  150  and connected with the control system as described above and in U.S. Pat. No. 6,276,264. Both cabinet top  140  and base  206  are connected to utility plate  164 , which carries a number of electrical and control components which are discussed below. Base  206  is mounted on four legs  204 , which are connected to leg support  208 . Similar legs and supports can be used to support upper cabinet  158  if the unit is assembled without the refrigeration unit  201  or refrigeration cabinet  161 , as illustrated in drawings A and B. 
         [0053]    Fuses and fuse holders  122  are provided for both electrical supplies. Cordgrips  114  and  116  secure the incoming power cords. Cube relay  100  is attached to cube relay base  102 . A 220 VAC contactor  128  can be used to connect or disconnect the heater  124  from power. Hose barbs  166  provide connections for intake and discharge of the heat exchange fluid, including optional tap water inputs, for heat exchange jacket  106 , and can be opened and closed by solenoid valve  180 . Thermowell  134  is visible at the bottom of container  150 . 
         [0054]    The components mounted on utility plate  164  make up the majority of the control system  111 , which can be programmed to operate as described above and in U.S. Pat. No. 6,276,264. Duplex outlet  192  provides for supply and control of the pump and condenser  226  for refrigeration unit. Solid state relay  190  controls either heater  124  in 115 VAC embodiments or contactor  128  for 220 VAC heater embodiments. Ground terminal blocks  196  and power and neutral terminal blocks  194  provide for pass through wiring for various components of the control system. Cube relays  100  provide for control of components including pump(s), refrigeration unit and valves. Transformer  138  is connected to line voltage and provides 24 VAC to controller  110 . 
         [0055]    The control system components supported by utility plate  164  and elsewhere are configured substantially as described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,276,264, and can be programmed to carry out processes of pasteurization, other heat treatments, heating and/or cooling as required. Specifically, the apparatus  202  can receive a batch of milk or other dairy product to be pasteurized, heat it to a pasteurization temperature and retain it at that temperature for a predetermined period of time (as discussed for pasteurization cycles in the above patent), then cool it rapidly to a predetermined temperature for immediate use or cold storage. Simpler cycles such as the heating of liquids to a predetermined temperature and maintaining said temperature for predetermined times or indefinitely, or corresponding processes of cooling liquids such as fresh milk to predetermined temperatures for use or storage can be carried out. Based upon preliminary tests with prototypes, the rates of heating and/or cooling will be significantly faster than for apparatus disclosed in Applicant&#39;s U.S. Pat. No. 6,276,264 when treating comparable volumes of liquid. Additionally, the inherently insulating effects of the rubbery heat exchange jacket improve the efficiencies of both heating and cooling processes. 
         [0056]      FIG. 13  shows refrigeration cabinet  161  and unit  168  without upper cabinet  158 . This refrigeration unit  168 , and the combined unit  202 , is supported by footing rails  163 , which can be made of wood, rubber, various polymeric materials or any suitable material. Heated air from the refrigeration process is discharged through screens  184  on both sides of cabinet  160 . Reservoir port  200  is provided for filling or recycling of heat exchange fluid. Evaporator pump  178  is mounted underneath mounting bracket  176 , extending downward into coolant reservoir  186  to evacuate coolant, discharging chilled heat exchange fluid via hose  170  into jacket inlet port  107 B, finally returning the used fluid to reservoir  186  through ports  220 . Condenser unit  198  is connected to compressor  222  via high pressure tubing  224  which forms an evaporator coil immersed in coolant reservoir  186  to remove heat from the circulating coolant. Condenser  222  is a Copeland condenser compressor unit, described in more detail in the parts list attached as Appendix A. Condenser  222  condenses the refrigerant (which can be any conventional refrigerant such as the Freon™ series, but is preferably an environmentally acceptable product) which has been vaporized by absorbing heat from the coolant, after which the condensate is recompressed by compressor  222  to carry on the cycle. 
         [0057]    The simple apparatus discussed and illustrated above is designed to quickly chill milk or other liquids just coming from a cooking or pasteurizing process to lower temperatures for storage or use. In addition to or as alternatives to the refrigeration unit, a variety of systems can be used to provide chilled or heated heat exchange fluids for circulation through the heat exchange jacket. For example, hot water or other fluids can be provided by in-line heating or other means, as disclosed in FIG. 9 of U.S. Pat. No. 6,276,264, which is incorporated herein by reference. Chilled water can similarly be provided by any form of refrigeration unit, including passing through beds of ice, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,276,264, which is incorporated herein by reference. For improved efficiency, albeit perhaps requiring more space, the refrigeration unit for chilling water can be configured to freeze water in an included container during off-power periods, producing ice which can be used to assist in chilling water for use in circulating through the unit at other times when the cooling process is underway. Such units can be produced by Ice Energy LLC of Ft. Collins, Colo. 
         [0058]    In addition, the heat exchange jackets and control mechanisms disclosed above can be used for other purposes such as cooling exothermic chemical reactions, absorbing waste heat from a variety of processes and sources including internal combustion engines; maintenance of stable cooking temperatures, fermentation or other process temperatures. 
         [0059]      FIGS. 14 and 15  illustrate a preferred embodiment comprising a slotted and threaded shaft coupling.  FIG. 14  illustrates the complete drive train. Motor  126  drives through gear box  127  to shaft  127 A. Shaft coupler  146  is fabricated of aluminum, stainless steel or other suitable metal or material and is removably attached to shaft  127 A using two or more set screws  136 . Other suitable mechanical attachment devices can be used. Drive shaft  154 , also aluminum or stainless steel, carries propeller  108 , which has a plurality of upturned vanes  108 A.  FIG. 15  illustrates in detail threaded holes  136 A in coupling  146  to receive set screws  136 . A slot  145  is provided in the side of coupling  146  for the insertion of shaft  154 , which carries external threads  154 A. As discussed above, shafts  154  of different lengths, carrying at least one propeller having various characteristics of choice, can be installed interchangeably. Shafts  154  are installed by being inserted into the coupling  146  through slot  145 , then pressed upward into the interior cavity of coupler  146  and screwed into place until threads  154 A fully engage with interior threads within the cavity (not shown). The advantage of slot  145  in coupling  146  is that shaft-propeller assemblies which will nearly touch the bottom of container  150  when installed can be easily and quickly installed or removed even after set screws  136  are screwed into place to fully secure the coupling to motor shaft  127 A. In this embodiment threads  154 A are right hand threads, permitting clockwise rotation of shaft  154  (as viewed from above) to tend to tighten the shaft. If counter-clockwise rotation were desired, left hand threads could be employed. If a reversible motor or gear box were required, additional mechanical fasteners could be employed to retain shaft  154  in coupler  146  or a similar coupler. 
         [0060]    Additional information is contained in the drawings attached as Appendix B (electronic media, disk containing CAD files in SolidWorks™), and in additional Sheets A through C of drawings which are not labeled with numerals. 
         [0061]    Various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention and without diminishing its attendant advantages. Therefore, the appended claims are intended to cover such changes and modifications, and are the sole limits on the scope of the invention.