Processing systems are a fairly modern development and are largely connected to the Industrial Revolution between 1760-1840. Over this time period old manufacturing and processing techniques were transformed into completely new systems, with the help of progressive engineering and science. The new processes also required new products, with durability and practicality being key and therefore, equipment such as the processing vessel, reactor and kettle began to appear.
Processing vessels, reactors and kettles and commonly used throughout industries to this day and with great effect. In the following article you will learn basics of how vessels, reactors and kettles function, their purpose, some tips and tricks to assist with the purchasing process, and what to be aware of when on the lookout for used industrial vessels, reactors and kettles for sale.
What is a Vessel, Reactor and Kettle?
The Processing Vessel, Processing Reactor and Processing Kettle all serve different and important purposes within the manufacturing, processing and production based industries. Let’s explore this further by understanding what exactly a processing vessel, reactor and kettle is:
The Processing Vessel
The Processing Vessel is a steel tank which has been designed then equipped with the required components and controls to complete a sub-process as part of a larger process. They play a crucial role with the storage, blending, cooling, separation, purification and manipulation of a material’s state. Often, but not always, processing vessels are connected to a larger production line system and can be found at any point on a line from the start of the processing, to the middle or at the end. Materials can flow in and out of a processing vessel horizontally or vertically, depending on the design, and they can house a variety of substances ranging from water to sewage to nuclear chemicals. What makes processing vessels so desirable as a storage or processing apparatus is their versatility. The list of materials in which they can be manufactured from is broad and includes stainless, titanium and mild steel as well as plastics. They can be fabricated to basically any required size, thickness, capacity and volume. It’s important to note, they can also manage substantial loads of pressure and weight, when designed to do so. Our available range of used processing vessels for sale can be viewed here.
The Processing Reactor
Similar to the Processing Vessel, Processing Reactors can be found anywhere within a processing line and their task is slightly different. They are used regularly throughout industries which require a controlled chemical reaction of substances, as a part of a greater process line. For this reason, the processing reactor is an excellent and crucial part of safely combining chemicals as a part of production and manufacturing processes.
When they are categorized between batch, continuous or fed-batch they function slightly differently but with the same overall goal of reaction inducement. A batch reactor is the most simplified version; the reactor is filled with the substance, a reaction is induced and then the reacted substance is drained downstream of the line. Continuous reactors are a little more complicated; the substance, at an equal rate, is continuously entering and exiting the reactor. With continuous reactors, the reaction occurs within the reactor as the substances are agitated from the constant movement of materials. Lastly the fed-batch functions by continuously or repeatedly adding the substance to the reactor, the substance is not continuously drained making it different to the continuous reactor. View our thorough catalog of used industrial processing reactors for sale.
Processing Kettle
Similar to a house-kettle used for boiling water, the Processing Kettle functions in a distinct yet similar manner. It is an industrial sized kettle with the purpose of heating, cooling, mixing and storing large batches of produce which makes it more like a giant oven top pot. They are predominantly found within the food-processing industries and in industrial kitchens. Different types of processing kettles include the steam-jacketed version, the electric and agitator. The steam-jacketed version is fabricated to have two walls on the interior and exterior of the kettle’s body; heat is created by releasing hot steam between these two walls which in turn cooks or boils the food matter in the kettle’s bowl. Electric kettle types are basically devices which heat, mix or agitate through electrical power, making them highly reliable and efficient in production circumstances. The agitator kettle is used solely for the mixing of product via electrical power which mechanically mixes with options for single-motion, double-motion, dual-motion (or twin action), inclined, and heavy-duty. Agitators are excellent for mass mixes of products as a part of a greater process. Kettles in general are excellent mixing tools due to their control specifications and variability in different mixing tasks. Take a look at our available range of used industrial processing reactors for sale.
Uses and Applications
As discussed, processing equipment such as the vessel, reactor or kettle are highly important and practical for use throughout a variety of industries. Some of these industries include: Nuclear, Food, Agriculture, Hospitality, Chemical, Medical, Paper, Pulp and Plastic Processing, just to name a few.
Within the nuclear industry, nuclear processing reactors play a vital step in the safe, controlled and efficient reaction of nuclear substances. Within a nuclear power plant, a processing reactor is used as a part of a greater processing line to produce energy. An example: a nuclear reaction is induced inside a reactor which produces powerful waves of steam, this steam can be used to propel a type of wheel, thus creating energy ready to be used. In hospitality, processing equipment such as the kettle is highly sought after for the mass and efficient production of food. Many larger restaurants, bakeries and candy stores would use a kettle to speed up the combining of solids and liquids, cooking products and more.
What to Look for When Buying a Processing Vessel, Reactor or Kettle?
Now that you have a basic understanding of what a Processing Vessel, Reactor & Kettle is, you may be asking yourself, what do I need to be aware of when looking to buy used processing equipment? Use the following pointers for reference.
Size and Capacity
Perhaps the most important thing to consider first of all is the size and capacity limits that you require of your vessel, reactor or kettle. Processing equipment is massive in its variety and can range from 1 gallon in capacity of product to 10,000 gallons plus. An easy method to find exactly what you are searching for: for example, search within a category “100 gallon” to bring up all the 100 Gallon Processing Vessels, Reactors and Kettles that are up for sale.
History of the Equipment
When purchasing used processing equipment, understanding its history is an important step. It’s always a good idea to question the previous owner: how often was the machine serviced and what steps were taken to maintain its functional standards and integrity? It could save you a lot of time and effort by asking the right questions, thus preventing you from purchasing an ill cared for piece of equipment.
Design Specifications
You wouldn’t want to buy a vessel which has been fabricated for oil storage when you plan to store milk there. (Surplus Record also has several tanks for food related equipment up for sale.) It’s best to have a clear understanding of what the processing equipment you are considering is designed for. Once you know what you are looking for, the overall buying process becomes easier. Most types of processing equipment will have different specifications depending on the task in which it is designed: a reactor designed for chemical reaction would have been fabricated to withstand internal pressure, while a continuous reactor is built with the intention of continuous movement of substance, which may not be necessary for you!
Determine Your Specs
It is important to understand and determine the square footage/size, gallon capacity and PSI specifications of the specific piece of equipment you need. All of Surplus Records listings of Processing Vessels, Reactors & Kettles are listed in order from lowest to highest in terms of gallon capacity.
Useful Accessories and Equipment
Accessories are available in multitudes and can help with efficient operation of the equipment at hand. Depending on one’s requirements, these should be considered as a means of understanding the practicality behind them. Below we’ll list some of our most recommended accessories:
- Accessibility: a platform, balistrude and/or stairwell built around your larger pieces of processing equipment can allow for easy accessibility to your equipment which is important for smooth operation and maintenance.
- Cleaning: specialized cleaning equipment for your vessel, reactor or kettle is of the utmost importance in maintaining efficient operation. Determine with a specialist what suits your specific piece of equipment best.
- Thermometers: are used to maintain required temperatures of production and also inspect machines during. You can use a gauge attached to the machine itself as well as an external one for complete inspection.
- Control Panel: these can be specifically designed for your processing equipment and can assist in the monitoring of pressure, flow rate and more.
Surplus Record: Tips and Tricks
To help you search for used storage and processing containers for sale on our platform, we have attached some of our best tips and tricks to make finding your ideal piece of processing equipment a little bit easier.
- Make use of our Location Settings: At the top of the page, when on the list for your desired piece of equipment/machinery, enter your desired location and you’ll be taken directly to what we have available in your area.
- Looking for an Auction?: On the listing page, select the blue checkbox on your right which says “Auction” and you’ll be taken to our available products for sale that are on auction.
- On a Budget?: Select the toggle “Sort by Relevance” and then click “Price low to high” to view our cheapest to most expensive products for sale.
- Don’t forget the Search Bar: Already know what you are looking for? Utilize our search tab at the top of your page to find specific listings out of hundreds available.
Quick Access: Processing Vessels, Reactors & Kettles Dealers
- Perry Videx | New Jersey
- Frain Industries | Illinois
- Federal Equipment Co. | Ohio
- J.Little Mercer Inc. | Massachusetts
At Surplus Record, we understand that the process of searching for used industrial processing reactors, used industrial processing kettles, and used processing vessels for sale can be quite daunting. Our advice is to take your time, do your research, and use this buying guide and the process of finding the best used heat exchanger for sale will be straightforward. Almost easy!
Quick Access: Processing Vessels, Reactors & Kettles Manufacturers
Our top manufactures available on Surplus Record for used Processing Vessels, Reactors and Kettles include:
Need more help or information about Processing Vessels, Reactors & Kettles? Still can’t find what you’re looking for or need more advice from a professional dealer? Head on over to the “Wanteds” section of our website and select “Buy” at the top and “Processing Equipment” for the industry. Fill out the form and a dealer that specializes in processing machinery will get back to you ASAP. It’s free to do, and our dealers are happy to help out!
