What is the primary goal of using a heat exchanger in the pasteurization process?

The primary goal of using a heat exchanger in the pasteurization process is to ensure product safety. Heat exchangers are designed to efficiently transfer heat to the product, raising its temperature sufficiently to kill harmful microorganisms without compromising the quality of the food or beverage. This critical step ensures that the product is safe for consumption, effectively reducing the risk of foodborne illnesses.

While energy savings during heating is a beneficial aspect of using a heat exchanger, it is not the primary purpose. The focus is ultimately on achieving the desired temperature quickly and effectively to ensure safety. Other options, such as maintaining product consistency and facilitating product bottling, might be secondary benefits of the pasteurization process, but they do not capture the essential goal of using heat exchangers specifically in this context.