Built to Handle the Heat: Why Thermal Expansion Matters
Stronger Equipment Starts with Smarter Design
Engineered to withstand thermal expansion.
Every time a kettle heats up, its materials expand—microscopically at first, then more over time. In industrial cooking, this adds up fast. Repeated heating and cooling cycles cause metals to stretch and contract, which can eventually lead to cracking, distortion, or weld fatigue if not managed properly.
That’s why at Blentech, we don’t just design for performance—we engineer for resilience.
What Is Thermal Expansion?
Thermal expansion is the natural tendency of metal to grow when heated and shrink when cooled. The bigger the temperature swing, the more movement you get. For equipment like jacketed kettles and thermal screw systems, that motion can create powerful internal stresses—especially where different parts expand at different rates, like between an inner shell and a steam jacket.
Thermal expansion stress impacts
Even small movements—if not accommodated—can lead to big problems.
- Fatigue Failures
- Deformation or Bulging
- Leaks or Premature Breakdowns
- Cracks at Weld Seams
Repairability by design
Cracks most often start at weld seams—especially at plug welds and connection points between the jacket and the body. They typically begin as a single hairline crack, then multiply exponentially with each cycle.
Our machines are built with easy inspection access for non-destructive testing (NDT) and repairable welds, so you can keep your machines in operation.
Thermal expansion handled, so you run longer and repair less.
Blentech equipment is engineered from the ground up - including proprietary weld techniques - to manage these forces. Our systems are designed to accommodate movement where it’s needed and reinforce strength where it counts.
Customers see years of reliable uptime—even in high-temp, high-cycle duty.
Longer Equipment Life
Prevent cracking and stress failures that shorten service cycles
Better Batch Consistency
Preserve heat transfer efficiency and agitation performance, even after years of use
Fewer Leaks and Repairs
Reduce maintenance with durable seals and stress-relieved welds
Lower Total Cost of Ownership
Minimize downtime, parts replacement, and early equipment retirement
These benefits are amplified on VersaWok systems, which run wide thermal-oil temperature ranges and fast cycle rates.
The Blentech Advantage: Designed to Expand Without Breaking
Our jacketed kettles and thermal screw systems are built with high-performance stainless steels, precision welding, and design features that allow for safe thermal movement. Models like the BlenTherm™ and ContinuTherm™ series include:
Flexible body designs
Reduce stress concentrations
Multi-zone jackets
Minimize unnecessary thermal load
Steam-Ready, Cycle-Tough Components
Proven under high-pressure steam and repeated heat cycles.
Smart automation tools
Control ramp rates and reduce thermal shock
Whether you’re cooking thick sauces at 300°F or cooling rapidly between batches, Blentech machines are built to take the heat—over and over again.