Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

About Anytherm

WHAT DOES ANYTHERM STAND FOR?

Anytherm is a world-leading developer and manufacturer of custom-made industrial heat exchange systems (including process air handling units, industrial dehumidification systems, and filtration solutions), heat recovery systems, and energy consulting solutions for demanding process industries.
We focus on tailor-made, high-quality executions at internationally competitive prices. Our products and services are used across multiple sectors such as food and dairy, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and other energy-intensive process industries.
Our energy consulting services – including energy analysis, net-zero roadmaps, and heat recovery (pinch) analysis – help clients improve energy efficiency and reduce CO₂ emissions.
By combining engineering expertise with consulting, we unite theory and practice – enabling us to deliver field-proven, energy-optimized solutions.

WHERE IS ANYTHERM LOCATED?

Anytherm’s headquarters are in Switzerland, with main production facilities in Poland and Bosnia.
This structure allows us to offer cost-efficient, high-quality industrial products globally.
Our heat recovery systems, process air handling units, and energy consulting services are in use on all continents – from the USA to New Zealand, from Norway to South Africa.

WHICH INDUSTRIES DOES ANYTHERM SERVE?

Anytherm serves demanding process industries such as food and dairy, chemical, and pharmaceutical manufacturing, as well as other energy-intensive industrial sectors.
We have extensive expertise in spray drying process air handling, industrial heat recovery, and other process industry technologies.
Our solutions are designed for industries requiring specialized heat transfer equipment, process air handling, and energy optimization.

HOW DOES ANYTHERM SUPPORT SUSTAINABILITY

Anytherm supports industrial sustainability by delivering waste heat recovery systems and energy-efficient process solutions and energy consulting services that significantly reduce energy consumption and CO₂ emissions.
Our consulting services identify opportunities to improve both ecological and economic sustainability, ensuring long-term environmental and financial benefits for our clients.

WHAT ABOUT THE ESG STANDARDS OF ANYTHERM?

Anytherm operates an advanced ESG management system, assessed by EcoVadis.
Our Sustainable Policy and Ethics Guidelines commit us to:

Zero tolerance for corruption
Full compliance with laws and regulations
Responsible business practices at all levels

We believe that doing business honestly and responsibly leads to the greatest long-term success – and beyond the business benefit, it is our culture and conviction to stand for what is good and fair.

Portfolio

WHAT ARE ANYTHERM’S MAIN PRODUCTS?

Anytherm’s main products include:

In addition, our energy consulting services are a key part of our portfolio, designed to identify potential for improving energy efficiency and reducing CO₂ emissions.
All products and services are tailor-made to match the specific process requirements of our industrial clients.

WHAT ARE ANYTHERM’S MAIN CONSULTING SERVICES?

Anytherm provides comprehensive industrial energy consulting services, including:

These services are designed to uncover opportunities for increasing energy efficiency, integrating renewable technologies, and lowering operational costs while meeting environmental targets.

WHAT PROJECT SIZES CAN ANYTHERM SERVE?

Anytherm can serve a wide range of project sizes – from small-scale industrial applications requiring single heat exchangers to multi-system turnkey projects for large manufacturing operations.
We tailor each solution to the specific needs and scale of the project, ensuring optimal efficiency and customer satisfaction.
Our typical heat exchange and heat recovery projects range from a few thousand to several million Euros/Dollars.

WHAT SERVICES DO YOU OFFER FOR YOUR HEAT EXCHANGE AND HEAT RECOVERY PRODUCTS?

Our services cover the entire project lifecycle for heat exchange and heat recovery systems:

After-sales service and technical support
Pre-project consulting and concept development
Engineering and design
Manufacturing and quality assurance
Packaging and transport
Installation and commissioning (optional)

CAN ANYTHERM ALSO OFFER CONTROL SYSTEMS FOR ITS PRODUCTS?

Yes – we can provide precise control descriptions for our products so they can be smoothly integrated into your existing process control systems. Many customers choose this option, but we can also supply dedicated control units and complete turnkey control solutions upon request.

CAN ANYTHERM ALSO OFFER INSTALLATION SERVICES FOR ITS PRODUCTS?

Yes – While many customers perform installation themselves or through third-party partners, Anytherm can provide on-site supervision to ensure correct assembly.
Upon request, we also offer full on-site installation and welding services for our equipment.

DOES ANYTHERM OFFER SUPPORT AFTER COMMISSIONING?

Yes – Our after-sales services include maintenance, repair, spare parts supply, and technical support to ensure long-term performance and system reliability.

CAN ANYTHERM PROVIDE CUSTOMIZED SOLUTIONS FOR SPECIFIC PROCESS REQUIREMENTS?

Yes – We specialize in tailor-made industrial solutions from concept to commissioning.
Our engineering team works closely with clients to meet unique process requirements, ensuring maximum performance and energy efficiency.

Heat Exchange / Air Handling Products

ARE THERE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE PROCESS GAS TREATED BY ANYTHERM UNITS?

Yes – apart from frost protection coils and exhaust air heat recovery units, Anytherm systems are usually designed to operate with filtered process air. The filter class should be at least ePM1 60% (formerly F7). 
If proper filtration is not yet in place, we gladly support the planning and integration of suitable filtration stages into the equipment. Anytherm very often intergrates filter stages in its process air handling units.

WHY IS FILTERED PROCESS AIR RECOMMENDED?

Using filtered air ensures long service life and consistent performance, as it prevents harmful deposits from accumulating on internal components. Compared to cleaning the device itself, replacing filters is faster and easier – helping to minimize downtime and increase overall plant productivity.

WHAT IF THE PROCESS GAS CANNOT BE FILTERED?

If filtration is not feasible on-site, Anytherm offers several alternatives:

Our heat recovery units can be equipped with integrated cleaning nozzles that allow for quick rinsing during short shutdowns – without opening or entering the device.
Upon request, we can provide additional maintenance openings and internal space to facilitate manual cleaning of heat exchangers.

WHAT IF A HEAT EXCHANGER BECOMES CONTAMINATED OR DAMAGED?

Our standard design allows that every heat exchanger can be removed from the casing by loosening just a few screws – allowing for fast and easy cleaning, repair, or replacement without dismantling the full unit.

WHAT IS THE ADVANTAGE OF ANYTHERM’S EXTRACTABLE DESIGN COMPARED TO OTHER DESIGNS?

Our extractable design allows heat exchangers to be pulled out of the housing without removing insulation, attached exchangers, or ductwork. The main housing remains in place, ensuring structural stability. This modular concept allows for:

Easy removal and reinsertion of individual components
Compact construction without the need for excessive maintenance openings
Reduced installation and servicing efforts

CAN MULTIPLE FUNCTIONS (E.G. FILTRATION, DEHUMIDIFICATION, HEATING) BE COMBINED INTO ONE DEVICE?

Yes – and it is often cost-effective to do so. Combining multiple functions in one unit results in both space and labor savings by:

Enabling more compact construction
Reduction of peripheral ductwork
Minimizing installation time on-site

WHAT CONNECTION OPTIONS DOES ANYTHERM OFFER FOR PROCESS GAS?

Typically, process gas lines are welded directly onto the device housing. However, we can also provide almost any type of flange connection upon request.
In multi-stage systems, additional inlet/outlet connections between functions or heat exchangers are also possible.

HOW ARE THE CONNECTIONS FOR OPERATING MEDIA IMPLEMENTED?

Our heat exchangers are usually equipped with flange connections – including matching counter-flanges for easy on-site welding to customer pipework.

WHAT SENSOR CONNECTIONS CAN BE INTEGRATED AND WHERE?

Thanks to the custom design of each unit, Anytherm can integrate sensor ports between any components.
We typically use threaded or Tri-Clamp connections, sized and positioned according to customer specifications.
We can also integrate measurement ports for hand-held instruments, fitted with removable plugs.

ARE SENSORS INCLUDED IN THE STANDARD SCOPE OF SUPPLY?

Because process sensors are usually part of the overall plant control system, it is preferred that the customer specifies the required sensor type. This ensures compatibility with the control architecture and allows uniform sensor types and simplified spare parts management.
Anytherm is happy to support with sensor selection (e.g. probe length) and can include sensors per customer request.

ARE CONTROL VALVES INCLUDED IN THE STANDARD SCOPE OF SUPPLY?

Control valves are typically integrated into the customer’s process control system. Therefore, we recommend that customers specify the type and configuration. This allows for optimal compatibility with the plant setup, standardized components and efficient spare parts logistics. Anytherm gladly assists in selecting the right valves (e.g. sizing, materials) and can include them in the scope upon request.

ARE CONTROL VALVES INCLUDED FOR STEAM AIR HEATERS AS SHOWN ON THE WEBSITE?

Yes – for steam air heaters, several essential valves are included by default. These include:

Steam traps (as standard)
All valves from steam inlet to condensate outlet (if a condensate cooler is used)
All internal piping required for device operation is also included.

WHAT MATERIALS ARE USED IN ANYTHERM EQUIPMENT?

Anytherm uses stainless steel as the primary construction material. Exceptions apply for fins of the fin-tube-heat exchangers, which are selected based on the application.

Casing materials:

AISI 304/L (1.4301 / 1.4306)
AISI 316/L (1.4401 / 1.4404)

Insulation: Mineral wool

Tube materials for heat exchangers:

AISI 304/L (1.4301 / 1.4306)
AISI 316/L (1.4401 / 1.4404)
Other materials such as AISI 316Ti and AISI 321 are available upon request.

Fin materials:

Aluminum
AISI 430 (1.4016)
AISI 304/L (1.4301 / 1.4306)
AISI 316/L (1.4401 / 1.4404)
Other materials for special applications upon request.

HOW DO ANYTHERM’S SORPTION (DESICCANT WHEEL) DEHUMIDIFIERS WORK?

Anytherm’s industrial sorption dehumidifiers use a rotating desiccant wheel to adsorb moisture from process air, delivering extremely dry air (down to below 2 g/kg humidity) without condensation.
They are ideal for applications requiring precise humidity control, such as:

Spray drying processes (e.g. milk powder, infant formula)
Pharmaceutical production
Lithium battery manufacturing

And any other demanding industrial process that needs robust and reliable process equipment for dry process air.

WHAT MAXIMUM AIR VOLUMES CAN ANYTHERM DEVICES TREAT?

Our process air handling units are engineered for large-scale industrial applications, treating air volumes of up to 200’000 kg/h per unit.
This capacity ensures flexibility for a wide range of manufacturing processes, from food and dairy to advanced chemical and pharmaceutical industries.

WHAT ARE THE MAXIMUM OPERATING TEMPERATURES?

Anytherm’s air handling and heat exchange units can operate at temperatures of up to 400 °C.
We use high-grade materials such as stainless steel AISI 304 or AISI 316 to ensure corrosion resistance, durability, and performance under demanding industrial conditions.

WHAT ARE THE MAXIMUM OPERATING PRESSURES OF ANYTHERMS STEAM AIR HEATERS?

Our steam air heaters are designed for pressures up to 70 bar, with discharge temperatures over 200 °C (or more than 300 °C with optional electrical or oil-based air heaters).
We apply certified welding procedures, pressure equipment directives, and proven safety systems to prevent steam hammering – ensuring long-term reliability and safety.

Heat Recovery

WHAT TYPES OF HEAT EXCHANGER DESIGNS DOES ANYTHERM OFFER?

Anytherm offers several industrial heat exchanger designs, selected according to process requirements and media properties:

Fin-tube heat exchangers
Bare-tube heat exchangers
Pillow plate heat exchangers
Air-to-air plate heat exchangers

These can be integrated in both gas-to-gas and gas-to-liquid heat recovery systems.

WHAT TYPES OF HEAT RECOVERY SOLUTIONS DOES ANYTHERM OFFER?

Anytherm offers a range of industrial heat recovery systems tailored to the needs of energy-intensive process industries.
Our portfolio includes:

These systems capture and reuse heat from industrial processes, improving energy efficiency and reducing operating costs.

FROM WHICH SOURCES CAN ANYTHERM RECOVER HEAT?

We recover heat from various waste heat sources, including:

Exhaust air and process gas (e.g. nitrogen in closed-loop systems)
Flue gas from natural gas or oil burners
Scrubber inlets (pre-scrubber heat recovery with pillow plate exchangers)
Dirty air streams – also possible without bag filters

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN CONDENSATION OCCURS IN HEAT RECOVERY?

Allowing condensation in heat exchangers significantly boosts energy recovery potential – especially in drying processes where latent heat is reclaimed.
Considerations include:

Increased recovery potential when recovering evaporation energy
Limited savings if heat can only be used for air preheating (seasonal use)
Condensation hygiene concerns – we have successfully implemented such systems (e.g. infant formula spray drying)
in long-term operation (>10 years)

We are happy to discuss application-specific implementation and hygiene requirements.

HOW DOES ANYTHERM INTEGRATE CIP SYSTEMS?

Cleaning-In-Place (CIP) is seamlessly built into the heat recovery system using:

Spray nozzles for cleaning fin surfaces
Spray balls for cleaning the housing and cone areas These allow thorough internal cleaning without disassembly, ensuring hygienic operation and minimal downtime.

WHAT ADDITIONAL MAINTENANCE FEATURES ARE AVAILABLE?

In addition to extractable heat exchanger elements and sight glasses, Anytherm heat recovery units can include:

Maintenance doors for direct access
Integrated cleaning systems
Custom layouts for easy inspection and servicing

This design ensures efficient operation and quick maintenance turnaround.

WHAT IS THE TYPICAL PAYBACK TIME FOR HEAT RECOVERY SYSTEMS?

Our turnkey heat recovery solutions typically achieve a 2–3 year payback, depending on energy costs and usage.
This includes full implementation, not just the heat exchanger equipment.

WHAT ARE THE TEMPERATURE LIMITS OF ANYTHERM’S HEAT RECOVERY SYSTEMS?

Depending on the heat exchanger type, operating temperatures of up to 460 °C are possible.
Final limits depend on materials, application, and cleaning requirements – please contact us for details.

CAN ANYTHERM HANDLE RETROFIT AND NEW INSTALLATIONS?

Yes – our systems are suitable for both retrofit and greenfield projects.
Thanks to our modular designs and engineering flexibility, integration into existing plant infrastructure is straightforward.

WHAT INFORMATION IS NEEDED TO EVALUATE HEAT RECOVERY POTENTIAL?

To provide a first assessment, the following data is helpful:

Exhaust air mass flow rate
Exhaust air temperature and humidity
Target usage of recovered heat (e.g. preheating supply air)
Supply air mass flow rate and temperature
Presence of bag filters or other filtration systems
Product type and properties (e.g. powder stickiness when cooled)
Proximity between heat source and heat sink

We are happy to support you in collecting and evaluating this information.

HOW DO ANYTHERM’S HEAT RECOVERY SYSTEMS CONTRIBUTE TO ENERGY SAVINGS?

Our industrial heat recovery systems capture waste heat from process streams or exhaust gases and reuse it for heating, cooling, power generation within the facility, or for supplying heat to district heating or cooling networks (e.g. selling excess heat to third parties).
This significantly reduces the need for external energy sources, leading to:

Improved sustainability performance
Substantial energy savings
Lower carbon emissions
Significant operation expenses / energy cost savings

WHAT INDUSTRIES CAN BENEFIT FROM ANYTHERM’S HEAT RECOVERY SOLUTIONS?

Industries that can benefit from our waste heat recovery systems include:

Food and dairy (e.g. spray drying, milk powder, infant formula)
Chemical and pharmaceutical manufacturing
General manufacturing industries
Power generation plants

Any industry with processes that emit waste heat – whether reused internally or fed into district heating and cooling networks – can achieve significant savings and environmental benefits.

HOW DO YOU ENSURE THE RELIABILITY AND EFFICIENCY OF HEAT RECOVERY SYSTEMS?

We ensure reliability and efficiency through:

Rigorous engineering and design
High-quality materials and components
Features such as integrated CIP systems, extractable heat transfer elements, and sight glasses

These design elements allow for easy inspection, maintenance, and cleaning, ensuring long-term performance.

HOW ARE CIP SYSTEMS INTEGRATED INTO ANYTHERM’S HEAT RECOVERY SOLUTIONS?

Cleaning-In-Place (CIP) systems are seamlessly integrated to clean heat exchangers without disassembly.
They circulate cleaning solutions to remove deposits and contaminants, ensuring:

Consistent performance
Compliance with hygiene standards
Reduced downtime

This is especially important in industries such as food, dairy, and pharmaceuticals.

WHAT MAKES ANYTHERM’S HEAT RECOVERY SYSTEMS EASY TO MAINTAIN AND INSPECT?

Our industrial heat recovery systems are designed for easy maintenance:

Extractable heat exchanger elements for quick cleaning or replacement
Sight glasses for visual inspection
Accessible layouts that minimize downtime

These features help operators maintain efficiency with minimal operational disruption.

ARE THOSE FEATURES STANDARD ACROSS ALL HEAT RECOVERY SOLUTIONS?

While specific configurations vary by application, ease of maintenance and inspection is a design priority in all our heat recovery solutions.
We ensure that every system is user-friendly while delivering optimal energy savings and performance.

Energy Consulting

WHEN DOES A PINCH ANALYSIS MAKE SENSE?

A pinch analysis is typically worthwhile for industrial sites with energy costs above CHF 300’000 per year and thermal processes.
However, the exact threshold depends on process complexity, energy intensity, and potential optimization benefits.

CAN A PINCH ANALYSIS BE APPLIED TO A SINGLE PROCESS LINE?

Yes – our methodology allows targeted analysis of individual process lines or subsystems, making it ideal even for partial plant optimization.

CAN YOUR ENERGY CONSULTING COVER ELECTRICAL AS WELL AS THERMAL ASPECTS?

Our energy consulting services cover both electrical as well as thermal aspects and energy savings.

DO YOU SUPPORT COMPANIES WITH ENERGY TARGETS?

Yes – we support companies participating in energy efficiency programs, including:

Target agreements and CO₂ reduction plans
Net-zero strategies and roadmap development

We combine engineering expertise with program experience to help you meet legal, environmental, and financial goals.

HOW DO YOU EVALUATE THE HEAT RECOVERY POTENTIAL OF YOUR CUSTOMERS?

Anytherm evaluates the industrial heat recovery potential of customers through a structured process:

Energy audits and detailed data collection on current energy use, process flows, and thermal outputs
Data analysis and modeling to identify inefficiencies
Application of pinch analysis and other advanced engineering methodologies
Development of a custom heat recovery concept with estimated savings and ROI

This approach allows us to identify exactly where waste heat can be captured and reused effectively, delivering tailor-made, sustainable solutions that reduce CO₂ emissions and operational costs.

WHAT ABOUT THE INTEGRATION OF HEAT PUMPS?

Integrating heat pumps into industrial heat recovery systems is a key strategy for improving efficiency and sustainability.
Heat pumps upgrade low-temperature waste heat to higher temperatures, making it suitable for:

Reuse in industrial processes
Space heating
Supplying heat to district heating networks

Within pinch analyses or dedicated feasibility studies, Anytherm analyzes the optimal integration of heat pump solutions in existing processes, maximizing performance and energy savings.

WHAT IS THE PROCEDURE AND THE OUTCOME OF A NET ZERO STUDY?

A net zero study at Anytherm follows three main stages:

Assessment – Measuring current energy use and emissions
Optimization – Identifying efficiency improvements and waste heat recovery options
Decarbonization Roadmap – Evaluating renewable energy integration, heat pump applications, and other low-carbon technologies

Outcome: A detailed roadmap with actionable, cost-effective steps towards achieving net zero emissions, balancing environmental impact with economic viability.

WHAT IS INDUSTRIAL ENERGY CONSULTING?

Industrial energy consulting focuses on analyzing and optimizing energy use in industrial processes and utilities.
The objective is to reduce energy consumption, operating costs, and CO₂ emissions while maintaining process reliability and product quality.

WHEN DOES AN INDUSTRIAL ENERGY AUDIT MAKE SENSE?

An industrial energy audit is recommended for sites with high energy consumption, complex thermal processes, or rising energy costs.
It provides a structured overview of energy flows and forms the basis for identifying efficiency measures and heat recovery opportunities.

DO YOU SUPPORT LARGE ENERGY CONSUMERS AND REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS?

Yes. Anytherm supports industrial large energy consumers in meeting national and regional energy efficiency requirements.
This includes energy analyses, documentation, and technical support for implementation and reporting.

WHAT INDUSTRIES BENEFIT MOST FROM ENERGY CONSULTING?

Energy consulting is particularly relevant for industries with significant process heat demand, such as food and dairy processing, spray drying, chemical and pharmaceutical production, and other energy-intensive manufacturing operations.

WHAT DATA IS REQUIRED FOR AN ENERGY CONSULTING STUDY?

Typical input data includes energy consumption (thermal and electrical), operating hours, key process parameters, and temperature levels of heat sources and heat sinks.
The required level of detail depends on the study scope and the desired accuracy of savings and cost estimates.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A HEAT RECOVERY STUDY AND A PINCH ANALYSIS?

A pinch analysis is a very systematic form of a heat recovery study.
It evaluates heat recovery opportunities across multiple process streams and units, optimizes site-wide heat integration, and identifies the minimum heating and cooling demand of a plant.
A heat recovery study may also be limited to a single process or subsystem, depending on the project scope.

DO YOU ONLY PROVIDE STUDIES OR ALSO IMPLEMENT SOLUTIONS?

Anytherm provides both.
We support feasibility studies and concepts and also provide engineering, equipment specification, and implementation support for heat recovery and process air systems.

HOW DOES ENERGY CONSULTING SUPPORT DECARBONIZATION AND SBTi TARGETS?

Energy efficiency and waste heat recovery are typically the first steps to reduce CO₂ emissions at an industrial site.
Anytherm quantifies technically feasible reduction measures and provides transparent assumptions and baselines that can be used as input for decarbonization roadmaps and internal target tracking, including SBTi-aligned targets.

Questions about Offers and Projects

HOW CAN I START A PROJECT WITH ANYTHERM?

Starting a project with Anytherm is simple:

Contact us via our website contact form, email (sales@anytherm.com), or phone (+41 78 722 22 00).
We will arrange an initial exchange – usually via email or a short call – to understand your needs.
When appropriate, we follow up with a video call (e.g. Microsoft Teams) to:
- Discuss your requirements in detail
- Review our offer together
- Share technical data, drawings, or pictures
We then prepare a tailor-made solution and a detailed offer based on your project specifications.

This structured process ensures we capture all necessary details early, enabling us to deliver the right technical and commercial proposal from the start.

Further Questions?

If you have more questions about our company, products, or services, please contact our team.
We are happy to provide additional information, technical documentation, or references to help you make informed decisions.