Methods and devices for heating or cooling viscous materials

A heat exchanger comprising:

• a first plate;
• a second plate attached to the first plate;
• a first spacer and a second spacer arranged between the first plate and the second plate, wherein the first plate, the second plate, the first spacer and the second spacer define a first passage for a first product to pass through the device;
• a third plate attached to the second plate, at least one of the first plate, the second plate or the third plate comprising energy exchanging capabilities;
• and
• a third spacer and a fourth spacer arranged between the second plate and the third plate, wherein the second plate, the third plate, the third spacer and the fourth spacer define a second passage for a second product to pass through the device,
• a first bracket comprising a first leg, a second leg, and a bridging portion extending from the first leg of the first bracket to the second leg of the first bracket;
• a second bracket comprising a first leg, a second leg, and a bridging portion extending from the first leg of the second bracket to the second leg of the second bracket, wherein the first leg of the first bracket is connected to the first leg of the second bracket, and the second leg of the first bracket is connected to the second leg of the second bracket;
• and
• an end plate comprising first and second product inlets and connected to the bridging portion of the first bracket and the bridging portion of the second bracket.