Processing

Pasteurization, Heating, and Cooling Tunnel

Main function

The pasteurization, heating, and cooling tunnel for beverages is a continuous thermal system designed to process sealed containers (bottles, cans, jars) in order to ensure microbiological stability, controlled heating, or gradual cooling prior to downstream logistics operations.

Containers move on a conveyor inside a multi-zone tunnel where they are exposed to temperature-controlled water sprays, enabling a controlled temperature rise, thermal holding phase, and gradual cooling. This process ensures microbiological safety and extends the shelf life of beverages without altering their organoleptic characteristics.

Typical applications

· Pasteurization of packaged beers, ciders, and alcoholic beverages
· Thermal treatment of carbonated drinks, juices, iced teas, and functional beverages
· Gradual cooling after hot filling
· Thermal stabilization of bottles and cans prior to case packing or palletizing

Key benefits

· Microbiological stability of beverages: Post-packaging thermal treatment ensuring product safety
· Optimized multi-zone process: Preheating, pasteurization, and cooling integrated within a single system
· Compatibility with beverage containers: Glass bottles, aluminum cans, and specific PET containers
· Condensation reduction: Warmer function facilitating downstream labeling and packaging operations
· Energy recovery and water management: Thermal circulation and reuse between zones
· Precise process control: Management of temperature, dwell time, and pasteurization units (PU)
· Integration into complete beverage lines: Filling → tunnel → inspection → case packing

Technical specifications

  • Technologies Multi-zone pasteurization, heating, and cooling using controlled water spray systems
  • Integrated brands Multi-supplier integrated solutions depending on application
  • Frame Sanitary stainless steel construction with integrated thermal zones and tanks
  • Throughput Medium to very high throughput, designed for industrial beverage lines
  • Control & Automation PLC / HMI, temperature control, dwell time and PU management, SCADA / MES integration
  • Available options Heat recovery, water management and filtration, discharge drying system, CIP, advanced monitoring

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