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About bottle pasteurization tunnel

Types of Bottle Pasteurization Tunnels

The bottle pasteurization tunnel is not only a bottle pasteurizer; it can also cool the bottles. It is a key piece of equipment used in the food and beverage industry to heat and cool bottles of beverages and foods that are packaged in bottles. This piece of equipment is designed to make sure that the content in the bottle is heated to a certain temperature to kill any microorganisms that may affect the beverage or food item.

This is done by passing the bottle through a tunnel that has water sprays or heaters in it. The bottle is first exposed to water or heat to make sure that the microorganisms are killed, and then it is exposed to cooling water so that it cools down. This kind of method is called High-temperature short-time (HTST) pasteurization. In some cases, in bottle pasteurization tunnels, refrigeration may be used to cool down the beverage bottle.

The ideal material for a bottle pasteurization tunnel is stainless steel because, during the process, a lot of water will be spilled, and there may be some corrosion from the beverages, especially from acidic beverages like some fruit juices.

There are mainly two types of bottle pasteurization tunnels:

  • Continuous Pasteurization Tunnel: This large-scale bottle pasteurization tunnel is ideal for batch production. It involves heating the bottle of liquid with hot water that will be sprayed onto the bottle from nozzle heads. The hot water will circulate in the tunnel with the help of a pump, and in some cases, the same water is used for different products by chemical treatment in a water recirculation system. Once the bottle is heated, it is moved from the hot zone to the cool zone, where cooling water is sprayed onto it. Sometimes cold air is used to cool it down, and in some systems, a water recirculation system is also used. The entire process takes a few seconds to a few minutes.
  • Carousel Pasteurization Tunnel: The carousel pasteurization tunnel is an ideal system for bottleneck products with lower carbon footprints. It uses a spray system and is more energy efficient compared to some continuous pasteurization tunnels. In this system, the bottles are rotating on a carousel, and heated water is sprayed on them. After going through the heating zone, they are moved to the cooling zone. Sometimes in this kind of system, heated water is also used to heat the conveyor that is carrying the bottles.

In addition to these types of bottle pasteurization tunnels, there are also hybrid pasteurization tunnels in which water is sprayed, and sometimes hot air is used to heat the bottles. In some cases, electric heaters are used to heat the water that is sprayed onto the bottles.

Specification and maintenance of the bottle pasteurization tunnel

Specifications

  • Length: Bottle pasteurizer tunnels/pasteurizing machines come in different lengths to accommodate varying production volumes. The length of the machine typically corresponds to the volume of products it can process simultaneously.
  • Duct Width: The width of the duct in the bottle pasteurizer determines the size and arrangement of bottles that can be conveyed through the machine. The width is designed to accommodate typical bottle dimensions and allow for efficient airflow and heat transfer.
  • Temperature Control: Bottle pasteurization tunnels are equipped with advanced temperature control systems and sensors. This ensures that the pasteurization process is carried out at the precisely required temperature within a small deviation.
  • Cooling and Heating Source: Bottle pasteurization tunnels utilize different cooling and heating sources, which can be customized according to clients' requirements. Options include electric, steam, gas, hot water, or other energy sources.
  • Production Capacity: The production capacity of a bottle pasteurization tunnel is typically measured in terms of the number of bottles or batches processed per hour. This is influenced by factors such as the length of the tunnel, the heating and cooling rates, and the overall efficiency of the pasteurization system.
  • Motor and Power: The motors and power of bottle pasteurization tunnels are essential for driving the conveying system and ensuring consistent product movement through the pasteurization zone. The power requirements may vary depending on the size and capacity of the tunnel.

Maintenance tips

  • Regularly inspect and clean: Arrange for regular inspections and cleaning of the equipment to ensure the pasteurization process's effectiveness and safety. This includes cleaning the internal and external parts of the machine, removing dirt, bacteria, etc., and ensuring that the heat transfer surfaces are unobstructed and functioning properly.
  • Monitor vital components: Keep track of important components such as temperature controllers, pressure sensors, pumps, valves, etc. Ensure that they are operating properly and calibrated to guarantee accurate readings and precise control of the pasteurization parameters.
  • Maintain the sanitation of the machine: Ensure that the bottle pasteurizer remains clean throughout the entire process. This includes formulating a standardized cleaning plan, utilizing appropriate cleaning agents, and ensuring the removal of any residual impurities or microorganisms to avoid cross-contamination.
  • Preventive maintenance: Conduct regular preventive maintenance based on the machine's operational needs, including repairs and parts replacements. This ensures that the equipment remains in optimal working condition at all times.

Application scenarios of bottle pasteurization tunnels

Bottle pasteurization tunnels are commonly used in the food and beverage industry and have the following application scenarios.

  • Mass production lines

    For bottling plants with high output requirements, such as beer breweries, soft drink factories, and dairy farms, bottle pasteurization tunnels can be integrated into production lines to ensure consistent quality and safety of the product while efficiently pasteurizing at a large scale.

  • Variety production line

    Bottle pasteurization tunnels are suitable for plants that need to pasteurize various products. The pasteurization temperature, time, and cooling parameters of the tunnel can be adjusted to suit different products, ensuring that various beverages are safely handled.

  • Pre-packaged meal industry

    In the pre-packaged meal industry, bottle pasteurization tunnels can also be used for pasteurizing and sterilizing bottled sauces, soup beverages, etc. Using pasteurization tunnels can extend the shelf life of the products and ensure the microbiological safety of the meals.

  • Export product line

    For food and beverage products that need to meet international export standards, bottle pasteurization tunnels are critical equipment to help ensure product safety and quality compliance and facilitate product export.

  • Research and development

    Bottle pasteurization tunnels can also be used in research and development laboratories. For example, pasteurization to study the effects of different conditions on product quality, taste preservation, nutrition, etc., in order to develop new products or improve existing products.

  • Organic product line

    Organic food production lines require special processing and certification. Bottle pasteurization tunnels can be used to ensure that organic beverages meet safety and quality standards while preserving their organic properties.

How to Choose Bottle Pasteurization Tunnels

When buying a bottle pasteurization tunnel for business needs, the first step is to define the business needs and application. Consider the industry bottle expiration and the bottle content's nature. Additionally, identify the bottle shapes and sizes that need pasteurization. Bottles with different shapes and sizes sometimes require special design features to handle them. Also, look into the volume and throughputs of the bottle that the tunnel will handle. This includes considering the maximum and minimum capacities of the bottle. The flow rate should also be considered. This is important to ensure the tunnel can accommodate the bottling speed of the production line.

The next step is to research available machine types. The three most common pasteurization tunnel types are conveyor, intermittent, and rotary pasteurization tunnels. Each machine has its benefits and ideal application. A conveyor tunnel is ideal for high-production facilities. An intermittent tunnel would work well for businesses dealing with low production. On the other hand, a rotary pasteurization tunnel is suitable when space is an issue, and there is a need for high efficiency.

When exploring available pasteurization tunnels, pay attention to the construction materials. These materials and the manufacturing processes' quality will affect the machine's performance and durability. Find a tunnel that is easy to install, operate, maintain, and clean.

Finally, find a tunnel that is energy-efficient and environmentally friendly. Such tunnels have smart technologies that automatically and quickly start and stop the heating and cooling processes.

Q & A

Q1: What is the difference between pasteurization and sterilization in a bottle pasteurization tunnel?

A1: The primary difference between pasteurization and sterilization is that pasteurization only kills specific pathogenic microorganisms without necessarily rendering the beverage completely free of all microbes. Pasteurization helps avoid altering the drink's taste and quality. Conversely, sterilization aims to achieve complete microbial death, which may, in some cases, adversely affect the product's quality.

Q2: What is the cooling process in a bottle pasteurization tunnel?

A2: After the bottles are reheated in the pasteurization section, they proceed to the cooling section. In some tunnels, the cooling section is normally longer than the heating and pasteurization sections. This is important for products that require rapid cooling immediately after pasteurization so they can avoid thermal damage. In the cooling section, cold water is sprayed over the bottles. In some tunnels, the cooling water is further circulated in a closed-loop reservoir where it is cooled further using a chiller.

Q3: What are the recent developments in bottle pasteurization tunnel technology?

A3: Recent developments in bottle pasteurization tunnel technology include the shift from water to air for heating in the bottle pasteurization tunnel. Air heating is preferred because it reduces operating costs. Also, there is minimal water waste and lower environmental impact. Moreover, air heating enhances energy recovery and recirculation due to the closed-loop system.