Introduction
In our previous article, we explored the importance of flash pasteurisers in the beverage-making industry. Now we are focusing on tunnel pasteurisers, which are based on another method of pasteurisation. Many factors can influence the choice of one process or another, but the best pasteurisation method will depend on your product, your manufacturing operation, your goals and your needs. Each tunnel pasteuriser is custom built by the manufacturer according to the specific needs for easy integration into our customer’s manufacturing process. Available in different sizes up to 6000 bottles/hour. The tunnel pasteuriser, as was the case with the flash pasteuriser, is produced by Sraml.
Sraml is a Slovenian family run engineering company who have been leading innovation in the manufacturing of food processing technology since 1994 and has partnered with V-Brew to supply world class equipment to the drinks industry.
Why pasteurise?
Heat treatment has been one of the most important processing technologies in the food industry since the discovery and subsequent commercialisation of the process by Nicholas Appert. The aim of heat treatment was to extend the shelf life of food products without compromising food safety.
The purpose of the early pasteurisation of wine and beer was to improve flavour. Most brewers pasteurise beer including many craft breweries. Lactobacillus, wild yeast and pediococcus cause a lot of difficulties in brewing nowadays. The tunnel pasteuriser may seem expensive at first for a microbrewery, but its benefits and sales results make it well worth the money spent.
Getting the right temperature is critical in pasteurisation and it’s why we work with Sraml, due to their experience and pedigree in the industry. If the temperature of the liquid in the bottle rises too high during pasteurisation, the flavours may change and extra energy is expended. If it does not heat up enough, the pathogen control may not be fully effective and the shelf life will be shorter.
Tunnel Pasteurise Working Principle
Pasteurisation is based on the principle that heat kills most pathogens and inactivates certain proteins, including food spoilage enzymes. When using a tunnel pasteuriser heat is applied directly to the container. Before exiting, containers enter a cooling zone, where they are typically sprayed with cool water to bring the product back down to the desired temperature. It is suitable for the heat treatment of the already packaged product.
The container passes through the tunnel on a variable speed conveyor which allows for accurate management of the pasteurisation process. Sraml tunnel pasteurisers are designed with a user friendly touchscreen interface allowing complete control over the production process. The removable stainless steel cover and detachable nozzles ensure fast and efficient cleaning. The tunnel is divided into different zones. Each zone is controlled separately, where the desired temperature, as well as duration, can be set individually.
Zones are divided to:
- Progressive hotter zones: where the product is heated.
- Heat treatment zones: where the product reaches desired PU.
- Progressive cooling zones: where the product is cooled.
These zones are assembled with a water basin and spraying nozzles. The entire machine is made of stainless steel and it is fully insulated to reduce heat loss and maintain the temperature. Heat is regenerated by absorption in cooling zones and finally reused in zones where the product is heated. This way vast amounts of energy and water are saved.
Main Features Of Tunnel Pasteuriser:
- Made entirely from stainless steel.
- Each module has 4 legs for quick assembly and separation.
- Removable cover and manhole for cleaning.
- Fresh water inlet.
- Temperature probe.
- Discharging valve is connected to a central discharging outlet.
- Filter sieve to prevent debris from entering the pump.
- “Twist and pull” spraying nozzles.
- Steam distribution and injection system.
- Integrated heat exchanger.
- PLC touchscreen control panel.
Contact Us
At V-Brew we always offer tailored advice and solutions unique to all our customers. If you are looking to expand your existing line or invest in a new tunnel pasteuriser then do not hesitate to contact us at (+44) 01395 233031. Alternatively, send an email to info@v-brew.co.uk and our team will get back to you swiftly.
