Editorial Technical Reference

Drying/Evaporation Tunnel

This page explains how Drying/Evaporation Tunnel is classified within Beverage Manufacturing. Technical values and manufacturer relationships are research references; confirm the current specification and supplier evidence for each order.

Technical Definition & Core Assembly

A heated chamber within a bottle sterilizer that removes residual moisture or evaporates sterilizing agents from bottle surfaces after rinsing.

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Product Specifications

Technical details and manufacturing context for Drying/Evaporation Tunnel

Definition
The Drying/Evaporation Tunnel is a critical component of a Bottle Sterilizer (e.g., Hydrogen Peroxide Rinser). Following the chemical rinsing or sterilization stage, bottles enter this tunnel. Its primary function is to apply controlled heat to evaporate any remaining liquid sterilant (like hydrogen peroxide) and moisture from the interior and exterior surfaces of the bottles, ensuring they are completely dry, sterile, and ready for filling. It ensures no chemical residues remain that could contaminate the product. The tunnel is typically constructed from corrosion-resistant stainless steel (AISI 304/316) to withstand the harsh chemical environment and meet food-contact hygiene standards. It is designed to handle throughputs of 5,000 to 30,000 bottles per hour, with tunnel lengths ranging from 3 to 12 meters and widths from 1.2 to 2.5 meters to accommodate various conveyor configurations. Heating power ranges from 30 to 150 kW, either electric or steam-based, achieving temperatures between 50°C and 120°C with a uniformity of ±3°C to ensure consistent drying. Air is recirculated at flow rates of 2,000 to 8,000 m³/h, filtered through HEPA H13–H14 grades (per ISO 14644-1) to prevent recontamination. Electrical supply is three-phase, 380–480 V AC, with total power consumption between 25 and 120 kW. For steam-heated models, operating pressure must be between 1.0 and 1.6 MPa to provide sufficient heat. Noise levels are kept at or below 75 dB(A) at 1 meter distance for operator comfort. The tunnel's weight ranges from 1,500 to 5,000 kg depending on length and material. All values are reference ranges; actual specifications must be verified with the manufacturer for specific models and applications.
Working Principle
Bottles are conveyed through an enclosed, temperature-controlled tunnel. Heated air is circulated within the chamber, often using fans and heating elements (electric or steam). The heat energy transfers to the bottle surfaces, increasing the temperature of any residual liquid (water or sterilant solution) until it reaches its evaporation point, converting it to vapor, which is then typically exhausted from the system. The dwell time (conveyor speed) and temperature are precisely controlled to ensure complete drying without damaging the bottles.
Common Materials
Stainless Steel (AISI 304/316)
Technical Parameters
ParameterTypical rangeNotes & selection driver
Drying Capacity5000–30000 bottles/hThroughput range for typical beverage lines
Tunnel Length3–12 mDetermines residence time and footprint
Tunnel Width1.2–2.5 mAccommodates bottle conveyor width
Heating Power30–150 kWElectric or steam heat input
Temperature Range50–120 °CEvaporation temperature for sterilant and moisture
Temperature Uniformity±3 °CEnsures consistent drying across tunnel
Air Flow Rate2000–8000 m³/hRecirculated hot air for evaporation
Air Filtration GradeH13–H14 HEPAPrevents recontamination of bottle surfacesISO 14644-1
Electrical Supply380–480 V ACThree-phase, 50/60 Hz
Power Consumption25–120 kWTotal electrical load at rated capacity
Operating Pressure1.0–1.6 MPaFor steam-heated models; below 1.0 MPa insufficient heat
Noise Level≤75 dB(A)At 1 m distance, for operator comfort
Weight1500–5000 kgDepends on length and material
Material Grade304/316L SSCorrosion-resistant stainless steel for food contactASTM A240

Ranges are indicative industry figures for RFQ preparation, not a supplier commitment. Confirm every value and standard with the legal manufacturer before ordering.

Components / BOM
  • Insulated Tunnel Casing
    Forms the enclosed chamber to contain heat and protect the internal components. Provides structural support.
    Material: Stainless Steel with thermal insulation
  • Heating Elements
    Generate the heat required to raise the air temperature within the tunnel to evaporate moisture/sterilant.
    Material: Electric resistance coils or Steam Heat Exchangers (Stainless Steel)
  • Air Circulation Fans
    Circulate heated air uniformly throughout the tunnel to ensure consistent drying across all bottle surfaces.
    Material: Stainless Steel
  • Temperature Sensors & Controllers
    Monitor and regulate the internal temperature of the tunnel to maintain the set operating parameters.
    Material: Various (Sensor probes: Stainless Steel)
  • Conveyor System (within tunnel)
    Transports bottles through the tunnel at a controlled speed, determining the dwell time for drying.
    Material: Stainless Steel chain/belt
  • Vapor Exhaust Port Part
    Vent to remove moisture-laden air and evaporated sterilant from the tunnel chamber.
    Material: Stainless Steel ducting

Industry Taxonomies & Aliases

Commonly used trade names and technical identifiers for Drying/Evaporation Tunnel.

Applied To / Applications

This component is essential for the following industrial systems and equipment:

Industrial Ecosystem & Supply Chain Structure

Complementary Systems
Downstream Applications
Specialized Tooling

Application Fit & Sizing Matrix

Operational Limits
pressure: Atmospheric to 0.5 bar gauge (slight positive pressure for containment)
flow rate: 10-100 bottles/min (depending on tunnel length and conveyor speed)
temperature: 80-150°C (typical sterilization drying range)
slurry concentration: Not applicable (handles residual moisture/agent evaporation only)
Media Compatibility
✓ Glass bottles ✓ Plastic (PET/HDPE) bottles ✓ Stainless steel components
Unsuitable: Chlorine-based sterilizing agents (corrosive to heating elements and sensors)
Sizing Data Required
  • Bottle dimensions and throughput (units/hour)
  • Required residual moisture content (%)
  • Available floor space and utility connections (power, exhaust)

Reliability & Engineering Risk Analysis

Failure Mode & Root Cause
Thermal stress cracking
Cause: Rapid temperature cycling or uneven heating/cooling causing material fatigue and fracture in metal components
Corrosion-induced structural weakening
Cause: Exposure to moisture, chemicals, or acidic condensates leading to material degradation and loss of structural integrity
Maintenance Indicators
  • Unusual temperature fluctuations or hot spots detected by thermal imaging
  • Abnormal vibration patterns or audible knocking from fan/motor assemblies
Engineering Tips
  • Implement predictive maintenance with infrared thermography to detect early thermal anomalies before failure
  • Establish regular cleaning protocols for heat exchangers and ductwork to prevent corrosion and maintain optimal heat transfer efficiency

Indicative industry ranges for design and RFQ preparation. Confirm the exact figures and applicable standard with the manufacturer before specifying.

Compliance & Manufacturing Standards

Applicable Standards
ANSI/ASHRAE 15 - Safety Standard for Refrigeration Systems DIN EN 378 - Refrigerating systems and heat pumps - Safety and environmental requirements

Quoted from the published standard.

Manufacturing Precision
  • Temperature Uniformity: +/- 2°C across tunnel length
  • Belt Tracking Alignment: +/- 1.5mm from centerline
Quality Inspection
  • Leak Testing (Pressure Decay or Helium Mass Spectrometry)
  • Thermal Performance Mapping (Temperature Profiling with Data Loggers)

Manufacturers of Drying/Evaporation Tunnel

Manufacturer profiles associated with Drying/Evaporation Tunnel.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary function of a Drying/Evaporation Tunnel?

It removes residual moisture and evaporates sterilizing agents (like hydrogen peroxide) from bottle surfaces after rinsing, ensuring bottles are dry and free of chemical residues before filling.

What materials are typically used in its construction?

Corrosion-resistant stainless steel, typically AISI 304 or 316, is used to withstand chemical exposure and meet food-contact hygiene requirements.

What are the typical operating temperature and throughput ranges?

Temperature ranges from 50°C to 120°C, and throughput ranges from 5,000 to 30,000 bottles per hour, depending on the model and configuration.

How can I ensure the tunnel meets my specific requirements?

Verify all specifications, including dimensions, heating power, air flow, and filtration grade, with the legal manufacturer or supplier for your specific application and model.

Data Basis

Editorial classification, named public sources where available, and source-reviewed manufacturer records.

Preliminary Technical Classification
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