Automated Food Sterilization Tunnel

Product Specifications

Technical details and manufacturing context for Automated Food Sterilization Tunnel

Definition

The Automated Food Sterilization Tunnel is an industrial-scale continuous processing system designed for terminal sterilization of packaged food products. It utilizes precisely controlled steam or hot water spray zones to achieve commercial sterility while maintaining product quality. The system features modular tunnel sections with independent temperature and pressure controls, integrated conveyor systems, and automated process monitoring. Suitable for cans, glass jars, pouches, and trays in food manufacturing facilities.

Key specifications include a processing capacity of 2000–10000 units per hour, maximum operating temperature of 121–145 °C, and working pressure range of 0.2–0.5 bar. The conveyor width ranges from 600–1200 mm, and steam consumption is 200–800 kg/h. Electrical requirements are 380 V / 50 Hz / 3-phase (IEC 60038). Temperature uniformity is maintained within ±1.5 °C. The control system is a PLC with HMI (IEC 61131). Product contact materials are SS304 or SS316L (ASTM A240). Insulation thickness is 50–100 mm. Overall dimensions (L×W×H) are 8000–20000 × 1500–2500 × 2000–3000 mm, and weight ranges from 5000–15000 kg. The IP rating is IP54–IP65 (IEC 60529).

These values are reference ranges and must be verified with the legal manufacturer or supplier for the specific model and application. The system is designed for integration into existing food processing lines and requires careful consideration of product type, packaging, and required sterility level. Verification questions should include: What is the required throughput? What is the maximum product temperature tolerance? What are the specific packaging dimensions and materials? What is the available steam supply? What are the facility's electrical specifications? What is the required IP rating for the environment? What are the specific standards that must be met? The system should be inspected for proper installation, calibration, and maintenance to ensure consistent performance. Failure boundaries include temperature deviations beyond ±1.5 °C, pressure fluctuations outside the specified range, and conveyor jams that could cause product damage or incomplete sterilization. Regular maintenance signals include increased steam consumption, temperature instability, and abnormal noise from conveyor components.

Working Principle

Packaged products move through sequential heating, holding, and cooling zones where controlled thermal energy destroys microorganisms while pressure controls maintain package integrity. The system uses steam or hot water spray to raise product temperature to the required sterilization level, holds it for a specified time, then cools it to prevent overcooking. Pressure is carefully regulated to prevent package deformation or leakage. The conveyor system ensures continuous movement through the tunnel, with adjustable speed to match production requirements. Temperature and pressure sensors provide real-time data to the PLC, which adjusts heating, spray, and conveyor speed to maintain consistent conditions. The process is designed to achieve commercial sterility while preserving product quality, such as texture, flavor, and nutritional value.

Common Materials

stainless steel 304/316, food-grade silicone seals, industrial-grade insulation, PLC control components

Technical Parameters

Parameter	Typical range	Notes & selection driver
Processing CapacityRequired	2000–10000 units/hour	Maximum throughput
Maximum TemperatureRequired	121–145 °C	Maximum operating temperature
Working PressureRequired	0.2–0.5 bar	Operating pressure rangeISO 5208
Conveyor WidthRequired	600–1200 mm	Useful conveyor width
Steam Consumption	200–800 kg/h	Maximum steam usage
Power SupplyRequired	380 V / 50 Hz / 3-phase V/Hz	Electrical requirementsIEC 60038
Temperature Uniformity	±1.5 °C	Ensures even sterilization
Control System	PLC + HMI	Programmable logic controller with touchscreenIEC 61131
Material (Product Contact)	SS304 / SS316L	316L for corrosive environmentsASTM A240
Insulation Thickness	50–100 mm	Reduces heat loss and energy cost
Overall Dimensions (L×W×H)	8000–20000 × 1500–2500 × 2000–3000 mm	Customizable to plant layout
Weight	5000–15000 kg	Depends on size and material
IP Rating	IP54–IP65	Protects against water and dustIEC 60529

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

Infeed Conveyor
Product loading and alignment

Material: Stainless steel
Heating Zone
Rapid temperature increase

Material: Stainless steel with insulation
Sterilization Zone
Maintain lethal temperature

Material: Stainless steel with pressure controls
Cooling Zone
Controlled temperature reduction

Material: Stainless steel with water spray system
PLC Control System
Process automation and monitoring

Material: Electronic components in enclosure
Steam Distribution System
Precise steam delivery

Material: Stainless steel pipes and valves
Water Treatment System Optional
Cooling water preparation

Material: Stainless steel with filtration
Data Logging Module Optional
Process recording and reporting

Material: Electronic components

Industry Taxonomies & Aliases

Commonly used trade names and technical identifiers for Automated Food Sterilization Tunnel.

Manufacturers of Automated Food Sterilization Tunnel

2 companies list this product among what they make. Company figures are quoted from each company's own website; every card states where the relationship came from.

Zhangjiagang Micmachinery Co., Ltd.

Zhangjiagang, Jiangsu, CN

Listed on the company's own website · profile compiled by CNFX from public sources

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Hubei Wanying Machinery Co., Ltd.

Huangshi, Hubei, CN

Founded 2010

Listed on the company's own website · profile compiled by CNFX from public sources

View profile Send enquiry

Manufacturer listings support early research and capability understanding. They are not certification, ranking, or transaction guarantees.

Procurement Evaluation Criteria

A practical evidence checklist for RFQ preparation and supplier evaluation.

Technical documentation

Request current drawings, revision history, and a signed specification sheet.

Manufacturing capability

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Inspection readiness

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Frequently Asked Questions

What types of packaged food products can be processed in this sterilization tunnel?

The system is designed for terminal sterilization of packaged food products, including cans, glass jars, pouches, and trays. The specific product types and packaging must be compatible with the tunnel's temperature, pressure, and conveyor specifications. Verify with the manufacturer for your specific product.

What are the key parameters to consider when selecting a sterilization tunnel?

Key parameters include processing capacity (2000–10000 units/hour), maximum temperature (121–145 °C), working pressure (0.2–0.5 bar), conveyor width (600–1200 mm), steam consumption (200–800 kg/h), electrical requirements (380 V/50 Hz/3-phase), temperature uniformity (±1.5 °C), and control system (PLC+HMI). Also consider material of construction, insulation thickness, dimensions, weight, and IP rating. These are reference ranges; confirm with the supplier for your application.

What standards are referenced for this equipment?

The listed standards include IEC 60038 for electrical supply, IEC 61131 for control systems, ASTM A240 for materials, and IEC 60529 for IP rating. These are procurement/verification references and do not imply certification. Always verify compliance with the legal manufacturer or supplier.

How is temperature uniformity maintained during sterilization?

The system uses precisely controlled steam or hot water spray zones with independent temperature and pressure controls. Sensors provide real-time feedback to the PLC, which adjusts heating and spray to maintain uniformity within ±1.5 °C. Regular calibration and maintenance are essential to ensure consistent performance.

Data Basis

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

Preliminary Technical Classification

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pressure:	0-3 bar (typical operating range)
flow rate:	1-10 m³/h (water/steam flow)
belt speed:	0.1-2.0 m/min (product throughput control)
temperature:	80-135°C (steam) or 70-100°C (hot water)
residence time:	5-60 minutes (adjustable via belt speed)
slurry concentration:	Not applicable (designed for packaged products, not slurries)

Product Specifications

Industry Taxonomies & Aliases

Industrial Ecosystem & Supply Chain Structure

Application Fit & Sizing Matrix

Reliability & Engineering Risk Analysis

Compliance & Manufacturing Standards