Once hot-filled, the bottles are conveyed through the SRAML multi-zone cooling tunnel on a single belt and sprayed evenly with process water. They are divided in several zones with different spraying water temperatures to prevent thermal shock effect on the glass due to sudden changes in temperature, which makes this bottle cooling machine particularly suitable for bottling juice and nectars.
Factors such as bottle size, shape and material play an important role in the cooling process as they require specific cooling times and temperatures, which is why SRAML tunnel coolers come equipped with a different number of cooling treatment zones and temperature settings based on the product type. Equipped with a single heat exchanger and cold-water buffer tank, this bottle cooling modular unit features a special cooling and water circulation system, called central heat exchange supply system, standing for a closed water cycle, which reduces cooling-down times for individual zones and saves vast amounts of energy and water.
The temperature adjustment and monitoring in each zone is carried out by a process controller with LCD touchscreen. The user interface not only enables a simple and precise program setting and data visualization, but also allow you to save a set of instructions that can be changed according to the specific requirements of a product and its container.
Constructed entirely in stainless steel, the cooling system is composed of assembled modules whose number depends on the temperature regime and capacity required. The multi-zone cooling tunnel can be insulated to minimize energy loss. The minimum cooling surface area available is 2 m², while the SRAML expert team readily designs and manufactures tunnel coolers in any dimension to meet your production needs.
Modular construction benefits:
- Simple handling when the modules are loaded, unloaded and carried into the production area
- Low transport cost (special transport is not needed)
- Each module has 4 legs which enables simple and quick (dis)assembly of the entire structure
- In case of any refit works in the production hall, the modules are easy to separate and their parts easy to detach
Bottle cooling operation
Water spraying inside the tunnel cooler is performed with a series of spray nozzles mounted on top of the tunnel. The precise position of the nozzles maximizes the spraying effect and minimizes the mixing of water between zones. The water running down the containers is collected in basins and recycled to spray nozzles to be reused. The cooling tunnel is covered with removable lids for easy inspection and maintenance.