Pasteurizer

Pasteurizer

A pasteurizer is thermal processing equipment that heats products to specific temperatures to eliminate bacteria, extending product shelf life without preservatives. In bottling lines, pasteurizers bring products to temperatures up to 89-95°C through gradual heating stages that avoid thermal shock to the product.

The pasteurization process is essential for wine, fruit juices, carbonated soft drinks (CSD), beer, milk, and products like tomato sauce. Equipment selection depends on product type, production volume, and required shelf life (standard pasteurization, hot fill, or UHT long-life technology).

Types of Pasteurizers

Flash Pasteurizers (In-Tube)

Flash pasteurizers heat products rapidly through tube heat exchangers, reaching temperatures up to 89-95°C. Temperature increases occur in multiple heating stages from ambient to maximum, preventing thermal shock.

Typical configuration includes:

• Air tanks and electrical panel mounted on same skid
• Complete valve and piping systems
• PLC control for product recycling until target temperature is reached
• Skid-mounted construction for simplified installation

Tunnel Pasteurizers

Tunnel pasteurizers process filled and sealed containers through heated water spray zones, commonly used for beer, CSD, and other beverages requiring post-fill pasteurization.

Flash Pasteurizer Specifications

Example configuration for hot fill fruit juice pasteurizer:

Construction and Materials

Pasteurizers feature completely stainless steel construction for hygiene and durability:

• Balance tank — stainless steel with automatic product flow introduction
• Pumps — stainless steel for hot water and product
• Pasteurization tubes — DN50, AISI 304 stainless steel
• Heat exchangers — AISI 316 stainless steel (e.g., Sondex plate exchangers)
• Control panel — stainless steel housing
• Mounting frame — heavy-duty stainless steel skid with adjustable support legs

Process Connections

Flash pasteurizers include connections for:

• Ice water — for cooling stages
• Hot water — for heating stages
• Steam — primary heat source
• Compressed air — pneumatic valve operation

Additional outputs available for deaerator and homogenizer integration.

Control and Safety Systems

Pasteurizer control systems include:

• PLC control for automatic operation
• START/STOP/EMERGENCY controls
• Temperature recorder with USB connectivity for computer data transfer and printing
• Visual alarms for fault indication
• Flow regulator system

Safety Features

• General safety switch
• Thermal protection
• Electro-pneumatic converter (dimmer)
• IP 55 protection rating
• Pneumatic valves for sterile product and return to balance tank

Automatic Washing System

Integrated CIP (Clean-In-Place) capability with:

• Steam valve for sterilization
• Backflush option for thorough cleaning
• Hot water circulation
• Air valve for system drainage

Installation Requirements

Pasteurizer installation requires the following utilities:

• Water supply — process and cooling water
• Compressed air — pneumatic systems
• Steam — heating source
• Electrical connection — control systems and pumps

Equipment supplied on heavy-duty stainless steel skid with adjustable legs for simplified installation and connection. EU certification with process diagrams and operation manual included.