Mass Cooling Tunnel
CAN COOLER
Post-fill cooling tunnel | hot fill can cooler | temperature reduction for beverage packaging lines
The CODI Tunnel Cooler is a controlled water spray system that reduces container temperature after hot filling, before labeling and downstream handling. Moving hot cans directly to pack-out risks flavor degradation, label failure, and handling problems. It cools gently to protect product integrity and support consistent label adhesion. Single-lane or mass entry, dual-lane exit to prevent jams. Water recirculation and CIP capable, compatible with all can sizes, in a compact footprint that fits into existing lines.
The CODI Tunnel Cooler is a controlled water spray system that reduces container temperature after hot filling, before labeling and downstream handling. Moving hot cans directly to pack-out risks flavor degradation, label failure, and handling problems. It cools gently to protect product integrity and support consistent label adhesion. Single-lane or mass entry, dual-lane exit to prevent jams. Water recirculation and CIP capable, compatible with all can sizes, in a compact footprint that fits into existing lines.
PRODUCT FEATURES
Controlled Cool-Down for Hot Fill Lines
Rapid uncontrolled cooling stresses containers and can affect carbonation and flavor. Staged water spray brings temperature down at a controlled rate to protect product quality.
Energy-Efficient Thermal Design
Integrated heat exchanger recirculates water to reduce energy consumption. CIP capable for quick cleaning without teardown.
Compact and Retrofittable
Fits into existing lines without major reconfiguration. Available in 5x5' and 5x15' configurations.
Manufacturing Excellence
30+ years manufacturing precision equipment
Built in-house in our Littleton, Colorado facility
PRODUCT INFORMATION
10 or 25 sq.ft. configurations
all can or bottle sizes
Great for Hot Fills
Dimensions & Weight
L: 48" (1219 mm)
W: 31" (787 mm)
H: 61" (1550 mm)
Weight: ~325 lbs (147 kg)
Performance
25-100CPM
Utilities
Air: 1 CFM @ 110 PSI
Voltage
208-240V / 3PH
208-240V / 1PH
380-500V / 3PH
Certification
UL
CSA Compliant
CE Compliant
Cooling Method
Specify
Temperature Conditioning
Designed to bring hotfilled packaged products to a controlled temperature for downstream handling and distribution.
Cools hot-filled containers to target temperature
Stabilizes product prior to labeling, packing, and palletizing
Maintains consistent temperature across all containers
Zoned Cooling Control
Design enables gradual, controlled cooling to protect product and packaging.
Progressive cooling zones reduce thermal shock
Configurable stages for pre-cooling and final cooling
Controlled temperature transitions preserve product quality
Spray Cooling System
Water-based cooling delivers efficient and uniform heat removal.
High-coverage spray nozzles ensure consistent cooling across all containers
Recirculated water system improves efficiency
Even distribution prevents hot spots and uneven cooling
Throughput & Continuous Operation
Built to match modern canning line speeds without disrupting flow.
Continuous conveyorized operation
Scales with line speed and production requirements
Maintains consistent cooling at high throughput
Container Handling
Handles a range of container types while maintaining stability through the cooling process.
Compatible with aluminum cans, glass bottles, and PET
Gentle conveyance minimizes product disturbance
Supports multiple container formats on a single system
Line Integration
Designed to integrate seamlessly into existing beverage packaging lines.
Positioned after filling or pasteurization and before packaging
Supports consistent downstream labeling and packing performance
Construction & Durability
Built for long-term performance in beverage production environments.
Stainless steel construction for washdown conditions
Designed for continuous industrial operation
Tunnel Pasteruization basics
Pasteurization is a thermal process used to stabilize beverages by controlling microbial activity and extending shelf life after filling. By carefully applying heat for a defined time and temperature, pasteurization protects product integrity while maintaining flavor, carbonation, and package quality. In modern beverage operations, pasteurization is applied after filling and sealing — ensuring the finished package is microbiologically stable before labeling, packing, and distribution.
A tunnel pasteurizer delivers consistent, measurable pasteurization across every container passing through the line. The process is quantified in Pasteurization Units (PUs), which express cumulative thermal exposure as a function of temperature and time. PU control is preferred over simple temperature control because it targets the process outcome — consistent microbial stability — regardless of changes in line speed, ambient conditions, or product temperature. Warmers and coolers address adjacent needs: reducing condensation for labeling, preventing thermal shock, and stabilizing product for downstream operations.
Containers enter the tunnel and pass through a series of temperature-controlled spray zones: pre-heat, heating, holding, and cooling. Hot water is applied through overhead spray nozzles in each zone. The time-temperature relationship is exponential — small increases in temperature dramatically reduce the time needed to achieve the same level of microbial control. This is expressed as: PU = t × 1.393^(T − 60), where 1 PU equals holding product at 60°C for one minute. Regenerative systems recapture heat from holding zones and transfer it to pre-heat zones, reducing energy demand by up to 60–70%.
Key variables when sizing a tunnel pasteurizer include target Pasteurization Units (determined by product acidity, alcohol content, and microbial profile), required throughput, available floor space, container type and size, heating method (steam, tank-based hot water, or on-demand hot water), and target product temperature at discharge. CODI engineers work through these variables with your team to develop an optimal temperature ramp curve for your specific beverage and production requirements.
Each CODI tunnel pasteurizer is engineered around your specific beverage and production requirements. We begin by working with your team to understand the product, target PUs, and line conditions — then configure the pasteurizer to deliver the required thermal load at your desired throughput. CODI's systems are constructed from 304 stainless steel and purpose-built for direct integration into packaging lines. Warmers and coolers in the CODI lineup address condensation control, label adhesion, and post-fill temperature management for any container type.
ACCESSORIES
FAQ
What is the primary purpose of the CODI Mass Cooling Tunnel?
It rapidly cools hot-filled beverages (such as craft teas, juices, and specialty drinks) down to safe ambient temperatures. This arrests thermal processing to protect delicate flavor profiles, prevents over-pasteurization, and stabilizes internal container pressure prior to secondary packaging.
What container types and line speeds can the Cooling Tunnel handle?
The system accommodates aluminum cans, glass bottles, and PET containers across scalable line speeds from 50 to 600+ CPM. Modular processing zones allow the footprint and dwell time to be customized to your exact container dimensions and thermal discharge requirements.
How does the multi-zone cooling distribution work?
Containers travel across a heavy-duty mass-conveyance belt while precision overhead spray manifolds deliver a controlled water shower. Gradual temperature reduction across isolated zones prevents thermal shock in glass containers while maximizing energy and water efficiency.
Can the cooling tunnel be integrated into an existing hot-fill line?
Yes. Engineered with sanitary 304 stainless steel construction and VFD-controlled conveyors, the CODI Mass Cooling Tunnel integrates seamlessly downstream of existing hot-fill seamers, cappers, and bottling lines .
