TUNNEL PASTEURIZERS, WARMERS & COOLERS

CODI's tunnel pasteurizers kill microorganisms to extend shelf life. Warmers remove condensation from cold-filled containers before labeling and packing. Coolers bring hot-filled containers down to a temperature safe for handling. Each system is configured to your specific containers, throughput, and facility requirements.

TUNNEL PASTEURIZER

Extends shelf life by delivering precise, consistent pasteurization inside the can. Built from 304 stainless steel and configured to your target pasteurization units and line speed.

CAN TUNNEL WARMER

Elevates container temperature through controlled water spray to minimize condensation and improve label adhesion during case packing. Suitable for cans, bottles, and other container types.

CAN COOLER

Reduces product temperature after filling using glycol-chilled water through controlled spray zones. Improves stability and prepares containers for labeling and pack-out.

TUNNEL PASTEURIZATION 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.