The number of temperature stages and specific temperature requirements also contribute to the overall cost of a commercial pasteurizer. Equipment with more complex temperature control systems and multiple steps may be more expensive upfront but will help ensure the safety, efficiency, and quality of your production line.

Additionally, consider the level of automation required and other features that will add value to your operation. They will help to enhance productivity, streamline processes, and reduce labor costs. 

SIZE AND TYPE 

Another crucial factor to consider when selecting commercial pasteurization equipment is the size and type of the machinery, as these aspects will directly impact compatibility with your facility and production processes. 

Industrial pasteurizers come in various configurations, with the two most common being steam box pasteurizers and tunnel pasteurizers. Each type has its advantages and is best suited for specific applications.

Steam box pasteurizers process a batch at a time.  They utilize direct steam injection to evenly heat your products to the correct temperature. These types of pasteurizers are ideal for companies that have limited floorspace, or need to pasteurize smaller amounts of food and beverage products.

Tunnel pasteurizers are a continuous process, with a conveyor.  They use multiple zones to heat your products directly through continuous water sprays, hot water baths, or steam. They’re ideal for recurrent manufacturing processes, such as consumable products packaged in bottles, glass jars, or cans.

MAINTENANCE & CLEANING  

The ease of cleaning and sanitation are two often-overlooked factors when selecting an industrial pasteurizer. 

As you consider various types of pasteurization equipment, consider the design features and component accessibility that can simplify the maintenance and sanitation processes. Regular upkeep and sanitation are critical to ensuring long machine life and maintaining the safety and quality of your products.

SMT industrial pasteurizers are 100% stainless steel on the inside, which makes them easy to wash and hose down. You can also remove the side panels for easy cleaning access. Some competitors’ equipment features sides & tops welded in place, so workers must feed hoses through or climb inside to perform routine cleaning. 

ENERGY EFFICIENCY 

The energy efficiency of pasteurization equipment can significantly impact operating costs and your overall environmental footprint. When evaluating different pasteurization equipment, pay close attention to the energy-saving features and technologies that can enhance efficiency without compromising performance.

For example, SMT machines utilize regenerative energy to achieve maximum efficiency. They reuse the cool energy from the cold bottles that come in at the infeed end to cool the units back down and recycle the heat created during the cooling process. Typically, steam heat and chilled cooling are only added at one spot. 

SAFETY FEATURES

Safety features should be a top priority as they help ensure the protection of your products and employees. A pasteurizer equipped with robust safety features can minimize accident risks, equipment malfunctions, and product contamination. 

Look for pasteurization equipment with pressure and temperature sensors, automatic shutdown systems, and alarms that alert operators in case of a hazard or deviation from the set parameters. 

SMT industrial pasteurizers have completely enclosed tunnels to prevent leaks that could cause serious burns. There is also a vent connection so you could pull steam away from any employees in the area. 

If you want to heat your products above 180 degrees, you must ventilate the steam away from the equipment. SMT machines come with a standard connection that does just that. However, many competitors don’t routinely include this feature.

REQUIRED BELT SPACE

Pasteurizers are customized for each client’s specific needs to ensure they have the correct amount of belt space. Considerations include the size and number of products you need to pasteurize at one time.

WHICH INDUSTRIAL PASTEURIZER IS RIGHT FOR YOU? 

Smart Machine Technologies will design and build a commercial pasteurizer to help increase productivity, improve product quality, and reduce manual labor. Our expert engineers will customize the pasteurization unit to seamlessly fit your production line. 

Click below to start learning more about custom pasteurizers now. 

Custom Built Commercial Pasteurizers