The cleaning and air-drying line is a critical post-stage equipment in the pasteurization production line, usually immediately after the cooling section of the pasteurizer.
Its main functions are:
Cleaning: Thoroughly clean the outer surface of the product packaging (such as glass bottles, plastic bottles, metal cans, roof boxes, etc.) after pasteurization and cooling. During the sterilization and cooling process, the outside of the packaging is often contaminated with residual sterilization media (such as hot water, steam condensate), cooling water, product droplets, label glue or other stains. The cleaning section usually uses:
Spraying system: Use clean water or disinfected water to spray the packaging with strong spraying through nozzles at multiple angles to effectively remove attachments.
Brush or sponge roller (optional): For stubborn stains or specific packaging (such as glass bottles), a rotating brush or sponge roller may be equipped for auxiliary scrubbing to ensure the cleaning effect.
Air drying: A large number of water droplets will remain on the surface of the packaging after cleaning. The function of the air drying section is to use strong and clean air to quickly blow dry the outer surface of the packaging. This is usually done through:
High-efficiency fans: generate strong airflow.
Air knives or nozzle arrays: concentrate and evenly blow the airflow to the packaging surface to remove moisture efficiently.
High-efficiency air filters: ensure that the air blown out is clean to avoid secondary pollution.
Purpose and advantages:
Improve product appearance: remove water stains, stains and label residues on the packaging surface, make the product appearance clean, refreshing and shiny, and enhance consumer purchasing desire and brand image.
Prevent secondary pollution: remove liquid and microorganisms remaining on the outside of the packaging to avoid the growth of bacteria or mold during subsequent labeling, coding, packing and storage, and ensure food safety.
Ensure subsequent processes: dry packaging surface is a necessary condition for smooth labeling (labels are not easy to fall off), coding (coding is clear and not easy to blur), packing (cartons are not easy to be damp and damaged) and other subsequent processes.
Improve production efficiency: automatic cleaning and air drying, reduce manual wiping links, and improve production line speed and efficiency.
Hygiene Compliant: Meets the strict hygiene and packaging requirements of the food and beverage industry.
