The cooking tunnel in open packaging is a continuous industrial oven designed to cook food products in containers through the combined action of microwave energy and hot air.
The two technologies work together inside the treatment chamber: microwave energy acts directly on the product, while the hot air flow completes the thermal process as the product moves through the oven.
The machine is designed for automatic operation within a production line, with products loaded and unloaded via a conveyor belt, and is equipped with a cooling module.
The microwave and air tunnel is designed for continuous operation and to achieve an average throughput of up to 150-200 kg/h, depending on the product, packaging format and set process parameters.
The system delivers microwave energy through specially designed power supplies installed in the upper section of the treatment area, promoting uniform energy distribution across the product and simplifying maintenance operations.
The oven uses microwave technology to heat and cook the product quickly and effectively as it passes through the treatment chamber.
The system consists of 6 microwave power supplies rated at 4 kW each, providing a total installed microwave power of 24 kW. The power can be adjusted according to the product and specific process requirements.
Microwave energy, combined with the hot air system, enables controlled thermal treatment as the product moves through the oven.
Microwave treatment is combined with a hot air ventilation system.
Air is drawn in from outside, heated by electric heating elements and introduced into the chamber, where it flows around the product as it moves through the oven. An extraction system then removes the air from the oven.
Temperature and ventilation can be adjusted, allowing the thermal treatment to be configured according to production requirements.
The treatment chamber is made of stainless steel.
The exterior of the tunnel can be made of painted carbon steel in a choice of colours or stainless steel.
The hood lifting structure is designed to meet the highest standards of safety and reliability.
The product conveying system is integrated into the machine base, while the upper hood houses the main treatment systems: microwave power supplies, hot air supply and air extraction.
The standard MIT SRL design features an automatically lifting hood operated by a synchronised movement system.
Opening the hood provides easier access to the internal parts of the machine, facilitating inspection, cleaning and maintenance operations.
Microwave shielding is provided by a patented attenuation system that requires neither cooling systems nor maintenance.
The tunnel is available with a standard usable width of 600 mm, but can be customised to the required width.
The conveyor belt speed is adjustable, allowing the residence time in the oven to be adapted to the product and process requirements.
The system is designed for automatic loading and unloading, facilitating integration with other machines in the production line.
The main operating parameters of the oven can be set and controlled via the operator panel, including:
Adjusting these parameters allows the treatment to be adapted to the characteristics of the product and specific production requirements.
The oven can be equipped with additional features depending on the production line configuration.
The oven can be equipped with a cooling section positioned at the machine outlet.
The product continues along the conveyor belt and is exposed to the airflow generated by overhead fans, providing an initial cooling stage after thermal treatment.
Main technical specifications of the reference configuration.
Desk studies, sizing assessments and energy calculations are carried out before project development. Expected performance is verified through in-house testing on actual products.
Compatible with microwave-safe, non-metallic packaging, without restrictions to proprietary trays, films or valves. Packaging is selected according to the product.
Recipes, traceability, temperature control, data logging, alarms, remote assistance and integration with existing production lines.
Microwave applicators, shielding systems, and command and control systems developed in-house to ensure safety, stability, durability and ease of maintenance.
Accessible components, clear diagnostics, identifiable spare parts and operator training: the system is designed to allow customers to carry out routine maintenance in-house, reducing downtime and dependence on the supplier.
Texture, colour, nutrients, clean-label characteristics and shelf life are verified through testing and validation.
Validated cooking and pasteurisation processes for organic production.
Download the catalogue dedicated to cooking and pasteurisation and the appendix featuring practical applications.
2026 catalogue featuring solutions, technologies and configurations for industrial processes.
Download the catalogue
Appendix featuring industrial applications and combined microwave processes.
Download the appendixThe MIT tunnel for cooking in open packaging, from the microwave power supplies to the cooling module.
