Efficiency level: 960

The 960 LTD Tunnel Oven manufactured by Bakery Thermal Solutions also incorporates several features increasing its energy efficiency. Some of the latest innovations include zonal heat control, product tracking, and exhaust control to optimize the heat into the oven as well as the extracted air based on product requirements and real-time production variables. “The 960 LTD tunnel ovens offer high-level controls to minimize fuel usage to only what is required to precisely and reliably produce desired products for their customers,” explains Charles Borders, mechanical engineer, Bakery Thermal Solutions.

To preserve heat, all exposed sides of the oven use high-R value insulations to keep as much heat as possible in the oven. Openings in the oven are minimized and exhaust is optimized for minimal required heat extraction, the specialist outlines. To preserve fuel and optimize baking, burners are regularly turned up or down based on product tracking, product requirements, and sensor feedback in the oven. The continuous control of the burners helps to save fuel and provide a consistent bake, even with production interruptions.

A variety of additional features are available to customize this oven as needed. It can be equipped with varying numbers of top burners, steam systems, variable coloraiders, oven bottom cleanout systems, belt and grid cleaning, redundant drives, automated dampers, upgraded burners, and advanced controls among other visual, sanitary, and safety features. “Features are recommended to customers based on the products going through the oven, control preferences, or safety standards in the bakery,” Borders adds.

Oven zones are used as multiple control points to optimize temperatures and air flows in a given section of the oven. Fuel use is minimized when the baking process closely matches the conditions required by each product throughout the process.