ThermoFlow® Low Pressure Integrated Steam Tunnels

ThermoFlow® standalone steam shrink tunnels deliver the high‑quality shrink performance of steam without requiring a plant boiler or centralized steam system. The built‑in steam generator automatically produces low‑pressure steam and delivers it directly into the tunnel for consistent, uniform shrink results.

Low‑pressure steam generation offers important advantages. Because the system is not subject to the same regulatory requirements as high‑pressure boiler systems, ThermoFlow eliminates the need for specialized boiler infrastructure and simplifies installation, operation, and maintenance.

ThermoFlow tunnels feature tool‑less container changeovers and intuitive operation, making the system easy to use for operators at all skill levels. Their flexible design supports a wide range of shrink sleeve applications, including full‑body, partial, tamper‑evident, and multipack formats. For plants requiring high performance shrink capability without steam utilities, ThermoFlow® is an ideal all‑in‑one solution.

Like all Axon shrink tunnels, ThermoFlow offers the flexibility to multiple shrink applications—making it one of the best value options in the industry.

Applications

Tamper‑evident bands
Partial body sleeves
Full body sleeves
Full‑body over‑the‑cap sleeves
Multipacks

ThermoFlow Low-Pressure Integrated Steam Tunnel Applications

Key Features & Benefits

Integrated Low‑Pressure Steam Generator Generates steam onsite without the need for a plant boiler system.
Size Range Flexibility Supports container or multipack diameters up to 6" and heights up to 12".
Tool‑less Changeovers Quick adjustments enhance uptime and productivity.
Stainless Steel Construction Durable, easy to clean, corrosion‑resistant.
Clear Lift‑Off Front Panel Provides fast access to key components for cleaning and maintenance.
Temperature Control Simple manual controls allow operators to adjust tunnel temperatures quickly.
Adjustable Steam Distribution Perforated steam bars can be repositioned to achieve consistent shrink performance.

Options

Steam Capture – Traps and vents exhaust steam to improve operator comfort and reduce moisture in the work area.
Third Steam Zone – Adds enhanced shrink performance for challenging applications.
Spare Parts Kit – Recommended start‑up parts inventory for continuous production.

Thermo Flow Standalone Steam Shrink Tunnel (PDF)

What makes ThermoFlow® different from traditional steam shrink tunnels?

ThermoFlow integrates a built-in low-pressure steam generator directly into the tunnel system. Unlike traditional steam tunnels that require a plant boiler or centralized steam infrastructure, ThermoFlow generates steam on demand within the unit. This eliminates the need for plant steam utilities while still delivering the saturated steam performance required for high-quality shrink results.

Does ThermoFlow require plant steam or a boiler system?

No. ThermoFlow does not require a plant boiler, centralized steam system, or high-pressure steam infrastructure. Its integrated low-pressure steam generator produces steam internally and delivers it directly into the tunnel for consistent shrink performance.

What are the infrastructure advantages of ThermoFlow?

ThermoFlow reduces installation complexity and utility coordination by:

Eliminating plant boiler dependency
Avoiding high-pressure steam regulatory requirements
Reducing condensate return system needs
Simplifying maintenance compared to centralized steam systems

It is ideal for facilities that want steam-level shrink performance without investing in plant-wide steam infrastructure.

What shrink applications can ThermoFlow support?

ThermoFlow supports a full range of shrink sleeve and banding applications, including:

Tamper-evident bands
Partial-body sleeves
Full-body sleeves
Full-body over-the-cap sleeves
Multipacks

It is well suited for high-shrink materials and complex container geometries that benefit from saturated steam coverage.

What industries commonly use ThermoFlow?

ThermoFlow is commonly used in:

Beverage (including carbonated and specialty beverages)
Food packaging
Personal care and cosmetics
Household and cleaning products
Nutraceutical and health products
Contract packaging environments

It is particularly attractive to facilities expanding capacity without adding plant steam infrastructure.

When is ThermoFlow preferred over plant steam tunnels like ThermoPoint?

ThermoFlow is preferred when:

A facility does not have centralized steam
Boiler installation is cost-prohibitive
Regulatory compliance for high-pressure steam is a concern
A standalone shrink solution is required
A production line needs steam performance without plant integration

ThermoPoint remains ideal for facilities already equipped with plant steam infrastructure and running high-volume multi-zone production environments.

How does ThermoFlow compare to convection tunnels such as EZ-SRB?

ThermoFlow uses saturated steam to provide uniform 360° heat coverage, making it well suited for high-shrink materials and complex container contours.

EZ-SRB uses recirculating forced air and does not require steam utilities. Convection systems are ideal for facilities prioritizing simpler electrical utilities and moderate shrink requirements.

How does ThermoFlow compare to radiant tunnels such as ThermoRay?

ThermoFlow uses saturated steam, while ThermoRay uses infrared radiant heat.

Steam provides deep, uniform coverage for high-shrink materials and intricate shapes. Radiant heat offers compact installation and simplified utilities but is typically selected for lower shrink percentages or smaller containers.

What container sizes can ThermoFlow accommodate?

ThermoFlow supports containers or multipacks up to approximately 6 inches in diameter and up to 12 inches in height, depending on configuration. Larger formats may require alternative tunnel configurations.

Is ThermoFlow easy to operate and maintain?

Yes. ThermoFlow features:

Tool-less container changeovers
Stainless steel construction
Clear lift-off front panel for easy access
Adjustable steam distribution bars
Simple manual temperature controls

The integrated steam system simplifies operation compared to centralized steam environments.

Can ThermoFlow be configured for challenging applications?

Yes. Available options such as a third steam zone allow enhanced shrink control for complex geometries or high-speed production lines. Steam capture systems are also available to improve operator comfort and manage moisture in the work area.

Do all sleeve applications require a heat tunnel?

No.

Shrink sleeves and tamper-evident bands require a heat tunnel (steam, convection, or infrared).
Stretch sleeves do not require heat.

Heat tunnel selection depends on sleeve material, shrink percentage, container geometry, facility utilities, and line speed.

Technology Tier	Infrared	Convection	Entry Steam	Mid Steam	External Steam
Product	ThermoRay®	EZ-SRB	ThermoFlow®	HE-500	ThermoPoint®
Heat Type	Radiant infrared heat	Electrically heated forced air	Self-contained steam generator	Self-contained steam generator (enhanced control)	Plant-supplied steam
Steam Required	No	No	No external steam required	No external steam required	Yes (plant steam + condensate return)
Best For	Tamper bands, simple sleeves	Tamper bands, moderate shrink	Entry-level steam applications	Higher precision steam shrink	Complex shapes, high-shrink materials, high-speed lines
Shrink Precision	Best for simple geometries	Moderate to high	High	Very high	Excellent for complex contours
Infrastructure Needs	Electrical only	Electrical only	Electrical + water	Electrical + water	Plant steam supply + condensate management
Vapor Management	None	None	Minimal	Reduced vapor release	Depends on plant steam system
Multi-Zone Control	Limited	Modular multi-zone capability	Limited	Yes	Yes
Ideal Industries	Entry beverage, small CPG	Pharma, personal care, co-packers	Emerging steam users	Beverage, food, nutraceutical	Beverage, dairy, large CPG, contract packers

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