Bühler launches OmniCool Smart to revolutionize compact cooling systems
The new system helps customers cut energy consumption and reduce operating costs through a streamlined, maintenance-friendly design.
Switzerland – Bühler Group, a Swiss technology partner for the food, feed, and mobility industries, has introduced OmniCool Smart, a compact, next-generation cooling tunnel engineered for product and chocolate cooling, delivering high product quality in the compact market segment.
The new system helps customers cut energy consumption and reduce operating costs through a streamlined, maintenance-friendly design.
Unlike traditional cooling tunnels that rely on compressed air, OmniCool Smart operates entirely on electricity. Compressed air systems are energy-intensive and require regular maintenance to ensure optimal performance.
Fully electric systems offer a quieter, more efficient, and lower-maintenance alternative, reducing energy consumption, lowering costs, and supporting more sustainable operations.
Additionally, OmniCool Smart optimizes airflow, temperature control, and belt tracking to deliver perfectly cooled fruit, cereal, snack, and protein bars, as well as enrobed wafer and biscuit products, combining superior product quality with enhanced energy efficiency and reduced environmental impact.
“OmniCool Smart is the ideal compact cooling solution for today’s and future production needs. It ensures consistently high product quality, significantly reduces cleaning and maintenance requirements, and supports customers in reducing their carbon footprint,” says András Somfai, Head of Product Management & Process Engineering at Bühler.
This aligns with Bühler’s commitment to have solutions ready by 2025 that reduce energy, waste, and water consumption by 50% in the value chains of its customers. The company also collaborates proactively with suppliers to reduce climate impacts throughout its value chain.
Built for effectiveness and hygienic design
OmniCool Smart embodies this commitment through its modular structure with the cooling section positioned underneath, to ensure optimal cooling performance while minimizing overall height.
Its innovative belt tracking system incorporates the latest sensor technology to deliver ideal operating conditions. Designed for easy maintenance and cleaning, this cooling tunnel reduces downtime and enhances overall equipment effectiveness.
Seamless integration and user-friendly operation
OmniCool Smart is designed for full integration into existing production lines. It can be operated either from the previous machine in the line or directly via its control panel (human-machine interface, HMI).
PlayOne HMI visualization software reflects Bühler’s user-centric design philosophy, enabling efficient, safe, and seamless interaction with the system. Operators benefit from intuitive controls that simplify configuration and monitoring, both at the equipment and via smart devices.
Higher efficiency, lower impact
In line with Bühler’s purpose of “Innovations for a better world,” OmniCool Smart is built to reduce energy use and minimize environmental impact. Its efficient insulation and airtight seals help prevent energy loss, while the fully electric design eliminates the need for compressed air, lowering energy consumption. This translates into reduced operating costs and a smaller carbon footprint.
OmniCool is also available as a bundle with ChoCoat Pro, offering an optimized solution for enrobing and cooling. Bühler’s high-quality enrober maintains precise temperature control and energy efficiency and is designed for easy cleaning and maintenance. Together, the two systems enhance both process efficiency and product consistency.
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