Project Location: Kenya
Product: Cold-Brewed Black Tea & Tea Beverage
Capacity: 10,000 Bottles/Hour
Bottle Size: 500ml PET
Filling Technology: Aseptic Filling
Packaging: Sleeve Label + Steam Shrink + PE Film Packing
The beverage market in Kenya continues to create opportunities for locally produced bottled tea and other ready-to-drink beverages. For manufacturers planning to enter or expand in this market, production efficiency, product consistency, shelf life, and hygienic processing are important considerations.
ZHONGYILONG prepared a 10,000 bottles per hour cold brew tea production line solution for a Kenya beverage project, designed for 500ml PET bottles.
The proposed system integrates water treatment, cold tea extraction, filtration, blending, pasteurization, cooling, aseptic filling, labeling, coding, and secondary packaging into one complete production line.
Project Requirements
The Kenya project was designed around several clearly defined production requirements:
- 10,000 bottles per hour
- 500ml PET bottles
- Cold-brewed black tea and tea beverages
- Pre-filling pasteurization
- Aseptic filling
- Sleeve labeling with steam shrinking
- Laser date and batch coding
- 4 × 6 PE film shrink packaging
- Target shelf life of approximately 6–12 months
The proposed production line covers the major processing and packaging stages, from water treatment and tea extraction to finished product packaging.
Why Cold-Brew Tea Requires a Different Processing Approach
Cold-brew tea is different from conventional hot-extracted iced tea.
In the proposed Kenya project, black tea is extracted using relatively low-temperature water over an extended period. The design basis uses an approximately 8-hour extraction cycle, with multiple extraction tanks operating in rotation.
Compared with high-temperature extraction, cold brewing can require more attention to filtration because tea solids and suspended particles need to be effectively removed before downstream processing.
For this reason, the proposed process includes both coarse filtration and a selectable fine-filtration stage.
Proposed Cold-Brew Tea Process
The main tea-processing sequence is:
Black Tea → Cold Extraction → Coarse Filtration → Fine Filtration → Tea Storage → Blending → Acid Adjustment → Pasteurization → Cooling → Aseptic Filling
Four 3,000-liter SUS304 cold extraction tanks are proposed to operate in rotation for the approximately 8-hour extraction process.
The system also includes tea transfer pumps, coarse filtration equipment, fine filtration, and a 3,000-liter insulated tea storage tank.
Water Treatment System for the Kenya Tea Beverage Line
Water quality is an important part of tea beverage production because treated water becomes a major component of the final beverage.
For this project, the proposed water treatment process is:
Raw Water → Quartz Sand Filtration → Activated Carbon Filtration → Antiscalant Treatment → RO → Purified Water
The design includes a 10,000-liter raw water tank, pretreatment filters, antiscalant dosing, a 10 t/h RO system, purified water storage, and constant-pressure water supply.
This configuration provides treated process water for the tea beverage production system while allowing the water treatment section to be integrated with the downstream beverage process.
Two Fine-Filtration Options
One of the technical considerations in the Kenya project is the fine filtration of the extracted tea.
The supplied design provides two possible configurations:
Option A: Plate-and-Frame Filtration
A 5 m² SUS304 plate-and-frame filter is proposed for fine filtration.
This option is positioned as a relatively economical solution for tea liquid containing a limited amount of suspended tea solids.
Option B: Membrane Filtration
A 5 m² membrane filtration system with approximately 0.1 μm filtration precision can be selected as an alternative.
Membrane filtration provides a higher filtration level, but the membrane elements require periodic maintenance and replacement.
The project proposal uses plate-and-frame filtration as the default configuration, while membrane filtration can be selected according to the customer’s final process requirements.
Beverage Blending and Formulation System
After filtration, the tea liquid enters the beverage formulation section.
The proposed system includes:
- 1,000L sugar dissolving tank
- Sugar filtration
- Two 5,000L blending tanks
- Product transfer pumps
- Dual filtration
- Magnetic filtration
- 300L acid adjustment tank
- CIP return system
- Stainless steel operating platform
- PLC control cabinet
The blending system is designed to combine the extracted tea with purified water and other formulation ingredients before the product enters the pasteurization stage.
Pasteurization and Cooling
The proposed beverage process uses pasteurization before aseptic filling.
The design basis specifies a pasteurization condition of approximately 85°C for 15–30 seconds, followed by rapid cooling.
A 6 t/h plate heat exchanger pasteurization system and a tubular cooling system are included in the proposal.
After pasteurization, the beverage is cooled to approximately 25–30°C before entering the aseptic filling section.
The proposed process therefore follows:
Blending → Pasteurization → Cooling → Aseptic Holding → Aseptic Filling
10,000 BPH Aseptic Filling Line
The filling section is designed for 10,000 bottles per hour using 500ml PET bottles.
The proposed filling system includes:
- Automatic PET bottle blowing machine
- High-pressure compressed air system
- Preform feeding
- Aseptic 3-in-1 filling machine
- Aseptic water and air preparation
- Cap feeding and UV sterilization
- Post-filling spray cooling
- Air-knife drying
- Laser coding
- Filling-line control system
The proposed aseptic filling machine integrates rinsing, filling, and capping and is equipped with CIP/SIP functions and a controlled aseptic environment.
PET Bottle Production Integrated into the Line
Instead of purchasing empty bottles separately, the proposed project includes an automatic PET bottle blowing machine.
The bottle blowing section is designed for 10,000 bottles per hour and includes preform feeding and a 500ml mold configuration.
This allows bottle production to be integrated with the beverage filling line and can simplify the overall production workflow.
Sleeve Labeling and Steam Shrink Labeling
After filling and cooling, the bottles enter the labeling section.
The proposed system uses:
Automatic Sleeve Labeling → Steam Shrink Tunnel → Laser Coding
The sleeve labeling machine is designed for 500ml PET bottles at the target production capacity of 10,000 bottles per hour.
A steam shrink tunnel is then used to form the sleeve label around the bottle.
4 × 6 PE Film Shrink Packaging
For secondary packaging, the Kenya project uses PE film shrink packaging with a 4 × 6 bottle arrangement.
The proposed packaging section includes:
- Automatic film wrapping machine
- Infeed conveyor
- Finished-product conveyor
- Drive and electrical control system
- Packaging control cabinet
The proposed film packing system is designed around the 10,000 BPH production line and the customer’s specified 4 × 6 packaging format.
CIP Cleaning System
Hygienic cleaning is an important part of a beverage production line, especially when the system includes tea extraction, blending, pasteurization, and aseptic filling.
The proposed Kenya project includes a three-tank 1,000-liter CIP cleaning system, together with CIP return pumps and a control cabinet.
The CIP system is integrated with the relevant product and process piping to support routine cleaning of the production equipment.
Complete Cold Brew Tea Production Process
The complete proposed production process can be summarized as:
Raw Water
↓
Water Treatment & RO
↓
Purified Water
Black Tea
↓
Cold Extraction – Approx. 8 Hours
↓
Coarse Filtration
↓
Fine Filtration
↓
Tea Storage
↓
Blending & Acid Adjustment
↓
Pasteurization
↓
Cooling to Approx. 25–30°C
↓
Aseptic Holding
↓
PET Bottle Blowing
↓
Aseptic Rinsing, Filling & Capping
↓
Spray Cooling & Air Drying
↓
Sleeve Labeling & Steam Shrinking
↓
Laser Coding
↓
4 × 6 PE Film Shrink Packing
↓
Finished Product
This integrated design connects beverage processing and packaging into a continuous production workflow.
Engineering Considerations for a Kenya Beverage Factory
A beverage production line is not simply a collection of individual machines. The processing capacity, utilities, factory layout, product formulation, packaging requirements, and cleaning system need to work together.
For this Kenya project, the proposal considers several supporting systems, including:
- Process piping
- Steam piping
- Compressed air
- Water supply
- Cooling water
- Electrical installation materials
- Cooling tower
- Low-pressure air compressor
- Optional steam boiler
The project design also uses Kenya’s commonly used 380V / 50Hz three-phase configuration as a preliminary assumption, subject to confirmation of the customer’s actual factory power supply.
Related Bottled Water Production Project
The processing requirements for tea beverages are different from those of bottled mineral or purified water, but both projects require careful integration of water treatment, filling, packaging, utilities, and factory layout.
For another example of a complete bottled water production project, see:
7,000 Bottles/Hour Bottled Water Production Line Project in Libya →
This related case provides another example of how a complete beverage production line can be designed around a specific production capacity and factory requirement.
Project Design Summary
The Kenya cold brew tea project is designed around the following core parameters:
| Item | Proposed Design |
|---|---|
| Project Location | Kenya |
| Product | Cold-Brewed Black Tea / Tea Beverage |
| Capacity | 10,000 Bottles/Hour |
| Bottle | 500ml PET |
| Tea Extraction | Cold extraction |
| Extraction Cycle | Approx. 8 hours |
| Water Treatment | Sand Filter + Activated Carbon + RO |
| Fine Filtration | Plate-and-Frame / Membrane Option |
| Pasteurization | Approx. 85°C / 15–30 seconds |
| Filling | Aseptic Filling |
| Labeling | Sleeve Label + Steam Shrink |
| Coding | Laser Coding |
| Secondary Packaging | 4 × 6 PE Film Shrink Pack |
| Target Shelf Life | Approx. 6–12 Months |
Why Project-Specific Line Design Matters
For a cold brew tea production line, the production capacity alone does not determine the equipment configuration.
The tea extraction method, filtration requirements, beverage formulation, thermal treatment, filling technology, bottle format, labeling system, packaging format, and factory utilities all influence the final design.
This is why a project-specific engineering approach is important when planning a cold brew tea production line in Kenya or another African beverage market.
The equipment configuration should ultimately be confirmed according to the customer’s raw materials, product formula, water analysis, packaging specifications, factory conditions, and applicable production requirements.
Planning a Cold Brew Tea Production Line?
ZHONGYILONG provides integrated beverage production line solutions covering water treatment, beverage processing, filling, labeling, packaging, CIP, and supporting utilities.
For a project similar to the Kenya 10,000 BPH cold brew tea line, buyers can provide the following information to begin the technical discussion:
- Product type
- Target capacity
- Bottle size
- Packaging format
- Required shelf life
- Water source
- Factory location
- Available power supply
- Desired automation level
Need a customized cold brew tea or beverage production line?
💬 WhatsApp: Discuss Your Beverage Project →
Conclusion
The Kenya 10,000 BPH cold brew tea production line demonstrates how beverage processing equipment can be configured around a specific product and production target.
The proposed system combines cold tea extraction, filtration, beverage blending, pasteurization, cooling, aseptic filling, PET bottle production, labeling, coding, and secondary packaging into one integrated production solution.
For beverage manufacturers planning a new factory in Kenya, East Africa, or other international markets, the key is not simply selecting individual machines. A successful production line should be designed around the complete process, from raw water and ingredients to finished packaged beverages.
With clear product specifications and factory requirements, a beverage equipment manufacturer can develop a more suitable cold brew tea production line, tea beverage production line, or complete turnkey beverage factory solution.
FAQ
What capacity is the Kenya cold brew tea production line designed for?
The proposed production capacity is 10,000 bottles per hour, using 500ml PET bottles.
What type of tea is used in this project?
The project is designed for cold-brewed black tea and tea beverages. The proposed process uses low-temperature, long-duration extraction rather than conventional high-temperature tea extraction.
How long is the proposed cold extraction cycle?
The design uses an approximately 8-hour extraction cycle, with four cold extraction tanks operating in rotation.
Does the line use aseptic filling?
Yes. The proposed process uses pasteurization before filling followed by aseptic filling. The filling system includes aseptic environmental control and CIP/SIP functions.
What filtration options are available?
The project provides two fine-filtration options: plate-and-frame filtration or membrane filtration. The proposal uses plate-and-frame filtration as the default configuration, with membrane filtration available as an alternative.
What bottle size is used?
The proposed production line uses 500ml PET bottles.
What packaging format is used?
The proposed secondary packaging uses 4 × 6 PE film shrink packaging, while the bottles use sleeve labels with steam shrinking.
Can the production line be customized?
Yes. The final equipment configuration can be adjusted according to product characteristics, capacity, bottle specifications, water quality, packaging requirements, factory utilities, and layout. The uploaded project proposal itself identifies several items as design assumptions or selectable configurations that require confirmation before final engineering.
