Tunnel freezer is a machine that freezes food using cryogenic gases, such as liquid nitrogen (LN2) or carbon dioxide (CO2). It works by freezing the food quickly to very low temperatures. The process preserves the quality of the food, preventing freezer burn and other defects. It also keeps the nutrients, flavor, and texture intact.
These advantages make tunnel freezers a valuable tool for many different food manufacturers. They are used to freeze meat cuts, burger patties, fish fillets, poultry products, bakery products, ice cream, and appetizers. Many of these frozen foods are then served in restaurants, fast food chains, grocery stores, schools, and hospital cafeterias, among others.
There are several types of tunnel freezers on the market, each with its own unique features. Some are designed to meet specific production requirements and a number of them can be easily integrated into existing processing lines. These machines are available in various sizes to meet the needs of companies of any size. The most versatile tunnel freezer is the IQF tunnel freezer, which can be used to freeze a wide range of food items.
In general, tunnel freezers are highly efficient. They use less energy than other types of freezers, which can save money on power bills. They are also capable of freezing food at very high speeds, which can increase production rates and improve productivity. This can help companies maximize their profits.
The best tunnel freezer for you depends on your product, production line, and business model. For example, if you plan to produce large batches of food, you may want to consider an industrial tunnel freezer that can accommodate multiple product runs in a day. However, if you’re producing smaller batches, you might prefer a portable, mobile tunnel freezer that is easier to move around and set up.
When choosing a tunnel freezer, be sure to take into account the amount of energy and space it will require. You will also need to choose a freezer that is connected to the appropriate cryogenic infrastructure. Demaco has many years of experience connecting tunnel freezers to storage dewars for the required cryogenic fluid and ensuring they function properly.
Whether you’re looking for a new freezer or are considering expanding your current one, you should consider the advantages of a cryogenic tunnel freezer. They are highly energy-efficient, can be adapted to fit the needs of any production line, and offer a number of other benefits that other types of freezers do not.
For example, a vapor-strip tunnel freezer is designed to utilize the full refrigeration potential of LN2 by blowing cold vapor over and over again. This helps ensure that all of the available refrigeration is used. Another option is a flat belt LN2 tunnel, which sprays the LN2 on the food product and forces the cold vapor back to the entrance of the freezer. This allows you to halve your space requirement and double your production capacity.