Demand increase for cryogenic freezing solutions
CRYOLINE XF SPIRAL FREEZER Demand for new and innovative freezing solutions is linked to continuous product design
FROZEN QUALITY Cryogenic freezing allows for low cell deterioration and dehydration of the product to achieve a texture and flavour similar to the fresh item
Photo by Bloomberg
Having introduced several freezing and cooling solutions into the food processing industry in recent years, South Africa-based gas and welding company Afrox successfully launched several new-generation cryogenic freezing solutions onto the local market last year.
Cryogenic freezing and cooling solutions are used in a number of specialised processes, from packed and prepared foods, meat and fish products, as well as high-value fruit, to bakery and dairy products and, increasingly, ready-made meals.
Afrox applications specialist Hendrik Pretorius tells Engineering News that, while Afrox has already supplied several cryogenic freezing solutions to South African customers over the past three years, the company aims to increase awareness of the availability of these products this year and to introduce them to a wider spectrum of customers.
Cryogenic freezing, which uses liquid nitrogen at –196 °C, enables customers to capture the quality, taste and moisture of products, and to reduce product clumping, low yields, product fines and high operation costs, he notes.
Pretorius notes that con- sumer demand for convenience foods and higher-quality frozen-product demand are also on the increase.
“In becoming more aware of quality offerings, the end-user determines the end quality of the product and, amid changing sanitary and hygienic legislation, there is a definite increase in demand for improving freezing systems and different solutions available on the market,” he says.
While he believes that alternative freezing methods still have a place in the industry, he notes that industry’s interest in cryogenic freezing has spiked, with enquiries also increasing.
“Moreover, demand for innovative freezing solutions is linked to continuous product design and evolving freezing requirements.”
Nevertheless, Pretorius believes this to be a niche market, as cryogenic freezing remains product specific and, with continuous product development, manu- facturers require a tailor-made solution.
Afrox’s service provision, therefore, includes a pool of cryogenic freezing solutions, as well as cryogen and fit-for-purpose installa- tions.
The dual-mode, multipurpose Cyroline CW Cryowave freezer is designed for energy efficient, individual quick-frozen (IQF) products.
“The freezer uses a patented vibratory wave action for product vibration and agitation within the refrigeration medium to produce rapid and uniform heat-transfer times, as well as shorter freezing times, to ensure improved product yield and enhanced product quality,” explains Pretorius.
He adds that a pasta producer who required enhanced product quality and IQF methods requested the Cryowave system. The product’s fast crust-freeze technique employed on the IQF products locks in moisture and reduces dehydration and evaporation.
The new-generation Cryoline XF spiral freezer has a high-capacity capability and uses minimal floor space.
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