air blast freezer

The shelf-type quick freezer is often referred to as an airflow quick freezer because it uses powerful fans to circulate cold air throughout the freezing chamber. This airflow ensures even distribution of low temperatures across all shelves, leading to faster and more uniform freezing of products placed on the shelves. The consistent air movement reduces temperature variations and allows for a more efficient freezing process compared to static cooling methods. This design makes it suitable for freezing products like packaged food items or trays of seafood that require quick and even freezing.

The working principle of an air blast freezer involves using high-velocity cold air to rapidly reduce the temperature of products. Here’s how it works:

• Cold Air Circulation: Air blast freezers use fans to circulate extremely cold air (usually between -30°C to -40°C) around the products placed inside the chamber. The air moves at high speeds, which increases the rate of heat transfer from the product to the surrounding cold air.
• Rapid Cooling: As the cold air continuously flows over the surface of the product, it quickly extracts heat, freezing the outer layers first and then moving inward to freeze the core.
• Uniform Freezing: The high-speed airflow ensures that each product is frozen uniformly, reducing the time needed to reach the desired storage temperature of -18°C (0°F) or lower, which is crucial for preserving the product’s quality and extending its shelf life.

• Freezing Method: A plate freezer uses direct contact between the product and refrigerated plates to freeze items quickly. This method is ideal for flat or packaged products like fish fillets, meat blocks, or prepared meals. An air blast freezer, on the other hand, uses cold air circulated at high speeds to freeze products. It is more versatile in handling irregularly shaped items or products that need individual quick freezing (IQF).
• Efficiency: Plate freezers tend to be more energy-efficient for certain types of products because of the direct heat exchange, leading to faster freezing times. Air blast freezers may require more energy due to the continuous operation of fans, but they offer greater flexibility in product handling.
• Applications: Plate freezers are typically used in industries where uniform product sizes are common, like seafood processing or boxed meat products. Air blast freezers are preferred when a wide variety of products need to be frozen, such as vegetables, fruits, or bakery items, as they can accommodate a range of shapes and sizes.