Plate freezing is a specialized method within the realm of industrial freezing and refrigeration, designed to rapidly reduce the temperature of products by placing them between freezing plates. This method utilizes both vertical plate freezers and contact plate freezers, with configurations varying from horizontal to vertical arrangements to optimize space and efficiency.

Field of application

In the food industry and pharmaceuticals, plate freezing is celebrated for its ability to maintain the texture and integrity of products, thanks to the uniform heat transfer and precise temperature control afforded by the stainless steel plates, which act as heat exchangers.

Advantages and disadvantages compared to other freezing methods

Compared to other freezing methods, plate freezing offers superior energy efficiency, due to the direct contact between the product and cooling plates, facilitating faster heat removal. However, the initial setup costs, including the expense of high-quality evaporators, compressors, and condensers, as well as the need for a specific type of refrigerant, can be considered disadvantages. Despite this, the method's advantages in terms of sustainability, manufacturer preference towards customizable freezing solutions, and its application in optimizing food processing cycles, make plate freezing a critical component in the advancement of cryogenics and industrial freezing technologies.

Principle of operation

The principle of operation behind plate freezing hinges on efficiently transferring cold temperatures directly to the product via freezing plates, a process which can be facilitated through various configurations such as vertical plate freezers or contact plate freezers. The main stages of freezing begin with pre-cooling the plates to the desired temperature using a refrigerant cycle involving an evaporator, compressor, and condenser. Once the product is placed between the plates, it is rapidly frozen, forming a thin layer of ice that preserves the texture and structural integrity of the food or pharmaceuticals.

This freezing technology leverages the high heat transfer capabilities of stainless steel plates, ensuring quick and uniform cooling. The effect of this method on products varies; for foodstuffs and semi-finished products, it results in minimal dehydration and excellent preservation of taste, texture, and nutritional value. Pharmaceuticals benefit from the precise temperature control and uniformity of the freeze, crucial for maintaining the efficacy and stability of active ingredients.

By using horizontal or vertical configurations, manufacturers can optimize the use of space and tailor the freezing process to specific product dimensions and quantities, enhancing the efficiency of food processing and pharmaceutical manufacturing. The direct contact between the product and the freezing plates not only accelerates the freezing process but also contributes to energy efficiency and sustainability, as it requires less refrigerant volume and lowers energy consumption compared to traditional freezing methods.

Overall, the application of plate freezing technology represents a significant advancement in industrial freezing and cryogenics, offering a range of benefits to manufacturers in terms of product quality, operational efficiency, and environmental impact.

Equipment

In the realm of plate freezing , the equipment employed is as varied as it is specialized, encompassing different types of plate apparatus such as contact plate freezers and multi-sectional plate freezers.

Contact plate freezers are designed for rapid, direct cooling by making direct contact with the product, often used for individual pieces or small batches.

Multi-sectional plate freezers, on the other hand, allow for the freezing of larger quantities, with products loaded in bulk across multiple sections for efficient processing. These units can be configured vertically or horizontally, maximizing space and enhancing the freezing process through optimal heat transfer.

Additional equipment that plays a pivotal role in the efficiency of plate freezing includes advanced loading and unloading systems, which automate the placement and retrieval of products, significantly reducing labor costs and increasing throughput. Refrigeration units, equipped with state-of-the-art evaporators, compressors, and condensers, circulate the refrigerant, maintaining the low temperatures necessary for effective freezing . The stainless steel construction of the freezing plates not only ensures durability and longevity but also facilitates efficient heat exchange, crucial for maintaining the texture and quality of frozen products.

Which Mirai products can be used in this process

Manufacturers of plate freezing equipment are continuously innovating to improve temperature control, energy efficiency, and sustainability. By integrating advanced refrigeration technologies and optimizing the design of heat exchangers, these systems are becoming more sophisticated, offering precise control over the freezing process. This level of control is essential for applications ranging from food processing to the preservation of pharmaceuticals, where the quality of freezing can significantly impact the final product. Through these technological advancements, plate freezing equipment is setting new standards in industrial freezing and cryogenics, meeting the growing demand for high-quality, efficient, and sustainable freezing solutions.Mirai Intex is unmatched in these cooling requirements.These machines meet all the requirements that this application demands. The great experience of project in this sector with Mirai Intex machines is cooperation with HOF Sonderanlagen GmbH.

In addition, the machines have many additional advantages that make operating them even more comfortable. Mirai Intex machines are able to maintain temperature control within 0.5 degrees during sudden changes in machine load. The technology used in the Mirai X Cryo line of machines allows the temperature to be changed very quickly from -120 to +50 degrees, while maintaining 0.7 degrees control during sudden changes, which is very important for this market. In addition, the machines are very reliable and do not require regular maintenance because they use air as a refrigerant, which also removes the challenge of controlling quotas and restrictions on the use of refrigerant under the F-gases regulation.