Dutch company Advanced Freezers tells WF that it has recently completed the development and installation of a unique solution for a European fish processing company: an all-in-one concept comprising a spiral freezer and refrigeration equipment in one modular unit.
The tangential loading belt places the products into the spiral freezer when it is at its radius. This ensures that the products do not become deformed as they enter the freezer, and hence reduces waste. The spiral freezer casing also contains the cooling unit, compressors and condensers, which saves valuable space on the factory floor while also representing benefits in terms of hygienic design. Inside the spiral freezer, Advanced’s horizontal airflow maintains a constant temperature and ensures that the products freeze quickly and evenly. This helps to reduce weight loss, thus preserving the structure and hence the quality of the products for longer, as well as achieving a rapid throughput.
Upon leaving the spiral freezer, the frozen fish can be automatically passed through a glazing unit if required. The water from the glazing unit freezes upon contact. This provides the products with a valuable protective layer which helps to maintain the moisture content, thus generating a higher yield. The attractive sheen also improves the overall product performance. From the glazing unit, the products are then transported to the packaging line.
Jos Bol, Managing Director of Advanced Freezers, sums up this latest project. “The consumption of fresh fish is on the up, and fish products are increasingly being sourced from abroad which requires them to be frozen for transportation. This installation demonstrates that we can draw on our expertise in chilling and freezing to help our customers capitalise on market developments, either with our modular systems or with turnkey projects.”
