Icelandic company Skaginn has completed an IQF frozen scallop processing line for Seatrade International Company.
The new MBF 3000 processing line in Lakeville, Massachusetts, USA, will process up to 6,000 pounds of scallops per hour. Other features include a clean in place system that reduces cleaning time; a raised freezing cabinet that eliminates frost penetration into the foundation floor; and a gentle in-feed that maximises yield.
Robert Blais, director of Seatrade International, said, “We selected Skaginn's IQF processing line because we were looking for an ammonia based system that delivered a high quality product at the best per pound cost. Skaginn exceeded our expectations. Their engineering team has worked with us to come up with a custom design that will allow us to achieve our ambitious processing goals and save on energy costs as well.”
Sigurður “Siggi” Skúlason, Skaginn sales and engineering executive, explained that one of Seatrade’s concerns was maintaining its reputation as a quality packer and meeting seasonal requirements. The line built for Seatrade uses a dip and spray glazing system that maximises shelf life and quality.
Skaginn’s multi-belt IQF freezer is extremely versatile, and models range in capacity from 900 pounds per hour up to 10,000 pounds per hour or more. The anodized, teflon coated, patented aluminium belt guarantees rapid cooling and conserves energy by crusting the product immediately on contact. The company says that processing costs are as low as one cent per pound for most applications.
