What Is a Tunnel Freezer?

A tunnel freezer is a type of industrial-scale cooling and freezing machine that uses cold air to freeze products. This system is used to rapidly cool and freeze meat cuts, burgers, fish fillets, poultry, bakery products, ice cream, appetizers, ethnic foods and ready meals. It is also popular for freezing fruits, vegetables, and pasta. These machines are designed to freeze products quickly, allowing them to be frozen and stored without losing texture or flavor. They are available in both manual and automatic operation, depending on the application. They can be used in conjunction with other cooling equipment, such as brine freezers and chillers.

Tunnel freezers can be cooled with either carbon dioxide or liquid nitrogen. Nitrogen is the most commonly used refrigerant, but CO2 has been shown to provide similar results in many cases. The difference is that carbon dioxide has more of a negative impact on color retention, while nitrogen is not.

A typical carbon dioxide tunnel consists of a conveyor belt running through a length of the freezer. The product is positioned on the conveyor, and the refrigeration media (CO2 or LN2) is injected at intervals along the tunnel’s path. As the conveyor belt moves, the refrigeration gas covers the product. The cold air enveloping the product is circulated through a pre-cool zone, where moisture is sealed in and separated from the core of the product. The product is then quickly frozen in a core freezing zone, and the remaining surface water is evaporated in a core defrosting zone.

IQF Tunnel Freezers are designed to form part of an automated food processing line, and they can be built to fit into existing lines with minimal adjustments. They can be sized to suit any production requirements and are easy to maintain. Unlike conventional freezers, which are typically prone to corrosion, the stainless steel construction of a tunnel freezer is durable and highly resistant to contamination.

In addition to the benefits of fast and accurate freezing, IQF tunnel freezers can significantly reduce processing time. Compared to other freezers, these units are capable of producing up to twice the amount of product per hour, reducing both labor and energy costs. They can also be adapted to handle a wide range of different product sizes and shapes.

A programmable thermostat can help to save on home energy bills, as it allows you to schedule heating and cooling activities according to your family’s routine. For example, a homeowner can set their system to cool the house before they are expected to return from work or school. By doing this, the household can save on air conditioning costs and reduce demands on the power grid during peak outdoor temperatures.