5 Key Elements for Energy Efficiency in IQF Freezing
Food processors face a series of challenges, and finding the most suitable and cost-effective Individual Quick Freezing or IQF freezer is one of them. The recent surge in energy costs has made this decision more daunting than ever before, as it has had a profound impact on the global economy and businesses. Therefore, in order to mitigate the impact of rising energy costs, processors are now actively seeking energy-efficient IQF technology to reduce their equipment's running costs.
Five important elements influence energy efficiency in an OctoFrost IQF Freezer: aerodynamics, the fans, the bedplate or conveyor belt, the coil design, and the housing along with the floor heating. Let’s dive deeper into each element below.
Faster freezing with efficient aerodynamics
Aerodynamics, which refers to the study of how air moves around objects, plays a significant role in determining the quality of the freezing result as it influences product dehydration. This can be addressed by using a complex equation of the right pressure, air velocity, temperature, freezer design, and fan design. The right combination helps to achieve fluidization, the latest advance in IQF technology that allows the IQF product to act as a fluid and be gently handled to keep its shape. Effective aerodynamics can also result in shorter freezing time, which reduces dehydration to a minimum and maximizes the freezer capacity.
Flexible fan design for less energy consumption
Most IQF tunnel freezers often run their fans at full capacity, which can result in high energy consumption and damage to the product due to overblowing. In contrast, the OctoFrost IQF freezer uses vane axial fans that can be adjusted to different speeds. This customization allows processors to set the speed of each fan based on the product's unique characteristics, resulting in a fan speed requirement of typically no more than 75% to 85%. Additionally, the fan design allows for better control of the airflow, resulting in up to 30% energy savings.
Unique bedplates configuration for optimal processing
Most IQF freezers use conveyor belts, which cause increased friction between the product and the belt and require additional energy to maintain the necessary cooling capacity. On the other hand, OctoFrost™ bedplates are designed with a specific thickness and hole configuration that achieves the required fluidization type, resulting in lower energy consumption and no product sticking to the bedplate.
Longer production hours with larger coil
The size of the coil inside the IQF freezer determines how much heat is removed. OctoFrost™ freezer has an oversized coil that allows running the fans at lower speeds to maintain fluidization and the desired cooling effect. Additionally, the coil has a larger front area as compared to other freezers, which increases the time between defrosting. Thus, having an oversized coil provides the added advantage of achieving greater energy savings.
Eliminate the need for floor heating
Finally, traditional IQF freezers require floor heating to prevent the floor from freezing and damaging the equipment. On the other hand, the OctoFros IQF tunnel freezer’s body stands on its own supporting feet, ensuring excellent insulation and no need for floor heating.
In conclusion, investing in an energy-efficient IQF freezer is crucial for food processors looking to reduce their equipment's running costs amidst the energy crisis. The OctoFrost™ IQF tunnel freezer addresses five key factors for energy efficiency in IQF freezers. Its efficient aerodynamics, design of the fans, patented bedplates, oversized coil, and lack of housing and floor heating makes it a top choice for processors looking for optimal performance and cost-effectiveness.