Cryogenic combination tunnel freezer
US4852358A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 16, 1988 |
| Grant date | Aug 1, 1989 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 16, 2008 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF25D3/11
- WIPO fieldFood chemistry
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
The present invention comprises a method and apparatus to be used in the cryogenic fast freezing of organic comprised articles such a biologicals and foodstuffs. The method enables control of the time-temperature profile of an article as it progresses through the freezing process, and thus provides the highest quality frozen article. The method requires at least two applications of liquid cryogen to the surface of the article during the freezing process, wherein the applications of liquid cryogen are spaced in time in a manner which essentially prevents thermal cracking and embrittlement of portions of the article, while simultaneously ensuring that a frozen crust which operates as a barrier to water conduction or transmission out of the article remains on the articles throughout the freezing process. In addition, the method and apparatus provide an improved efficiency of operation in terms of utilization of the cryogenic medium within the freezing process.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.