High-velocity freezers (HVF) from GEA Refrigeration Technologies, based on impingement technology, enable the freezing of hamburger patties and other flat food products, as well as crust freezing of a wide range of food products. The throughput time is shorter than with conventional impingement systems. These innovative HVF systems from GEA utilize special high-velocity air nozzles, which effectively enable fast penetration of the insulating boundary layer of the goods to be frozen, and fast reduction of the temperature at the outer layer.

The result is fast freezing of the product surface. Since the freezing process takes place faster than with conventional freezers, this minimizes dehydration losses of the food products. The benefits to food processors include higher food quality, less cellular damage, longer shelf life, shorter freezing time, 10 to 15 % greater production capacity, and greater yields – all with less energy consumption. With its HVF, GEA has raised the concept of impingement freezing to a new performance level and has implemented essential hygiene characteristics: e.g., fully welded seams and sloped unit floors. The GEA HVF freezer is available with one conveyor belt – or, as option, with two belts whose variable speeds can be separately adjusted.

With its two series I-SRT and I-VRT, GEA Refrigeration Technologies offers two effective solutions for chilling or freezing of packaged foods. These systems enable efficient cooling down to required temperatures of food in cartons, in shrink film, or in plastic packages. These systems are designed for uninterrupted operation and are easily integrated into plant logistics systems, since they are fed from conveyor belts. This makes intermediate storage unnecessary, and the chilling or freezing process fits seamlessly between processing and packaging stages.

Systems in the I-SRT series are designed for goods with fixed retention times (SRT = single retention time). Processing takes place sequentially according to the first-in, first-out principle. After the system accepts the packages from the conveyor belt, the SRT unit places them automatically on an empty placement tray, and then positions them into the chilling stream of air. The process assures sufficient interval to the adjacent trays, to allow effective heat transfer. One positive result is short retention times. After completion of the retention time, the goods are gently transferred to a conveyor belt, where they pass to palletizing and to consignment storage. The I-SRT systems can be designed for output of 1,400 to 13,600 kg/h.

The I-VRT systems (VRT = variable single retention time) enable chilling or freezing of various products alternatively, since they allow variable retention times. They can be effectively used, for example, for food products of various weights or forms. When the product reaches the end of the set retention time, and has achieved the previously specified exit temperature profile, the placement tray is removed and unloaded. Here as well, loading and unloading of the freezers with conveyor belts assure smooth integration into plant logistics. The GEA I-VRT freezers or chillers are available for throughput volumes of approx. 4,500 to 41,000 kg/h.

GEA Maxi-Stack offers great freezing capacity on a small footprint. These freezers are available for output up to approx. 3,500 kg/h (depending on product). Their compact size is possible as a result of their self-stacking, patented GEA Q-belt™ conveyor belt, which makes unnecessary the slide rails that are conventionally used with low-tension spiral freezers. This means more conveyor belt surface area with the same external dimensions. GEA Maxi-Stack is available in various numbers of tiers, thereby enabling the user to adapt his freezers to the product being processed.

GEA Maxi-Stack uses the latest advanced features from the GEA freezing product range: e.g., the fully welded modular insulated floor and stainless steel structure, and a fully welded stainless steel case as an option. All these design features enable the GEA Maxi-Stack to be cleaned efficiently by a CIP system (clean-in-place). The evaporator is manufactured in-house with stainless steel tubes and with 0.6 mm aluminum fins.

GEA Maxi-Stack offers special benefits when increased throughput of frozen products is desired on a given equipment footprint – or when compact building dimensions are being implemented for the production floor. The option of a snow-removal system allows extended operating time between interruptions for defrosting. The recirculating CIP option offers highly efficient cleaning and saves water and detergent.