GEA freezing systems solutions at Process Expo 2013

GEA Refrigeration North America will present a variety of solutions for freezing and chilling at PROCESS EXPO 2013, the international trade show for food and beverage processing to be held in Chicago from November 3 to 6. 

Experts from GEA will be on hand to provide insight into freezing system solutions (including spiral, carton, and tunnel), as well as chillers and ice systems. These systems include highly individual solutions in addition to standardized and quickly installed systems, as the following examples show:

Maximum flexibility in carton freezers with variable retention time (VRT) One system to suit all needs: the GEA I-VRT tunnel freezer for cartons, featuring variable retention time, enables the processing of various product sizes and types with different chilling and freezing profiles. Product throughput is variable, from 4,500 to 41,000 kg per hour, and the retention time can be individually adapted to the respective mass of the products. Powerful fans assure the required velocity and distribution of the air flow, as well as for efficient heat transfer. This flexibility assures that the GEA I-VRT can be completely integrated into the production process.

The control system of the GEA I-VRT freezer ensures retention time that effectively matches the product weight and its required freezing time – before the food goes to palletizing or into frozen storage

Minimum liquid loss with the GEA HVF high-velocity freezer (HVF) The GEA HVF high-velocity freezer (HVF) not only enables freezing hamburger patties and other flat products, but also crust freezing of a variety of other foods. For this system, GEA has developed special high-velocity air nozzles that enable quick penetration of the border layers that surround the product and that can rapidly reduce the temperature at the outer layer. A further benefit offered by this system is quality enhancement of the food products by a reduction in cell damage. In comparison to equipment with impingement technology offered until now, the GEA HVF freezer with its modular design enables a reduction by approx. 10 to 15% in the time required for freezing. This means that the food loses less liquid and that it remains fresh longer. This GEA system is available with the option of selection between one conveyor belt or two conveyor belts, with two separately adjustable speeds.