Yurnfreeze Fluidized Bed Freezer for IQF Food Processing

A fluidized bed freezer is mainly suitable for small, lightweight, and particulate products that require individual quick freezing (IQF). Typical applications include:

• 1. Berries such as strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries
• 2. Diced fruits and vegetables
• 3. Green peas and other small vegetables
• 4. Shrimp and small seafood products
• 5. Small prepared food pieces
• 6. Other particulate products requiring good individual separation

The suitability depends on product size, shape, moisture content, density, feeding condition, and required freezing temperature. Yurnfreeze can select the airflow configuration and freezing parameters according to the specific product characteristics.

The two configurations use controlled airflow to improve product fluidization and heat transfer, but they are designed for different processing requirements.

The pulsed-air plastic mesh belt configuration is suitable for products requiring controlled airflow and gentle handling, particularly delicate fruits, vegetables, and small particulate products.

The replaceable plate-type configuration uses modular freezing plates that can be removed and replaced according to the processing requirements. This design is particularly useful for seafood and multi-SKU production where cleaning, maintenance, and product changeover are important considerations.

The appropriate configuration depends on the product characteristics, required throughput, freezing process, and factory cleaning requirements.

Yes. Fluidized bed freezing can be suitable for delicate berries when airflow, product loading, and freezing conditions are properly controlled.

Berries have relatively delicate surfaces and can be susceptible to mechanical damage, deformation, and product adhesion during freezing. A controlled airflow system allows the product layer to be partially fluidized while minimizing unnecessary mechanical contact. The freezing process can therefore be adjusted according to the size, maturity, moisture content, and surface condition of the fruit.

For particularly delicate products, Yurnfreeze can configure the airflow, belt structure, pulsation parameters, and freezing time according to the product characteristics.

Yes. Fluidized bed freezers are commonly suitable for shrimp, small seafood pieces, and other particulate seafood products requiring individual separation. For seafood processing, the freezing system needs to balance:

1. Rapid heat transfer
2. Product separation
3. Gentle handling
4. Uniform freezing
5. Easy cleaning and sanitation

Yurnfreeze’s replaceable plate-type fluidized bed configuration can be considered for seafood plants processing multiple product specifications. The modular plate structure can simplify removal, cleaning, and replacement during product changeover and maintenance.

The required freezer capacity should be determined from product characteristics and production requirements rather than throughput alone. Key parameters include:

1. Product type — fruit, vegetable, shrimp, or other particulate food
2.Product size and weight
3. Infeed temperature
4. Required final core temperature
5. Required freezing time
6.Hourly production capacity
7. Available factory space
8. Refrigeration conditions
9. Cleaning and product changeover requirements

For example, two products with the same throughput may require different airflow rates, belt configurations, and freezing times because their size, density, moisture content, and thermal properties are different. Yurnfreeze can determine the appropriate fluidized bed configuration based on the customer’s product and process data.

The freezer can be configured with cleaning and defrosting functions designed to reduce maintenance time and support continuous food production. Depending on the configuration, Yurnfreeze fluidized bed systems can incorporate:

1. CIP cleaning options
2. Sequential defrosting
3. Removable or replaceable freezing plates
4. Food-grade plastic mesh belts
5. Accessible internal components

Sequential defrosting can allow different freezing zones to be serviced in stages, helping reduce unnecessary production interruptions. For multi-product facilities, the cleaning configuration should be considered during the equipment selection stage because product characteristics and sanitation requirements can significantly affect the optimal freezer design.

The refrigeration configuration depends on the project and may be integrated with:

1. Ammonia refrigeration systems
2. CO₂ refrigeration systems
3. Freon/HFC/HFO-based systems
4. Other site-specific refrigeration configurations

The required refrigeration capacity is determined by factors such as product throughput, product inlet temperature, freezing temperature, freezing time, ambient conditions, and heat load.

For turnkey projects, Yurnfreeze can coordinate the freezer configuration with the customer’s refrigeration system and overall production line requirements.