The CRYOLINE® PB plate belt tunnel freezer from Linde is a liquid nitrogen-powered freezer optimized to crust freeze a variety of difficult to handle products such as raw marinated proteins, sauced foods, semi-liquid products, and others. The freezer quickly produces a frozen crust on the products resulting in low- to no sticking, an easy to handle product, and an increase in yield due to the prevention of dehydration.
A specially designed solid stainless-steel segmented conveyor belt is chilled in the freezer to cryogenic temperatures. As products are placed on the conveyor belt, the outside surface is quickly crust frozen by contact with the cold surface and cold airflow. This crust freezing locks-in moisture, brine, marinade, or sauces so that there are minimal losses in downstream processing steps. Adjustable high-speed internal fans and controllable gas injection optimize the flow and use of nitrogen and ensure quick and efficient product crusting. The freezer’s high capacity and efficient operation allow product yield improvement with a minimum of operating cost and plant floor space