Air Blast Freezer vs. Cold Storage: Know the Difference!
Technological advances are increasingly having a significant impact on the development of the food industry. A variety of devices are now available specifically designed to extend product shelf life, including air blast freezers and cold storage.
While both create low temperatures to maintain product freshness, there are several differences between them. This article will explain the differences between air blast freezers and cold storage. So, be sure to read the article below to ensure you choose the right cooler!
Differences between Air Blast Freezers and Cold Storage
To avoid making any mistakes, before using an air blast freezer or cold storage, you need to understand the differences. Below, we'll examine the differences between air blast freezers and cold storage, looking at several key aspects.
1. Function
An air blast freezer is a type of refrigeration chamber that can freeze products quickly. This is achieved by distributing cold, high-speed, and intensive temperatures to quickly replace the hot air surrounding the product.
Cold storage is a method for storing frozen products for longer periods. Cold storage provides an ideal and stable temperature for frozen products to maintain their condition before processing or distribution to consumers. Goods entering cold storage must be frozen.
2. Operating Temperature
To perform the quick freeze function,air blast freezer operates at very low temperatures, namely between -30 °C and -40 °C. This low temperature is necessary to quickly lower the core temperature of the product below freezing point, which is generally around -18 °C.
This is of course different fromcold storage which normally operates at temperatures of -23º C to 10 °C. The temperature at cold storagewarmer thanair blast freezer because its role is limited to keeping the product frozen and not damaged.
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3. Processing Duration
In general, the duration of the freezing process inair blast freezerIt lasts quite a short time, between 2 and 6 hours. However, the duration can vary depending on the type, size, and initial temperature of the product.
In addition, it is important to note that, after reaching the expected freezing level, the product needs to be removed from the freezer immediately.air blast freezer. This aims to prevent the riskfreezer burn, namely the condition of the product surface being dry due to being at extreme temperatures for too long.
4. Product Type
Some types of products that require rapid freezing inair blast freezer, that is seafood, red meat, poultry, and all kinds of products that need to be frozen.
On the other hand, cold storageusually handles frozen products, including fresh fruit and vegetables, productsdairy (milk and cheese), drinks,ice creamand many more.
So, it can be said that the products that enterair blast freezerusually in a raw or unfrozen condition, while the products that entercold storage usually frozen, chilled, or ready to distribute.
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5. Main Working Method
How it worksair blast freezer The process begins with the distribution of very low-temperature, high-velocity cold air. This then results in a significant drop in the product's temperature. Finally, the freezing process takes place, producing micro-ice crystals.
Meanwhile, the way it workscold storageinvolves several processes including compression (gas compression), condensation (condensation), expansion (pressure reduction), and evaporation (evaporation).
These four cycles run continuously to keep the temperature low.Now, To make it easier for you to understand, here is a table of differences.air blast freezer And cold storage:
Read also: Get to Know 6 Types of Industries That Need...Cold Storage
Usage ExamplesAir Blast Freezer And Cold Storage in the Food Industry
Good air blast freezer andcold storage has a very vital role in the food industry so that the combination of the two can really support business development.
Some examples of useair blast freezer And cold storagein the food industry, namely:
Processed foods: Seasoned tempura is frozen inair blast freezer, then moved intocold storageAfterward, the tempura is ready to be shipped by refrigerated truck to the restaurant to be prepared into a dish.
Seafood: After being caught, fresh fish are immediately cleaned and then frozen inair blast freezer. After reaching the desired temperature, the fish are transferred intocold storagebefore being distributed to restaurant ownersseafood.
Fruit:The strawberries are harvested, cut, and cleaned. They are then frozen inair blast freezer so that the color remains bright and does not become soft when thawed. Then, the strawberries are stored incold storage until the time for distribution arrives. Strawberries are ready to be sent tobakeryto be used as a fillingator filling pastry.
That is the explanation of the differencesair blast freezer And cold storageThese two cooling chambers complement each other to maintain product freshness and meet industry standards.
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Equipped with systemmodern like monitoringtemperature, shelf system, and markingsbarcodeTo simplify storage, MGM Bosco can be relied upon to help your business grow. Immediately contact usto get more complete service information!
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