“We are helping processors meet their goals for higher throughput with breakthrough, high-efficiency designs and the lowest operating costs in the industry,” says Mark DiMaggio, Head of Food & Beverage, Linde LLC.  Linde cryogenic solutions use either carbon dioxide (CO₂) or liquid nitrogen (N₂) with proprietary delivery systems to rapidly chill or freeze protein products at volumes up to 20,000 lbs./hr.

The Cross-Flow spiral freezer, ideal for marinated poultry, greatly improves heat-transfer efficiency compared to a standard (cryogenic) box spiral freezer with a patented air-flow design that consistently moves cryogen across the conveyor belt. A first-ever, hygienic, round-frame enclosure around the spiral drum also improves cryogen flow around the product. The freezer consumes about 15 percent less cryogen than a standard box spiral and can significantly increase production in 30 percent less space.

The value of cryogenic solutions goes beyond improvements in throughput, and can also be measured in reduced maintenance and downtime, consistent product quality and reduced product losses. “We can typically reduce dehydration losses 4-6 percent. That alone is huge for product yields. When you add it all up, the true value of cryogenic technology can be a million or more dollars per year per line,” DiMaggio says. 

The new CRYOWAVE rolling-wave IQF freezer eliminates the CO₂ “snow carryover” of old flighted freezers along with associated product losses and unnecessary downtime.  Both the CRYOWAVE and the Cross-Flow are hygienically-designed for easy maintenance. 

Engineering can make the difference in improving ROI of new cryogenic systems.  Bottom-injection (BI) chilling systems greatly improve efficiency over other chilling methods, although BI systems must be tailored to the mixer, the protein product and the process. Linde optimizes BI systems for high efficiency using either liquid CO₂ or, for the first time in the protein industry, liquid nitrogen.

The Linde Food Team performs in-plant assessments and works with food processors to develop optimal solutions. For more information visit Linde (www.lindefood.com) or call: 800-755-9277.  

Linde North America is a member of The Linde Group, a world-leading gases and engineering company with approximately 63,000 employees in more than 100 countries. In the 2012 financial year, Linde generated revenue of EUR 15.280 bn (USD 19.9 bn). The strategy of The Group is focused on long-term profitable growth and the expansion of its international business with forward-looking products and services. Linde acts responsibly towards its shareholders, business partners, employees, society and the environment – in every one of its business areas, regions and locations across the globe. The Linde Group is committed to technologies and products that unite the goals of customer value and sustainable development.

For more information, see The Linde Group online at www.linde.com.