• Journal of Biosystems Engineering
• /
• v.39 no.4
• /
• pp.330-335
• /
• 2014

Purpose: This study was conducted for enhancing the performance of a conventional quick freezer by introducing the supercooling state, using a low-temperature coolant. Methods: In the present investigation, the supercooling process was executed prior to quick freezing for reducing the time by which the temperature passes the zone of maximum ice crystal formation. Every food has different nucleation points and hence, we used silicone oil as the coolant for supercooling for easy modification of temperature. Additionally, for quick freezing, we used liquid nitrogen spray. Results: Using the heat exchanger-type precooler with silicone oil, the temperature of the chamber was easily changed for enabling supercooling. Particularly, the results of the freezing test with garlic indicated that this system improved the hardness of garlic after it was thawed, compared to the conventional freezing method. Conclusions: Before quick freezing, if the food item is subjected to the supercooling state, the time from nucleation to the temperature reaching the frozen state ($-5^{\circ}C$, which is the maximum ice crystal formation zone) will be shorter than that incurred using quick freezing alone. The combination of the heat exchanger-type supercooler and liquid nitrogen sprayer is expected to serve as a promising technology for improving the physicochemical qualities of frozen foods.

• Journal of Biosystems Engineering
• /
• v.31 no.3 s.116
• /
• pp.161-167
• /
• 2006

The purpose of this study is to find the optimal conditions of PCM slurry manufacturing equipment for saving the marketing cost and keeping the original quality of products. In addition, the characteristics of the movable container for shipping or distributing products is analysed. The major results are as follows. 1. PCM thermal storage system is designed with the conditions of temperature($-5{\sim}10^{\circ}C$), cold chain time(30 minutes), and one time usage(50 liter). This system includes tank, freezer, circulating pump, cycle type heat exchanger, swelling tank, equipment of supplying PCM supplying unit includes cold tank, cycle type heat exchanger, suction unit and control equipments, etc. 2. After ability test of PCM thermal storage system, it shows that the required freezing time of PCM thermal storage system is less than one of the previous system. The reason is that churn (top and bottom) and compulsion circulation are occurred simultaneously and unit cooler type method is better than chiller type method. 3. By the experiment of transportation latent heat container, it is decided that the best container is $K_1$ with latent heat temperature($0{\sim}5^{\circ}C$) and density(0.15%). However, for $K_l\;and\;K_2$, it is necessary more studies on latent heat thermal conditions and conditions of making method.