Cryogenic exhaust control system and freezer having same

Abstract

A freezer for a food product, includes a housing having an internal space with a processing atmosphere for reducing a temperature of the food product; and a pressure balance apparatus in communication with the processing atmosphere to restrict atmosphere external to the freezer from reaching the internal space, the pressure balance apparatus comprising at least one sensor exposed to the processing atmosphere for generating a first signal indicating an amount of oxygen (O2) sensed at the internal space, and a blower disposed to direct a pressurized flow of the processing atmosphere to the internal space responsive to the first signal. A related method is also provided.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present embodiments relate to apparatus and methods to exhaust cryogen from freezers, such as for example food freezers.[0002]All current cryogenic food freezing systems require trained personnel to operate and adjust the freezers.[0003]Proper balance of a cryogenic food freezing system is important, but can be difficult to maintain throughout continuous production of the food products. The term “balance” as used herein refers to an operating status wherein spent gaseous cryogen of the freezing or chilling process is exhausted or leaked from an inlet and / or an outlet of the freezer at a minimal rate in order to prevent room air (ie, atmosphere external to the freezer) from being drawn into the freezer system. When external room air is drawn into a cryogenic freezer, an additional heat load is incurred on the system resulting in an overall reduction of operating efficiency of the freezing system.[0004]There are no known automatic methods to ensure...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The invention is a system that automatically controls the balance of a cryogenic freezer, reducing the burden on the operator and improving efficiency. The system includes oxygen monitors to control the balance blower and can also be used at the inlet of the freezer. The system also involves withdrawing a portion of the processing atmosphere and pressurizing it to prevent additional oxygen from entering. Overall, the invention helps to maintain the optimal processing atmosphere in the freezer.

Problems solved by technology

Proper balance of a cryogenic food freezing system is important, but can be difficult to maintain throughout continuous production of the food products.

When external room air is drawn into a cryogenic freezer, an additional heat load is incurred on the system resulting in an overall reduction of operating efficiency of the freezing system.

There are no known automatic methods to ensure a cryogenic freezing system stays “balanced” throughout production.

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