Apparatus and method for chilling or freezing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing chilling and freezing apparatuses for food products are inefficient in terms of the extent of chilling or freezing achieved per unit of cryogen and energy expended, due to high costs associated with cryogenic materials and energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus features a tunnel-like design with a downward and upward sloping section, a continuous belt system, and cryogen vapor retention structures to minimize air infiltration and enhance heat transfer, using cryogenic materials like liquid nitrogen or carbon dioxide for efficient chilling and freezing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If cryogenic materials are used to create cold atmosphere in traditional tunnel apparatus, then chilling and freezing function is achieved, but operational costs and energy consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The belt system serves dual functions: conveying products and providing a cold surface for chilling/freezing. The belt absorbs heat from products and dissipates it to the surrounding air, eliminating the need for continuous cryogen application and reducing energy consumption while maintaining effective temperature control
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the temperature distribution pattern by creating a cold zone at the bottom through the cold belt surface, allowing products to be chilled from below while the upper atmosphere remains warmer, optimizing heat transfer efficiency and reducing overall energy requirements
2Temperature
If cryogenic materials are used to create cold atmosphere, then chilling and freezing is achieved, but the cost of cryogenic materials increases operational expenses
Solution Approach 1:
The belt system serves dual functions: conveying products and providing a cold surface for chilling/freezing. The belt absorbs heat from products and dissipates it to the surrounding air, eliminating the need for continuous cryogen application and reducing energy consumption while maintaining effective temperature control
Solution Approach 2:
Heat absorbed by the cold belt from products is dissipated to the surrounding ambient air rather than being wasted. This recovers thermal energy that would otherwise be lost, reducing the need for continuous cryogen replenishment and lowering operational costs
3Temperature
If products are exposed to cold atmosphere in traditional apparatus, then chilling occurs, but air infiltration reduces efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The invention creates a localized cold zone at the bottom where the cold belt is positioned, while the upper atmosphere remains relatively warmer. This localized approach concentrates cooling efficiency where needed and reduces overall air infiltration losses, as warm air does not need to be continuously replaced throughout the entire chamber
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration minimizes air infiltration, optimizing the use of cryogens and reducing energy consumption while maintaining effective chilling and freezing efficiency, thereby improving the apparatus's overall efficiency and reducing operational costs.
Implementation Method 1
A downward and upward sloping section (20, 24) is provided in the enclosure (110)
Implementation Method 2
using cryogenic materials like liquid nitrogen or carbon dioxide for efficient chilling and freezing
Implementation Method 3
pass the products through a tunnel-like apparatus within which the products are exposed to a very cold atmosphere
Implementation Method 4
creating the cold atmosphere within the apparatus involves using cryogenic materials, such as liquid nitrogen or liquid or solid carbon dioxide
Data Source
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AI summary
Product such as food is chilled or frozen in apparatus in which a chilling zone holds a pool of cryogen vapor, and a belt that carries the product through the apparatus passes through a region in the apparatus that is lower than the upper surface of the pool of cryogen vapor.