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Stainless Steel Cooling Coil for IQF Tunnel Freezers
Material Characteristics
Corrosion Resistance: One of the most important aspects of stainless steel cooling coils for IQF (Individual Quick Freeze) tunnel freezers is their corrosion resistance. Due to the high humidity of the environment around the coil during operation of the freezer, and the possibility of contact with salts, acids and other components of the food. For example, when quick-freezing seafood, the salt and water in the seafood will be released into the air, stainless steel (such as 304 or 316 stainless steel) can resist the corrosion of these substances, to ensure the service life of the coil and the safety of the food. 316 stainless steel, due to the presence of molybdenum, its corrosion resistance is stronger than 304 stainless steel, especially suitable for the environment that contains more corrosive components such as chlorides.
Good thermal conductivity: Stainless steel is not as thermally conductive as, for example, copper, but it still meets the needs of IQF tunnel freezers. It is able to efficiently transfer the cold from the refrigerant to the food being frozen. For example, the refrigerant flowing inside the cooling coil is at a temperature of around -30°C. Through the walls of the stainless steel cooling coil, the temperature of the food surface can be quickly reduced to achieve a quick-freezing effect.
Strength and toughness: Stainless steel cooling coils need to withstand a certain amount of pressure, including the pressure of the refrigerant and the external forces that may be subjected to in the food transportation process. Stainless steel material has sufficient strength and toughness to prevent the coil from being deformed or damaged during use. For example, in the continuous food conveying process, the cooling coil may be subject to food collision or extrusion, the high strength of stainless steel can ensure that the coil structural stability.
Coil Design Points
Coil shape and size:
In IQF tunnel freezers, cooling coils are typically designed in a serpentine or spiral shape. Serpentine coils are easy to arrange in the tunnel, cover a large freezing area, and ensure that the food is frozen uniformly at all locations in the tunnel. For example, the spacing of serpentine sections of cooling coils in an IQF tunnel freezer can be adjusted to suit the size of the food product and the freezing requirements, typically in the range of 10 - 30 cm. Spiral coils allow the length of the coil to be increased in a limited space, thereby increasing the heat transfer area. The diameter of the coil is usually determined by the refrigerant flow rate and the required heat transfer efficiency, typically between 10 - 20 mm.
Fin design (if available):
Some cooling coils will have fins to increase the heat transfer area. The fins can be flat, corrugated, etc. The fins are simple and easy to construct. Flat fins are simple and easy to fabricate and clean, while corrugated fins increase turbulence on the air side and improve heat transfer efficiency. The spacing of the fins is also critical, typically between 2 - 5 millimeters, with too close resulting in poor air flow and too thin not fully utilizing the heat transfer benefits of the fins. For example, in an IQF tunnel freezer for quick-frozen vegetables, a cooling coil with corrugated fins allows the heat from the surface of the vegetables to be transferred more quickly to the refrigerant inside the coil, improving quick-freezing efficiency.
Compatibility with IQF Tunnel Freezers
Improved freezing efficiency: Proper design and installation of the stainless steel cooling coil can significantly improve the freezing efficiency of the IQF tunnel freezer. They work in tandem with the air circulation system in the tunnel to rapidly lower the temperature of food products. For example, when quick-freezing meat products, the cooling coil can reduce the temperature inside the tunnel to below - 18°C in a short period of time, allowing the meat to freeze quickly and form small ice crystals as it passes through the tunnel, minimizing damage to the meat cells and ensuring product quality.
Hygiene and easy to clean: In the process of food freezing, the hygiene requirements are very high. Stainless steel cooling coils have a smooth surface that is easy to clean and sanitize. After each use, the coil can be cleaned with a special food-grade cleaner to prevent the residue of food residue and bacteria. Moreover, the stainless steel material itself is not prone to harboring bacteria, which meets the hygienic standards for food processing.
Maintenance and Replacement Convenience: The cooling coils of IQF tunnel freezers may have problems such as refrigerant leakage and scaling after long-term use. Stainless steel cooling coils are designed with ease of maintenance and replacement in mind. For example, the connecting parts of the coils feature easily removable fittings, making it easy for maintenance personnel to inspect and replace damaged pipe sections. Moreover, its standardized dimensions and specifications make it easier to replace parts.
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