IQF Impingement Tunnel Freezer

• This equipment is typically used for individually quick freezing (IQF) a variety of food products.
• It is commonly applied for crust freezing larger items prior to further processing or packaging.
• Ideal for chilling products where rapid temperature reduction is required.
• Suitable for freezing smaller, delicate items such as berries, prawns, or diced vegetables.
• Often used in the processing of meat and fish products to preserve texture and quality.

Typical capacity

Throughput for this class of equipment commonly ranges from 500 kg/hr to several tonnes/hr, depending on product type and desired freezing time.

Power supply

Units of this type typically require a 3-phase electrical supply, commonly 400V/50Hz, with significant power draw for refrigeration compressors and fans.

Refrigerant type

These freezers commonly operate with industrial refrigerants such as Ammonia (R717) or CO2 (R744), or synthetic refrigerants.

Operating temperature

Internal temperatures for impingement freezers typically range from -30°C to -45°C to achieve rapid freezing.

Construction material

The cabinet and product contact parts are typically constructed from food-grade stainless steel for hygiene and durability.

Footprint

The physical footprint can vary significantly, but tunnel freezers commonly require substantial floor space and height clearance.

Belt width

The conveyor belt width for this type of freezer typically ranges from 600mm to 1500mm, influencing throughput and product size.

• What is impingement freezing?

  Impingement freezing uses high-velocity jets of cold air directed at the top and bottom surfaces of the product. This rapid air movement enhances heat transfer, leading to significantly faster freezing times compared to conventional blast freezers.

• How does an impingement freezer compare to a cryogenic (Nitrogen) freezer?

• What types of products are best suited for an impingement tunnel freezer?

• What maintenance is typically required for this type of freezer?

• Can this unit be integrated into an existing processing line?

IQF systems are highly regarded in food processing for their ability to freeze individual products uniformly whilst maintaining quality and texture. Buyers typically value machines with reliable refrigeration components and consistent belt speed control. When purchasing used equipment, inspecting freezing chamber condition, verifying temperature consistency, and checking refrigerant integrity are essential. Industry users appreciate their efficiency in handling delicate items and relatively low maintenance demands compared to alternative freezing methods.

General overview for this equipment type