13 August 2024
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A moving-belt cycle/blast freezer based on BITZER Ecoline compressors using R449A refrigerant aims to enable food producers to increase production in space-restricted sites.
David Thirtle AirCon and Refrigeration wanted to overcome the problems associated with traditional bulky industrial freezers, that can be difficult to accommodate and service.
Designer David Thirtle explains: "Historically, the industry has relied on large imported industrial freezers, which, while being high quality, have tended to be unsuitable for end users with smaller processing machines. They can also be expensive to maintain due to the need to source spares from the original manufacturer."
The new British designed and built BBF500 cycle freezer uses cycle crust freezing technology to ensure rapid, uniform freezing or crusting, preserving product quality and extending shelf life. It can be used with a wide range of food products, including seafood, meat, cheese and bakery items.
All components are sourced in the UK where possible, and assembled in Cambridgeshire and Tredegar, Wales, so spare parts are readily available from local suppliers, and in the case of the compressor, from BITZER UK / Green Point UK and approved wholesalers, reducing maintenance costs.
The first units to roll off the production line have been installed at a leading meat processor in Wales, which supplies national UK supermarkets.
With a capacity of up to 500kg per hour, the BBF500 is designed for high-volume production, integrating with industry-standard TVI GSA 400 slicer and similar food preparation machines.
Product and process temperatures can be set between -25 and -42°C, enabling quality to be optimised across a wide range of applications. Equipped with a Siemens controller, belt speed can be finely tuned to suit the product.
The compact stainless-steel unit, measuring H 2.41m x L 2.4m x W 2.2 m and with a 900mm wide moving belt, has full factory internal specification to withstand the demands of industrial freezing environments. Bespoke variants can be made to suit requirements on specific sites.
The company is now developing two higher capacity cycle crust freezers, the BBF800 and BBF1200, with outputs of 780kg and 1200kg per hour, respectively.
It is also collaborating with BITZER UK on a CO₂-based version for end-users seeking the lowest possible Global Warming Potential (GWP) refrigerant, which will be available by the end of the year. A retrofit solution to convert HFC/HFO-based freezers to operate on CO₂ is also under development.
Thirtle added: "We have many years' experience with BITZER compressors, and know how well engineered and reliable they are, crucial in high volume food production. Our close working relationship with the BITZER UK team gives us access to local support and the latest technical innovations."
Kevin Glass, Managing Director of BITZER UK, said: "We applaud David Thirtle AirCon and Refrigeration for their innovative approach. The new freezer fills an important gap and offers end users valuable benefits in terms of space-saving and serviceability. The coming CO₂ version moves the technology on another important step in terms of sustainability and environmental protection."
For more details on the blast cycle freezer: https://dtair.co.uk
For more details on BITZER Ecoline compressors: www.bitzer.de/gb/en/reciprocating-compressors/ecoline/
