What is IQF?? This is the question that many people are interested in when hearing about technology. IQF quick freezing, an advanced method in the food industry. Let's Tan Long Learn more about this system, its uses, structure, and the benefits it brings in the article below.
What is IQF? What is IQF freezing system?
IQF refrigeration system, also known as the super-fast freezing system of loose products, is denoted as IQF, abbreviation of Individual Quick FreezerThis system uses conveyor belts that move at slow speeds. During the process, the products that need to be frozen will be exposed to cold air at gradually lower temperatures.
IQF refrigeration system specialized for loose frozen products. The moving speed of the conveyor belt can be adjusted, depending on the type of product and the finished product requirements. The temperature in contact with the frozen product is forced convection air at high speed, temperature from -35°C to -43°C, fast cooling time and low heat loss thanks to Double-layer insulated chamber shell covered with stainless steel and Polyurethane.
What is the use of IQF quick freezing technology?
IQF quick freezing technology has many useful uses in cold storage, include:
- Preserve the freshness and nutritional value of the product: Thanks to quick freezing technology, IQF system Allows each product to be frozen individually effectively, preserving its flavor, texture and nutritional value. Frozen products ensure freshness throughout the warehousing and shipping process.
- Save operating costs and resources: The IQF freezing system uses cold air to freeze products quickly, saving time compared to traditional methods. As a result, IQF not only increases productivity but also reduces cold storage operating costs. This system is also flexible in handling many different product batches without waiting time. IQF operates efficiently with low power consumption. With a standard design, high durability and stable operation for many years, the IQF system helps factories save significantly on maintenance and repair costs.
- Meet industrial hygiene standards: The IQF system ensures that the frozen products do not stick together or adhere to the conveyor belt, making cleaning easier. The IQF design allows for disassembly and cleaning with water or compressed air, effectively removing bacteria and impurities, ensuring food hygiene and safety.
Structure of each part of the IQF freezing system
IQF (Individual Quick Freezing) freezing system usually includes 5 main parts:
- Insulated shell: The outside of the system is covered by panel Insulation made of stainless steel, with a PU (Polyurethane) core inside. This panel helps prevent heat loss, save energy and maintain a stable temperature in the refrigeration area.
- Product conveyor: The bulk product conveyor belt is usually made of 304 stainless steel, a type of stainless steel with high heat transfer efficiency, ensuring the product is frozen evenly and effectively.
- Evaporator system: The cold evaporator is usually made of aluminum alloy, densely arranged to enhance heat exchange capacity, helping the system achieve optimal cooling performance.
- Central controller: The central controller plays an important role in managing and controlling the entire operation of the IQF system. It controls the temperature, time and other important parameters to ensure that the freezing process takes place properly.
- Sensors and emergency switches: Sensors and emergency switches help ensure cold storage safety, monitoring changes in temperature, pressure and other critical factors. In the event of a malfunction, the sensors can trigger an immediate safety system.
In addition to the above basic components, the IQF system also includes auxiliary equipment such as high-pressure and low-pressure tanks, condenser, fluid pump, and defrost tank. These devices ensure the system operates stably and efficiently.
What is the operating principle of IQF technology?
IQF refrigeration system using NH3 refrigerant in many types freezer conveyor and apply the method of supplying the cooling system with a pump.
Comes with freezer conveyor To be refreezing conveyor. Water used to defrost condenser of both the freezing and refreezing conveyors. Compressed air is then used to dry the conveyor belt.
Other devices in IQF refrigeration system Including: high pressure tank, low pressure tank, oil separator, oil recovery tank, intermediate tank, cooling water pump, condenser, liquid pump, defrost and defrost water tank.
Summary of 3 popular IQF freezing systems today
Spiral IQF freezer
If you are running a small food processing plant and need a compact, cost-effective, stable operating refrigeration system, then spiral IQF freezing system would be an ideal choice.
Advantage
- Quick freezing technology: The spiral IQF system is a technology for quick freezing each product, with a spiral conveyor from bottom to top in an insulated chamber. The product is placed on the conveyor and exposed to cold air at a temperature of -40°C to -35°C, ensuring fast and uniform freezing.
- High quality insulation material: The outer surface of the system is made of stainless steel and 15 cm thick polyurethane insulation, density 40 kg/m³, helping to prevent outside temperature from penetrating.
- Compact design: With compact, closed design, the system saves installation space.
- Easy to operate and adjust: Safe system, easy to adjust conveyor speed according to needs.
- Product quality assurance: IQF spiral retains the shape, color, flavor and nutrition of the product, without causing cold burning or sticking of the products together.
- Energy saving: Thanks to the good insulation system and defrosting by water or compressed air, the system saves energy and water.
- Meet hygiene and safety standards: The system meets food hygiene standards, with conveyor belts having washing systems and anti-stick vibrating hammers.
- Handling a variety of products: Can freeze many types of products such as meat, fish, vegetables, pizza, bread.
- Durable spiral conveyor design: The twisted design reduces tension and increases the durability of the conveyor belt, which is the highlight of spiral IQF system.
Disadvantages
- High investment cost: Due to the use of advanced technology and high-grade materials, the system has a relatively large investment cost.
- Large space requirement: Spiral conveyors require larger and higher installation space than conventional systems.
- Durability and hygiene: Spiral conveyors have lower durability and are more difficult to clean than straight conveyors, so they require regular maintenance and servicing.
Straight IQF freezer
Straight IQF freezer is the ideal choice for large scale frozen food processing plants, thanks to its large conveyor area and flat surface.
Advantage
- Convenient straight structure: The straight design makes it easy to put food in and out at both ends, convenient for cleaning and washing.
- Reduce heat loss: The system is designed with small gaps, helping to minimize heat loss, ensuring cooling efficiency.
- Quick freezing: Fast freezing time helps minimize dehydration in food, maintaining product quality.
- Easy to expand and maintain: The system allows for additional cooling units to be installed when needed and is convenient for maintenance.
Disadvantages
- Power consumption: With large conveyor area and high cooling temperature, the system consumes more electricity than smaller systems.
- Requires large space: Due to the long conveyor belt, the system requires large installation space and safety distance for efficient operation.
IQF super fast freezer
IQF super fast freezer has a similar structure to a straight freezer but is improved with 1 to 2 conveyor belts that can adjust the speed depending on the type of product and production needs. Inside, the cooling system is arranged in two rows on both sides of the conveyor, along with a wind direction tube that focuses the cold air flow directly onto the product.
The supply chamber is insulated with a 150–200 mm thick layer of polyurethane and covered with stainless steel on the outside, providing effective insulation. The entrance door has an electric heating system, ensuring anti-frost, and there is convenient lighting inside.
The conveyor system and equipment are all made of stainless steel. The condenser is made of stainless steel and the fins are made of aluminum, specially designed for optimal heat transfer efficiency, suitable for the R22 and NH3 circulating pump system. The surface and floor are all watertight, with a slope for easy drainage.
Advantage
- Quick freezing: Freezing times are as fast as systems using liquid nitrogen, but operating costs are reduced by up to half.
- Maintain product quality: Limits water loss, does not cause cold burn, helps products retain their shape and quality.
- Meet hygiene standards: Designed to meet industrial hygiene standards, easy to clean and maintain.
- Easy to install and expand: The system is assembled in complete blocks, can be expanded to increase capacity, and supports both NH3 and Freon refrigeration systems.
- Suitable for thin products: Suitable for products such as fish fillets, shrimps, potato cakes, pastries, and egg products.
Disadvantages
- High investment cost: The investment cost is higher than that of conventional freezers.
What are the things to keep in mind when using the IQF system?
Notes for effective use of IQF freezing system:
- Clean before operation: Technicians need to ensure that the freezer chamber and related equipment are thoroughly cleaned before use to ensure food safety.
- Adjust the temperature accordingly: Freezing temperature needs to be adjusted according to each specific product type to ensure optimal freezing efficiency.
- Arrange food properly: Food should be properly sorted and arranged to avoid food balls or pieces sticking together during freezing.
- Proper packaging and storage: After freezing, the product needs to be sealed and stored in cold storage at the appropriate temperature to ensure long-term quality.
Tan Long - Address for installing high quality IQF quick freezing system
Tan Long is a unit with many years of experience in the field of supplying and installing systems. IQF quick freezing high quality. We are committed to providing efficient, energy-saving solutions and protecting product quality. Our team of experienced technicians Tan Long ready to support customers in consulting, designing, installing and maintaining systems. We are committed to bringing customers satisfaction and trust with the most modern and quality solutions on the market.
We are always ready to provide free consultation, customers just need to contact us via hotline number 0933.357.058.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many years does Tan Long warrant the IQF refrigeration system?
Tan Long guarantees the IQF quick freezing system for up to 2 years, ensuring peace of mind for customers during use.
I want to freeze fish fillets, shrimp, potato cakes... which freezing system should I use?
For shrimp, fish fillets and potato cakes, IQF straight freezer system is the right choice thanks to its ability to freeze quickly and maintain product quality.
How much does it cost to install a complete IQF system?
The cost of installing an IQF quick freezing system depends on the scale and specific requirements of each customer. For details, you can contact Tan Long directly for advice and specific quotes.
Conclude, What is IQF quick freezing system? It is a modern and effective solution in the food industry, helping to preserve fresh food, retain nutritional value and save costs. If you are looking for an IQF system installation unit: IQF Mesh Conveyor, Flat IQF Conveyor reputation, Tan Long is the top choice.
