Plate freezer trays

[smpsmp45]

What is the best solution for removing the Frozen items from the trays of the plate freezer.

The operators bang the trays to remove the frozen items & damage the trays.

We have tried number of solutions, but yet to come to any easy & simple solutions

[Segei]

Use steam for a few seconds. This works very well.

[smpsmp45]

This is good idea.

But by any chance you have any practical situation with Photo if possible?

[RamAir95TA]

You have a few options. Here's what works for me. This application is for freezing diced bell peppers in an IQF blast freezer:

1.) Remove the excess water off of the product (what are you freezing?). If this is in a production freezer something like a Reyco Watervac would work. Dryer product means less ice.

2.) Use a release agent. We use a food-grade coating called Eclipse that helps to release the ice. It does NOT keep the ice from forming however it does cause it to release off much easier. Couple that with a non-abrasive UHMW scraper of some sort (don't use anything metal) and you shouldn't have a problem. But be warned this coating WILL come off if you use a metal tool to remove the ice. The trick is to stay on top of the ice production.

We used to replace our trays once every year - now they last 2 and 3 times as long.

[Segei]

This is good idea.

But by any chance you have any practical situation with Photo if possible?
I saw this many years ago. It was tunnel freezer. Every 40-50 sec. tray came out of the freezer into small chamber and steam was used on top and bottom of this tray. Steam time was 3-5 sec. It can be adjusted.

[AMP]

Just take a look to the system we use.

10712

http://youtu.be/IWjoJh6DpiQ

The trays are compatible with a pneumatically operated ejector, so there is no risk for the worker due to high pressures (it is air at 4 or 5 bar maximum), and it is quite fast running. As you can see in the video, the whole operation is just 9 sec.

In addition, it is prepared to make simpler introducing the frozen block in the carton box or bag. There is a ramp where the frozen block falls from the tray and goes directly to the box/bag inlet.

OF COURSE, EVERYTHING MADE OF STAINLESS STEEL.

[AMP]

Another option is using a tray like this:

10714

[smpsmp45]

Many thanks for the valuable suggestions.

We tried the steam part & it works very well.

The client is now fine tuning that so that the steam does not go all around in the processing / packing area.

But product removal is definitely improved.