EQUIPMENT FOR ULTRA-RAPID FREEZING OF FOODS THROUGH DIRECT METERED CONTACT WITH LIQUID NITROGEN.

摘要

The present invention relates to equipment for ultra-rapid freezing of foods contained in packaging having multiple cavities for sale to the public, through application of a stream of liquid nitrogen in an amount sufficient to cause ultra-rapid freezing of the food. Liquid nitrogen is dispensed gravitationally from a vacuum-insulated container at atmospheric pressure by a plurality of nozzles at the centre of the upper surface of each cavity, thereby leading to brief immersion in the individual cavity; the gaseous nitrogen generated is used to create a substantially oxygen-free atmosphere cold enough to sustain the freezing process following such dispensing. The process decreases the amount of liquid nitrogen required compared with other freezing processes, as well as the personnel, equipment and physical space necessary for installation and operation thereof, thereby reducing the associated costs.