Starfrost Freezer Makes Minced Meat of Costs
22 February 2008 14:15
A highly economical and energy efficient Starfrost freezing system has proved a cost effective solution for meat specialist ADM.
ADM (Anglo Dutch Meats) supplies meat solutions to leading names in the UK ready meal and foodservice industries. The firm wanted to replace an ageing nitrogen tunnel freezer with a new system for minced beef at its facility in Eastbourne.
Freezing and chilling equipment manufacturer Starfrost designed an automated Starlite HT (Hybrid Tunnel) system for ADM. The bespoke HT freezer was supplied to ADM through Dawsonrentals, the temperature controlled solutions specialist.
Starfrost's pre-assembled Starlite HT freezer is energy efficient and economical. It has generated estimated running cost savings of over £12,000 per week, compared to ADM's previous nitrogen system.
ADM's Managing Director Nik Askaroff says: "Starfrost's HT has enabled us to significantly reduce running costs, increase efficiency and improve product quality. Our agreement with Dawsonrentals has also enabled us to benefit from fixed monthly payments, with no large capital outlay."
Dawsonrentals have agreed a three-year contract with ADM. The agreement includes total maintenance support, with full equipment servicing twice a year. ADM also benefits from the combined engineering expertise generated by the partnership between Starfrost and Dawsonrentals.
ADM's Starlite HT features three 1.4m x 8.5m product belts configured on a cascade principle. This sees minced beef cascading from the top belt to each lower belt in turn, to ensure separation. An oscillating in-feed conveyor also aids product spread across the belt.
ADM's HT is designed for rapid freezing. The system was originally designed to process up to 2,500kg per hour, but is achieving a capacity of 3,000kg per hour.
Starfrost's HT system is suitable for processors looking to move to continuous IQF production and for those requiring additional capacity and flexibility. It is available with up to five belts that can be operated independently at various speeds. This allows different products to be processed simultaneously within one machine.
The HT is capable of processing from 50kg to 3,000kg per hour, depending on product type and retention times. The system can be adapted to harden, chill, freeze or thaw a wide range of food products including meat, poultry, fish, dairy products, fruit and vegetables.
Starfrost's HT is designed compete directly with conventional impingement tunnel freezers. It offers fast and efficient cooling by using an increased air volume without the need for excessive velocities. Air speed can be adjusted to allow controlled chilling or freezing of light and delicate products.
For more information on this company:
Starfrost - Industrial Freezing and Chilling, Spiral Freezers, IQF Tunnel Freezers, Contact Freezers and CIP Sanitising Systems
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