Food processors have two options in their efforts to boost efficiency and product quality from flash-freezing systems: invest in the latest technological advances, or simply learn to optimize the systems they already operate.
Holten Meat Inc., a Sauget, Ill., processor of hamburger patties, opted for the latter approach last year when management sought improved productivity from its liquid nitrogen freezing tunnels. After consulting with a needs assessment team from Air Products and Chemicals Inc., Holten began addressing operational issues with the cryogenic tunnels, such as improved maintenance of exhaust fans and other components, equipment updates and better reporting and management practices. The changes are expected to produce net savings of at least $1.5 million over three years, much of it coming from reduced nitrogen use.