Case Study
07 June 2010
'Not just any heat exchanger'
Since 2006, Guntner has been supplying spiral freezer manufacturer Starfrost (UK) Limited with industrial evaporators for use in their spiral and freezing tunnel systems. Ideally suited to these most demanding of environments, each heat exchanger is bespoke designed to suit the application. One recent stand out project particularly drew on our experience and expertise.
When ready meals producer Cavaghan and Gray invested in a fully automated and flexible freezing system from Starfrost we were challenged to offer a unit suitable for a low charge ammonia system. As well as being flexible, the heat exchanger also needed to be compact as the freezer had a limited footprint, operating with a compact radius spiral conveyor.
Certainly Starfrost's vertical air flow system assisted in the design process; providing maximum cooling efficiency to the product whilst maintaining moisture content, and as such reducing the degree of frost on the heat exchanger. However, a deep and compact coil was still required with staggered fins to enhance the running time between defrost.
Flexible Solutions in a hygienic finish
Flexibility was built into the coil design as the system was to freeze or chill a variety of fresh cooked potato-topped products, including cottage pie. Additionally the coil was designed to be compatible with the installed automated 'Clean in Place' (CIP) system, with thicker 0.35mm 'straight through' fins and trap free stainless steel casework.
Designed to suit a reverse cycle hot gas defrosting system the Güntner heat exchanger is one of the key components to this innovative installation.
With strong collaboration with our business partners, combined with an unparalleled heat exchanger product range, we expect to be challenged again to push the boundaries of evaporator design. We can hardly wait!