This additional flow-through Hydro-Cooler model meets the requirements of growers and packers wishing to handle their produce in bulk bins for traceability. This handling and conveying option allows point of origin identification e.g. grower, region, production line batches. Moreover, the flow-through Hydro-Cooler provides a continuous cooling process of produce in bins, minimising downtime and bin handling procedures.
A Hydro-Cooler of this type was recently manufactured. To provide some perspective, it conveys 800kg bins of carrots at a rate of approximately 7.5 bins per hour, with a cooling time of 30 minutes. The core temperature of carrots is reduced from 20°C to 2 to 3°C.
Dwell time, equipment and refrigeration specifications are tailored to meet customer requirements during the design phase. The specified Hydro-Cooler ensures all produce in the bin is subjected to a constant flow of cooled water to ensure even cooling.
The Wyma Hydro-Cooler sprays water over a heat exchanger constructed from copper coils or stainless plates. This heat exchanger is cooled to several degrees below freezing by refrigerant. Water is pumped to the spray bar nozzles located above the heat exchanger. As the water passes over it, it cools the water to user-set temperature. This cooled water then deluges down into the produce bins. This hydro-cooling method minimises moisture loss in produce and is one of the quickest means of cooling.
Sprayed water is collected in a storage tank underneath the belts. The storage tank is sized to hold enough water to regulate the temperature inside the cooling chamber. Additional water catchment areas have been included at in-feed and out-feed ends to prevent water spillage on the floor.
Along with the Hydro-Cooler with out-feed elevator and the Hydro-Cooler with flow-through conveyor, Wyma now offer a range that can suit multiple produce and conveying options.
