A HACCP solution for ice and condensation

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Through frost-free cooling and humidity control, condensation, sticking and costly quality, hygiene and wastage issues can be prevented. Dehumidified air combats mould growth and increases refrigeration efficiency.

All freezing equipment is designed for a specific level of production, and frost on evaporators impedes and interrupts extended operation. It becomes difficult to maintain the temperature inside the freezer, making it necessary to either defrost or lower the rate of throughput to achieve correct freezing temperatures.

Munters tackles this problem with its IceDry® and Condensation Control systems to prevent condensation and ice build-up in chilled, frozen storage and process freezing. Ice build-up on conveyor belts and cooling coils comes from surrounding air leaking into the process freezer, as well as moisture evaporating from the product.

Products can release a lot of moisture and the difference in pressure between the air in the freezer and the surrounding air causes moist air, to be drawn into the freezer.

All this causes condensation and icing on the evaporators, which in turn reduces the cooling effect and the conveyor belt has to run slower so products can be frozen sufficiently. Manufacturers find after three to four shifts, production has to be stopped to defrost and clean the freezer and each defrost can mean many hours’ production interruption.

The Munters IceDry® system extracts moisture from the air before it condenses onto the evaporator and ices up, at the product entry into the freezer. By using Munters IceDry® the freezing up of evaporators is dramatically reduced. Meaning freezer defrosting can now be extended to seven shifts or more. Not only significantly increasing running time, but also maintaining a constant running speed for longer.

Process Freezing with IceDry®

	Freezer defrosts at Riverside Bakery

Keeping ceilings, floors and doors dry and ice-free

When it comes to chill or cold storage facilities, condensation causes fog around doorways, in cold environments turning into ice and blinding strip curtains and obstructing views in traffic ways. Munters IceDry® and Condensation Control systems end moisture problems like dripping onto products due to overhead condensation and fog, ice on floors and doors.

Improved sanitation

Moist air can condense onto surfaces with contaminated sources, increasing the risk of product contamination and decreasing food safety. Large amounts of water are used to sanitise chilled environments and although most water is drained away a considerable amount evaporates and becomes water vapour. With increasing pressure to control overhead condensation, Munters Condensation Control system eliminates condensation-related non-compliance.

	Prevent overhead condensation

Lower humidity reduces microbial counts, as the reduction in condensation reduces the environment mould and bacteria propagation is inhibited. Also, sanitation work can continue until just before shift start time. Continuous condensation control will mean less wiping and mopping.

Apart from the hygiene-related safety issues, ice can prevent the free operation of cold store and air lock doors, preventing them from sealing properly, or lifting them out of their runners.

Ice also effects the efficiency of refrigeration systems, by removing the moisture that normally condenses on evaporating coils, the coils run more efficiently and much longer between defrosts. Less ice and water pooling reduces the risk of accidents and can speed up loading and unloading, giving increased efficiency and throughput.

Cold storage before IceDry®		Cold storage after IceDry®

With more than 600 systems installed globally, why not utilise this innovative approach to creating an ideal climate for your business?

Further information

Munters Global Food Centre
Tel: +44 0 14804 42347
Fax: +44 0 14804 13147
Email: food@munters.co.uk
Website: www.munters.com/food

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