Spiral Freezer's Center Drum Drive Simplifies Maintenance

Northfield Freezing Systems has engineered a new spiral freezer that features a unique center drum drive that eliminates the need for chains (and their required adjustments), sprockets and tensioners. The simplified design affords easy access under the system, allowing easy maintenance and cleanability.

SuperTrak's sealed, center drive system

The SuperTrak system also includes heavy-duty track supports, which help maintain trouble-free operation. Lubricant for the freezer is sealed inside the transmission system, with oil level monitored by a float switch. Should the oil level drop, a control panel alarm alerts the operator.

Airflow Designs
The system can be outfitted with different airflow designs, depending on product and production requirements. Northfield's airflow designs include:

Horizontal Airflow for economical, multi-purpose applications.

Horizontal Airflow

Single Impingement Airflow for low tonnage applications.

Single Impingement Airflow

Double Impingement Airflow for sensitive products requiring quick crust freezing.

Double Impingement Airflow

Belt Types and Widths
A variety of belt designs can be accommodated, depending on specific product loads, production rates or special product requirements. Belts are available in 16 to 42 in. widths and a wide range of radius factors. Additional belting options include:

• Grid with mesh overlay for delicate product support
• Flex-type for rugged durability
  
• Plastic for easy product release.

Defrost Systems
For extended run times, the SuperTRAK can take advantage of Northfield's F.A.S.T. Defrost System, which uses microprocessor controls to control defrost cycles. Fixed baffles isolate each coil to prevent moisture migration.

Sanitation Systems
Northfield also offers its Recirculating Cleaning System (RCS), which provides complete spiral system cleaning with strategically placed spray balls and nozzles to reach all areas. The dishwasher-like system uses less water and chemicals than conventional systems. Belt washer/dryers (shown below) fully clean and dry belts, allowing washing while the freezer is cold.

Control Systems
The control panel is PLC-based and features the following options:

• Integration with plant communications
• Graphical user interface that requires no technical training
• Prompts for on-site trouble shooing.
• Modem card for on-line troubleshooting
• Multiple recipe programs for quick setup during product changeover
• Historical record of status changes
• Trending analysis, logged to a hard drive
• Alarm logging and fault history
  
• Product sensing and emergency stops
• PM scheduling reminders
  
• Defrost cycle initiation
  
• Cleaning and sanitizing control
  
• NEMA 2 and NEMA 4 (Watertight)/IP 55, 65, stainless steel enclosures.

For processors with lower production rates, the system also comes in a packaged unit, which is delivered to the production site fully assembled and wired for fast installation and start-up.

By Pam Ahlberg

For more information: Northfield Freezing Systems, 1719 Cannon Rd., P.O. Box 98, Northfield, MN 55057. Tel: 507-645-9546; Fax: 507-645-6148.