Product cooling using ice water heat transfer

Product cooling using hydrocooling with water at 0.5°C near freezing point

Hydrocooling is the ideal cooling method in food production and other related industries, e.g. when cooling fish, meat, sauces or pasta.

Our hydrocooling system cools products quickly immediately after harvesting, slaughtering or production, helping to preserve freshness. Without hydrocooling, the quality of your products will quickly deteriorate, reducing their shelf life and selling price. Our innovative water cooling technology will revolutionise the way you store your produce. By cooling fruit and vegetables with near-frozen water, you can guarantee the highest quality of all your produce, with a far longer shelf life than ever before. Not only can you get more out of every harvest, but your customers can be confident that the produce is of the highest quality and will last longer, meaning they'll keep coming back for more.

From increasing profitability to ensuring a higher return on investment, our hydrocooling systems are designed with the user in mind. Produce fresher, better tasting crops or produce with hydrocooling.

Visualization of a hydrocooling process

An illustration of how efficient and automatic products like fruits, vegetables, meat, fish, ready-made meals or sauces can be cooled on the assembly line with the help of "sprinkled" ice water

ice water cooling is 15 times faster than air cooling
colour and freshness are preserved, products do not dry out
efficient and process stable operation — even down to product temperatures of 1°C

Hydrocooling Explanation

In view of the specific needs of heat transfer in the case of direct product cool down, we provide the calculations and the manufactured technical systems as well as components. Consequently, both are tailored to functionality and efficiency, but also never loose sight of process stability of the respective field of application.

Engineers searching for optimal cooling solutions for their products can rejoice! Introducing Hydrocooling from Heat Transfer Technology AG, the most efficient method to cool a comprehensive array of fruits, vegetables, and other temperature-sensitive goods. Known as the “lightning fast” of cooling abilities, this innovative product helps you achieve precise temperatures in far less time than conventional methods by utilizing water in place of air. You’ll achieve superb results faster, giving you more control and boosting productivity.
Innovative hydrocooling technology uses field and laboratory studies to determine consistent lower surface temperatures quickly while protecting fragile produce items from bruising and other damage. By knowing your desired target temperature, starting material temperature, and water temperature, you can calculate how long it will take for each interior product to reach its preferred temperatures. Professionals who handle large volumes of perishable foods can benefit from well-calculated hydrocooling rates that make attaining ideal temperatures with precision both cost-effective and energy efficient.
Seize the opportunity to experience firsthand why hydro cooling is much faster than air cooling with our advanced technology – we guarantee you’ll be amazed at the speed, accuracy, and convenience our cutting-edge Hydrocooling provides with every type of fruit or vegetable you choose. Invest in the future of your business now with Hydrocooling - bring production up to date !

Our ice water systems, falling film chillers, ice banks or heat exchange systems have this stability to ensure that the direct product cooling process chain is not interrupted.

There are not many cooling systems that allow water to be cooled down to +0.5°C. Usually, there are only three alternatives, the falling film chiller, the static ice bank and the heat exchange system submerged. It quickly becomes clear that an ice storage system can be operated more energetically by taking advantage of the favourable low tariff period. However, this argument is directly offset by the much lower investment costs of the falling film chiller. After examining the running time of the refrigeration system, there are usually indications that the optimal balance between investment costs and operational reliability for charging a certain kW value for an ice storage system is achieved, but the argument that actually decides everything is outweighed by the necessary hourly withdrawal of ice water in the processing process and overlaps of the withdrawal with low-tariff times.

Hydrocooler outside installation

Hydrocooler inside installation

Ice water sprinkling onto the conveyor belt

Product cooling white asparagus

Product cooling ready salads cut

Extend shelf life

Introducing Hydrocooling, the revolutionary technology designed to maximize produce shelf life on-site. Hydrocooling exploits the benefits of cold water to make sure your product reaches its destination in peak condition.
Hydrocooling works by responding directly to two critical factors: field heat and plant respiration. Field heat is the temperature of harvest, typically falling between 10-30°C due to external elements like sunlight or humidity in the air. Therefore, many farmers harvest at night hoping for a bit of relief from extreme temperatures, though this does not address the active role plants themselves play in raising the internal temperature. As living creatures, plants naturally continue their respiration after harvest which leads to oxygenation with respiratory products like water and heat – drastically reducing shelf life if left unchecked.
But what exactly is Hydrocooling? It’s an innovative technology that utilizes cold water to reduce this natural reaction and keep produce fresh until it reaches its final destination - no matter how hot outside. So if you’re looking for a reliable solution that ensures consistent product quality every time, look no further than Hydrocooling!

Not only does it provide an efficient and cost-effective cooling system, it's also capable of being used with all types of produce, except those sensitive to wetting. When you opt for hydrocooling, you don't have to worry about the growth of decay organisms which increases with excessive wetting.
At Hydrocooling, we understand the importance of preventing rewarming once the produce has been cooled and that is why our system features state-of-the-art technology that ensures this never occurs. Our engineering team will help you select the right type of hydrocooler so that you can make sure your produce is cooled without compromising on quality.

Hydrocooled Vegetables And Fruits

As an engineer, you understand that taking care of your products and commodities can be required if you want them to reach their destination in great condition. That's why Hydrocooling is such a crucial tool for keeping fruits and vegetables healthy while on the move!

Hydrocooling works by cooling and hydrating delicate produce with delicate amounts of cold water - allowing it to stay fresh during long journeys. The process helps prevent education breakdowns, bruising, oxidation, and dehydration, ensuring your goods remain full of flavor and vibrant colors when they arrive at their destination.

Unlike other methods which could risk causing more harm than good for certain types of produce (such as potatoes or raspberries), hydrocoolers are tailor-made to work only with specific produce that are inherently resistant to water damage. Most commonly these fruits and veggies include artichokes, asparagus, avocados, green beans, beets, broccoli, brussels sproutes, cantaloupes , carrots, celery, cherries, endives, lettuce, nectarines, parsley, peaches, radishes, spinach, sweet corn, turnips, watercress & watermelon - although there are many other items so perfect for hydrocooling!

Hydrocooling is one of the most essential tools engineers rely on to preserve quality produce during transport - so don’t let your goods feel any heat during transit and invest in hydrocooling !

Hydrocooling Advantages

With its 15-times faster cooling speed than air, it is the ideal system for easy harvesting and marketing flexibility. This dependable technology utilizes pumps in a cold water tank to move the product through a series of nozzles, which disperse small water droplets that uniformly coat the produce. Additionally, this design allows for tailored hydrocoolers that can be adjusted to differing degrees depending on what kind of item you are trying to cool, from large or small quantities. Thanks to this advanced capability, engineers can trust Hydrocooling to preserve their agricultural items’ quality and shelf life for sale or storage. Investing in this innovative technology ensures your operation will stay ahead of the curve with increased operational efficiency and higher volumes processed per day.

Hydrocooling Process

Introducing Hydrocooling – the revolutionary, advanced way to cool and store your fruits and veggies in industrial settings! Hydrocooling is an efficient system designed to quickly lower the temperature of freshly picked produce immediately after harvest. By running chilled water over the crops, temperatures can be dropped rapidly -- eliminating tissue damage and extending shelf life of perishables.

Here’s how it works: water is cooled by methods such as ice, refrigeration systems, or specific hydrocooling systems. This hygienic water is then pumped over the crops in a temperature range of about 0.5°C – instantly cooling them down while controlling natural respiration. Water sanitation is also part of the process -- ensuring only clean water passes over your beloved produce! Plus, this method can either be used alone or can work in conjunction with traditional methods like forced air cooling or room cooling for maximum efficiency.
So if you’re looking for an innovative solution backed by reliable performance, rely on Hydrocooling! We empower engineers to meet their needs without compromising on quality with secure storage solutions that ensure premium supplies every time.

Types of hydrocoolers

For engineers looking to boost produce cooling efficiency in their operations, Hydrocooling is an excellent solution. As opposed to traditional methods using air or fans for cooling, hydrocoolers use a pump to move chilled water into contact with warm produce and recool the warmed water with a refrigeration system. This allows for faster cooling and can even be used without an integral refrigeration system by trucking ice from an ice plant and adding it as needed.
Hydrocooling offers flexibility in terms of design with three types of hydrocoolers available: conventional, batch and immersion. These various designs offer unique solutions based on particular cooling rates, process efficiencies and methods of moving or placing the produce so that water comes in contact with it, making this ideal for customizing operations based on individual needs. By utilizing Hydrocooling, engineers can ensure their product is cooled to the exact temperature desired in a cost-effective manner while also saving energy compared to other methods like air or fans. Get the most out of your cooling operations by speeding up the production flow without sacrificing quality.

Conventional Hydrocooler

Hydrocoolers are the latest and greatest in cooling technology for agricultural applications. They offer an efficient and cost effective way to cool produce. With a conventional hydrocooler, warm produce is placed at one end and cooled produce is removed from the other—all in one simple process. By varying the rate of which the conveyor passes through the shower, you can optimize temperatures for different types of produce. Additionally, specifying capacity by length only is made more accurate with consideration to conveyor speed, width, water temperature, and flow rate. Hydrocoolers are built with large refrigeration systems and heavy-duty components to maximize efficiency while minimizing costs over time—so you can be sure your investment will pay off! Engineers who care about cost-effectiveness and convenience should take a look at investing in hydrocoolers for their agricultural operations.

Batch Hydrocooler

Are you looking for a cost effective cooling solution to preserve the freshness of your produce? At Hydrocooling, we provide batch hydrocoolers that provide an economical means of chilling large quantities of produce to retain its full flavor and nutrients. Our hydrocoolers have the capacity to cool one pallet at a time, and our larger units can hold up to eight. With our equipment, engineers get reliable and effective cooling while saving costs. So trust your product’s freshness to Hydrocooling - where quality is always guaranteed!

Immersion Hydrocooler

Please take a moment to discover the revolutionary method of immersing produce in tanks of agitated chilled water, otherwise known as hydrocooling. These large, shallow, rectangular tanks offer performance that conventional methods are unable to match. Through the use of crushed ice and a refrigeration system, this innovative technique enables more rapid cooling than ever before. Immersion hydrocooling has been tested and proven to be nearly twice as fast as traditional hydrocooling methods.

Produce Packaging and Stacking Considerations

Hydrocooling is an essential component of success in engineering projects involving delicate heating and cooling procedures. Our hydrocooling product is designed to provide maximum heat transfer to assure optimal results - safely and quickly. We understand that engineers work on a variety of projects, from small home appliances all the way up to large industrial systems, and our Hydrocooling system can handle it all!

The design of our calculation enables it to effectively deliver heat transfer through a variety of mediums including wire-bound wooden crates, waxed fiberboard cartons, mesh poly bags, and bulk bins. Additionally, care has been taken to maximize heat retention when palletizing packages—the stacking arrangement ensures maximum possible water penetration throughout the process.

For challenging jobs with more difficult drums such as waxed cardboard boxes with solid tops we have you covered! And don’t worry if entry of water is restricted—our advanced system has been engineered for maximum efficiency regardless of any obstacle.

Our Hydrocooling method doesn't just meet your cooling needs--it will exceed them with its long-lasting results and ability to take on any project your team faces. Delivering composure for intricate heating and cooling processes while staying safe, fast, and reliable—our hydrocooling technology will show that efficacy pays in spades every time!

Chlorination, Disease Control, and Wastewater Quality

Engineers searching for optimal cooling solutions for their products can rejoice! Introducing Hydrocooling from Heat Transfer Technology AG the most efficient method to cool a comprehensive array of fruits, vegetables, and other temperature-sensitive goods. Known as the “lightning fast” of cooling abilities, this innovative product helps you achieve precise temperatures in far less time than conventional methods by utilizing water in place of air. You’ll achieve superb results faster, giving you more control and boosting productivity.

Innovative hydrocooling technology uses field and laboratory studies to determine consistent lower surface temperatures quickly while protecting fragile produce items from bruising and other damage. By knowing your desired target temperature, starting material temperature, and water temperature, you can calculate how long it will take for each interior product to reach its preferred temperatures. Professionals who handle large volumes of perishable foods can benefit from well-calculated hydrocooling rates that make attaining ideal temperatures with precision both cost-effective and energy efficient.

Seize the opportunity to experience firsthand why hydro cooling is much faster than air cooling with our advanced technology – we guarantee you’ll be amazed at the speed, accuracy, and convenience our cutting-edge Hydrocooling provides with every type of fruit or vegetable you choose.

Hydrocooling is a revolutionary technology that can help keep temperatures down and water conditions in check. The pH of the water has an important role to play in keeping chlorine available, as adding too little may not give the desired results if the pH is either too high or too low. This is why the pH of hydrocooling water should ideally be almost neutral – at 7.0 – to achieve optimal results. Additionally, hydrocooling exposes pathsogenic organisms present both on and below the surface for a longer period of time than quick dipping measures, which makes them easier to kill with effective sterilization. Chlorine solutions are only effective on surfaces, so there is no promise of being able to rid all pathogens from vegetables fully; however, chlorine treating methods do provide some protection against rewarming produce.

Hydrocooling is the perfect solution to reduce heat produced by industrial operations. The wastewater from hydrocooling is easy to manage, and when properly disposed of can help protect local environments from the contaminants that come with it. Hydrocooler water usually contains sediment, pesticides, and other materials depending on what's being cooled, but as long as a non-discharge permit or wastewater discharge permit is obtained and managed correctly this wastewater can be land applied.

Engineers know best how to increase efficiency and save money in their operations. Investing in hydrocooling gear means a quality purchase of durable goods that will last over many years and provide efficient cooling that can easily be managed with proper permitting requirements.

Energy Efficiency

Engineers looking to cool large amounts of produce quickly will find that the Hydrocooling system is the ideal solution. Featuring well-designed and properly operated systems, Hydrocooling has many advantages compared to other cooling methods. With this system, much of the energy loss occurs due to air contact with cold fluids, as well as lack of insulation and inefficient operation. If you want maximum energy efficiency, an immersion hydrocooler is your best bet - these can have energy-efficiency levels as great as 70%. At Hydrocooling, we make sure that your cooling needs are taken care of with the best possible system for durable and long-lasting results.

Energy use in hydrocoolers may be substantially reduced by:

Hydrocooling is the perfect solution for engineers trying to keep their operation at peak efficiency. By maximizing insulation on all cooled surfaces, positioning the hydrocooler away from direct sunlight and wind, using plastic strips to reduce heat gain, and operating the hydrocooler at its maximum capacity, you can guarantee your equipment will maintain its performance in even the hottest of conditions. Not only this, but many hydrocoolers now come with a thermal storage option that minimize the size of necessary refrigeration units readily available. Additionally, using an appropriately sized water reservoir ensures that no excess energy is wasted at the end of each day.

Benefits

Experience hydrocooling and experience the revolution in produce storage and transportation! Hydrocooling allows you to enjoy both tangible and intangible benefits all in one amazing product. With hydrocooled produce, you can take advantage of a price premium depending on the type, market conditions, and end use - making for more efficient and valuable transport of produce. On top of that, you'll also reap intangible rewards such as added harvesting and marketing flexibility, reduced losses in transit, and the pride that comes with shipping a quality product every time.

When you need fast, reliable hydrocooling solutions to keep your crops fresh and healthy, turn to Hydrocooling. Our innovative technology makes it possible for growers and handlers of any size to reduce initial and operating costs associated with cooling produced - even those who have moderate acreage. Our experts take into account the specific needs of your operation and can create a customized hydrocooling strategy so that you get the most out of your investment. From increasing diversity and staggering planting periods to using portable cooling equipment, Hydrocooling has you covered. Let us show you why we are the go-to option for engineers looking for economical ways to extend their harvest season. Try Hydrocooling and experience the difference!