Continuous Chilling Solution Introduced

07/09/07 A unique solution for the rapid and continuous chilling of mayonnaise, sauces and pastes has been launched by Air Products. The Freshline Continuous Sauce Chiller is the latest offering from Air Products, the leading cryogenic gas, equipment and services supplier. Successful trials have proven this innovative cryogenic chilling system can chill mayonnaise in seconds – a clear advantage over the standard chilling process, which normally takes longer.

Developed as an alternative to existing mechanical chilling systems, this new chilling solution has been tested though longevity trials at Heinrich Kühlmann GmbH & Co KG, a leading producer of gourmet salads and other specialities. Excellent results were achieved for a range of mayonnaises with different fat contents, chilled to different temperatures. Due to the rapid chilling associated with the liquid nitrogen solution, product shelf-life improvements have been achieved.

Markus Kleinjohann, production manager at Kühlmann GmbH & Co KG, commented: “The Freshline Continuous Sauce Chiller provides us with a viable alternative to batch chilling systems, with the key benefit being the speed of temperature reduction. By using the Continuous Sauce Chiller we have also reduced manual handling of the product associated with the previous chilling method. These benefits are particularly relevant during summer – exactly the time we ramp up mayonnaise production”.

In addition to the success demonstrated in the chilling of mayonnaise, Air Products has already demonstrated excellent results with a range of sauces, including pesto, garlic mousses and barbecue sauce. To help processors to understand the results that could be achieved with their sauces, Air Products has developed a portable Freshline continuous sauce chiller trial unit that is available to trial the chilling of mayonnaise or other sauces on their own premises. Alternatively, customers can attend demonstrations at Air Products’ Technology Centre in Basingstoke, UK.

Ann Callens, Air Products’ European Business Development Manager, Food and Cryogenics says, “The system is ideal for food processors that either manufacture sauces and pastes or add them to their end product. This new chiller can extend chilling capacity and make their, production more flexible. It can be integrated with existing equipment and, thanks to its compact size, can be positioned within limited floor space”.