Higher yield, less space

FMC FoodTech's new narrow footprint freezer helps processors enhance production by increasing the freezing capacity.

As businesses grow, many processors seek ways to increase production without incurring the cost of a new facility. To assist them, FMC FoodTech has introduced the newest addition to its GYRoCOMPACT line of spiral freezers, the GCM 10 Tight Curve, which gives processors 40 to 50 per cent more freezing capacity than the company's GCM 76 in an equally narrow footprint.

According to the company's product line manager, Torbjorn Persson, in terms of capacity per square foot of plant floor space, the GCM 10 TC is the most efficient freezer on the market today - it gives producers the ability to handle higher stack heights and weights and faster line speeds to freeze more products - while retaining a compact design that can fit into their existing facilities. Since the GYRoCOMPACT design is self-stacking, it eliminates the tier carriers seen in many freezers that add to overall freezer height. Due to the 'tight curve' created by the proven FRIGoBELT conveyor, the GCM10 Tight Curve offers the ability to maintain a 40" line width during freezing instead of the 28" neck-down belt that the GCM 76 required. The FRIGoBELT accomplishes this using a patented pulling link that is integrated in mesh to create a completely flat belt surface. The outer side of the belt expands as the inner side collapses, allowing the conveyor to attain a greater curve angle to accommodate a wider belt without increasing the width of the freezer. By eliminating the neck-down equipment - and the product shake-down required to make it possible - this enhancement gives producers increased capacity as well as the potential for better product quality and higher yields.

The GCM 10 Tight Curve is also the first freezer to feature FMC FoodTech's next-generation drive system, the patented FRIGoDRIVE M. Unlike previous drive systems, which used both rolling and sliding friction, this relies solely on rolling friction for much lower overall friction, reducing the overall drive forces by up to 50 per cent and allowing for an increased chain life. It allows for up to 30 per cent greater stack weight, making the GCM 10 TC the first GYRoCOMPACT capable of going up to 45 tiers with standard belt loads for even greater efficiency. Additional benefits include an increased maximum belt speed from 100 feet per minute to 130 feet per minute and a decrease of up to 50 per cent of the amount of lubrication needed.

The GCM 10 TC also features all the benefits producers have come to expect from the latest GYRoCOMPACT M Series line of spiral freezers. Its fully welded, 'open plan' stainless steel enclosure offers improved accessibility, easy cleaning and complete drainage for superior hygiene. And, unlike the fans on many freezers, the GCM 10 TC's fans are located after the evaporator on the dry side of the air stream to avoid snow build-up, allowing for increased uptime, greater freezing capacity and extra reliability.

Courtesy: Minett Media