The FPS Fluid Removal System is an advanced dewatering solution designed to remove excess surface moisture from products before they enter an IQF freezer. By combining vibratory force with high-velocity air, the system efficiently removes surface water while maintaining gentle product handling and consistent product distribution.
Excess surface water entering an IQF tunnel adds a significant non-product heat load to the refrigeration system. Removing this moisture before freezing reduces the amount of water that must be frozen inside the tunnel, helping improve freezing efficiency, product quality, and overall freezer capacity.
Improve IQF Freezer Performance
The FRS helps create an even product bed and consistent belt loading before freezer entry. This can reduce product clumping and freezer dead zones, while helping prevent excess moisture from reaching refrigeration coils where it can contribute to blockages and shorter production cycles between defrosts.
With reported water removal of up to 50% more than competing systems and the potential to increase IQF tunnel capacity by up to 15%, the FRS can help processors obtain greater output from existing freezing infrastructure, particularly during short production seasons.
Hygienic Design for Food Processing
Hygiene is a central element of the FRS design. Unlike conventional dewatering systems that can trap water, fines, and organic material within mesh belts, decks, plenums, and air paths, the FRS provides improved accessibility for cleaning and inspection.
Its hygienic design incorporates perforated belting, lift-out side guides, belt lifters, and a cantilevered blower configuration, providing tool-free access to internal components. The plenum and piping can also be cleaned through the Assisted Cleaning System (CIP), helping reduce contamination risks and simplify sanitation.
Precise Moisture Removal and Product Control
VFDs and adjustable blower exhausts provide control over bed depth, vibratory force, suction pressure, and capture velocity. This allows processors to optimize moisture removal according to product characteristics while minimizing the risk of product damage.
The system is available with multiple belt widths to match different production requirements. Consistent product spreading at the freezer infeed helps maintain uniform bed depth and loading, supporting more efficient and consistent freezing.
Key Benefits
- Up to 50% more water removal than competing systems
- Potential 15% increase in IQF tunnel capacity
- Reduced product clumping More uniform freezer belt loading
- Improved freezing efficiency
- Longer production cycles between defrosts
- Hygienic perforated belting
- Tool-free access for cleaning and inspection
- Optional CIP capability
- Adjustable vibration and airflow control
- Multiple belt widths for different production capacities
- Gentle handling of delicate products
Applications
The FPS FRS is particularly relevant to frozen potato processing, including French fries and other IQF potato products, where effective surface-water removal before freezing can improve freezer performance, product separation, and overall processing efficiency. It can also be applied to other food products requiring efficient fluid removal before IQF freezing.