The aim of this project was to develop a new atmospheric air conditioning system using smooth-tube, horizontal thermal exchangers for the food industry. The central thrust of the project was to find suitable thermal exchangers and validate the hygiene performance of this atmospheric air conditioning system. Additional aspects such as the problems of industrialisation (flexibility and safety) and cost will be addressed, along with an underlying concern to reduce the impact on the environment. The whole process was validated by tests carried out in laboratories and food factories.

Regarding thermic research, the results we reached in terms of mathematical and numeric modelization make for possible results with superior performances to the initially supposed ones. This is very promising for the future industrial development as it was one major limitation factor pointed out by MONDIAL FRIGO when they built they first machines. Heat exchangers are designed following mathematical models and their functioning, optimised according to a whole set of criteria influencing heat transfers. The second step was to validate and correct numeric models in accordance with the results of the industrial trials and to design the software regarding the performance of the exchanger as foreseen in the project. The results prove that numeric model with small amendments (between 5 to 15% depending on temperature, hygrometry or air velocity) is validated. A software was created in order to do accurate sizing for end users (agro-food plant) needs.

The other research tasks were based upon the hygienic conception of the exchanger integrated into an air conditioning box thoroughly cleanable as well. A complete pilot prototype has been built in order to do all necessary tests to validate Thermic, Hygrometric, Hygienic, & food products requirements. The cleaning tests have been done not only on the exchanger but on the whole equipment itself and the results prove that it is very easily cleanable and it satisfies hygiene recommendations.

In fine, after plate form trials & optimisation, tests done with food products in factories and losses reduced respecting food products safety & quality (better quality on cheese crusts for example). In this case, with regulation optimisation, the high hygrometry, > 95 Hr, was obtained continuously.

Now, this project is finished and the product is in course for industrialisation and commercialisation.

Air Conditioner Prototype during Hygiene Trials at CCFRA's

 Mondial Frigo,
20 Bd E. Rostang
69800 St Priest, France
Tel : +33 4.78.20.11.02
Fax : : +33.4.78.21.82.41
Contact : Mr Christophe JOSSERAND