Box Freezers (Carton Freezers)

Box freezers, also referred to as carton freezers, are industrial shock-freezing systems designed for the rapid freezing of products packed in boxes, crates, or containers. Typical applications include meat, fish, ready meals, and semi-finished products intended for long-term frozen storage.

The system operates using intensive forced-air circulation at temperatures down to –35 °C, ensuring uniform heat removal across the entire package. This shock-freezing process minimizes the formation of large ice crystals, helping preserve product structure, texture, and quality in line with IQF-level freezing principles, even when products are frozen in bulk packaging.

Operating Principle

Packed products are automatically loaded via conveyor into the freezing chamber, where they are distributed onto shelves or platforms. High-performance fans generate a high-velocity airflow (typically 3–6 m/s), evenly surrounding the cartons and significantly accelerating the freezing process.

As a result, products are rapidly cooled from approximately +3 °C to –18 °C or below, with the initial freezing phase typically completed within about 90 minutes, depending on product type, packaging, and load density.

Main System Components

• Refrigeration unit
  Generates cooling capacity using compressors and evaporators (commonly ammonia or refrigerant-based systems), designed for continuous industrial operation.

• Air circulation system
  High-efficiency fans ensure uniform air distribution and consistent freezing conditions throughout the chamber.

• Conveyor system and automation
  Automated infeed and outfeed of cartons, optional product tracking and sorting, and integration with control systems for remote monitoring and process control.

Key Benefits

• High-performance shock freezing for boxed and containerized products

• Uniform freezing throughout the entire package volume

• Preservation of product quality, texture, and shelf life

• Full integration into automated production and packaging lines

• Reduced manual handling and high throughput for large-scale production

• Flexible operating modes, from intensive shock freezing to controlled freezing cycles

 

Box freezers provide a reliable and scalable solution for industrial food producers seeking fast, consistent, and automated freezing of packaged products, combining IQF-level freezing performance with efficient conveyor-based handling.