(239 products available)
A corn chiller is a specialized machine designed to cool corn and other vegetables to prolong their shelf life and maintain them fresh for a more extended period. Several types of corn chillers are available, and each one has a distinct mechanism.
Cold storage
A cold store is an excellent example of a corn chiller. This gigantic box maintains a consistent temperature of -3° C. The corn has an average shelf life of 10 to 14 days when stored at this temperature. To keep the corn fresh for a longer time, a 10% humidity level must always be maintained inside.
Icing tunnel
In this tunnel, ice is poured over the corn at a very low temperature of -5°C. Through this process, the core of the corn is cooled to 0°C. It works very effectively, especially in hot climates where cold storage is not available, and it increases the shelf life of the corn to 10 to 14 days. However, the major drawback of this corn chiller is that it consumes a lot of ice, which can be a very expensive production cost. An on-site ice plant is required to produce ice to make this system work.
Air cooling tunnel
This machine cools corn with the help of forced cool air at a temperature of 0°C or below. Generally, block ice is used in cold storage facilities, which is then put in a condenser to produce chilled water that is recirculated in the entire system. In warm climates, this corn cooler is very effective and is often used in combination with a plastic tunnel to create a modified atmosphere. It increases the shelf life of the corn from 10 to 14 days to 20 to 25 days, which is great for traders and customers alike. It is a very cost-effective way of cooling corn and reducing the production expense tremendously.
Forced cooling box
This is a box that is kept open in the front and then closed with a mesh in the back. Refrigerated air is forced inside the box, and the corns are kept inside it. It works with the help of a fan that blows chilled air around the corn in an enclosed area. A plenum is required in this box to distribute the air uniformly. This machine is very effective for small-scale production of corn chillers. It works well to increase the shelf life of corn from 10 to 14 days to 20 to 25 days. Storage is usually at a temperature of -3° C.
Many corn chillers come with features that provide an excellent performance while staying energy efficient. However, to achieve this and prolong the machine's lifespan, it is vital to do regular maintenance and checkup. Doing this can help prevent minor issues from evolving into severe problems that could lead to early devastation.
Some critical components of corn chillers to maintain are:
With regular maintenance, corn chillers can be used for several years without any problems and still perform very well. For some manufacturers' guidance on how to care for specific corn coolers is also essential to prolong the lifespan.
Grain Storage Facilities
Corn chillers are widely used in grain storage facilities to preserve the quality and integrity of stored corn. By cooling the entire storage facility and creating a cool atmosphere, corn chillers help to prevent pest infestations, spoilage, and decay of the stored corn. This ensures that the corn remains fit for consumption or further processing.
Farms and Agricultural Enterprises
On farms and agricultural enterprises that produce and store corn as a primary crop, corn chillers play a vital role in extending the shelf life of harvested corn. By maintaining optimal storage temperatures, these machines help farmers reduce post-harvest losses, preserve the nutritional value of the corn, and improve the profitability of their agricultural operations.
Food Processing Plants
Corn chillers are utilized in food processing plants that handle corn and corn-based products. These machines provide temporary storage and cooling for processed corn products, such as corn flour, corn syrup, popcorn, and canned or frozen corn. By controlling the temperature of processed corn products, corn chillers help to maintain quality, prevent spoilage, and facilitate further processing or packaging.
Distribution Centers
Agricultural and grain distribution centers employ corn chillers as a crucial part of their logistics system. Corn refrigeration systems are used to chill and store corn in bulk before it is distributed to various markets, retailers, or food processing companies. The ability to cool and store large quantities of corn efficiently enables distribution centers to meet demand, manage inventory, and ensure timely delivery to customers.
Supermarkets and Grocery Stores
Corn chillers are used in supermarkets and grocery stores to preserve the freshness and quality of corn on the cob, canned corn, and other corn-based products. By maintaining the appropriate storage temperature, corn refrigeration systems help retailers offer customers products with optimal flavor and texture. This enhances customer satisfaction and promotes repeat purchases.
Export Facilities and Ports
Corn chillers are employed in export facilities and ports to prepare corn for international shipment. When exporting corn to overseas markets, it is essential to ensure that the corn remains fresh and uncontaminated during transportation. Corn chillers facilitate the cooling and temporary storage of corn before loading it onto ships or containers, ensuring compliance with export standards and preserving product integrity during transit.
Capacity:
Understanding how much corn chiller can handle is important when choosing a corn chiller. This is usually shown in terms of how many bushels or pounds of corn it can cool in a certain amount of time. Retailers need to make sure the corn chiller they buy can cool the amount of corn they typically have on hand during the busiest time.
Cooling technology:
There are several different ways that corn chillers can be cooled. Some use ice or dry ice, while others rely on refrigerated systems or liquid nitrogen. Each method has its own benefits and downsides. For example, refrigerated systems may use less ice, but they could cost more initially. Chillers that use ice can cool corn faster, but buying and storing the ice can be a hassle. Retailers should think about their budget, available resources, and how quickly they need to cool corn when choosing a cooler.
Mobility:
The corn cooler's portability is important if it will be moved to different places or stored in a different spot after use. Some chillers are made with wheels or heavy bases to make transporting them easier. Retailers should consider how far they'll need to move the cooler and whether it's practical for their needs.
Energy efficiency:
Since corn chillers are used frequently, selecting an energy-efficient model can reduce long-term electricity costs. Retailers should look at the cooler's energy rating and estimated energy use. Choosing a cooler with automatic features that let it run only when needed can also save energy.
Durability and materials:
It is likely that a corn chiller will be exposed to dust, moisture, temperature changes, and heavy use. Therefore, when selecting a chiller, retailers should choose those with robust materials like stainless steel or high-grade plastic. It's also a good idea to choose chillers with replaceable parts like fans, compressors, and thermostats.
Q1: What is the purpose of cooling corn on the cob?
A1: Cooling corn on the cob preserves its sweetness and crunchy texture. Once harvested, the sugars in the corn start converting to starch, diminishing its taste and quality. By chilling the corn, air merchants can slow down this process, keeping the corn fresh for more extended periods.
Q2: Why is eating chilled corn on the cob better?
A2: Chilled corn on the cob has several benefits, including its natural sweetness and refreshing vibe. Chilled corn can be an affordable way for people to eat healthy and is ideal for making summer salads. Furthermore, corn is a rich source of fiber and can help support gut health when consumed regularly.
Q3: How does a corn chiller work?
A3: Corn chillers create a cold environment using different refrigeration methods, such as air blasting, whirlpool chilling, or pit freezing, until the corn reaches the desired temperature. Depending on the chiller type, this can take anywhere between 10 minutes to a few hours. Once the corn is fully chilled, it can be stored in refrigerators or delivered to its destination.
Q4: What type of corn chiller is suitable for business use?
A4: Air blast coolers are the most common type of chiller used for commercial purposes. It is efficient, fast, and relatively easy to set up and use. However, the air blast cooler’s performance will depend on the amount of corn it needs to cool, the desired drop in temperature, and the ambient temperature.
Q5: How long can corn on the cob be stored after cooling?
A5: If stored in a suitable refrigerator, corn on the cob can last for 3 to 4 days. However, this will also depend on the corn's cooling method, as some are better at preserving corn’s freshness than others.
浙公网安备 33010002000092号
浙B2-20120091-4