▌ Product Description
The Meatech MT-SQF spiral freezer achieves high-capacity continuous product freezing in a significantly smaller footprint than a linear IQF tunnel of equivalent capacity — by wrapping the product conveyor belt in a continuous upward spiral inside an insulated cylinder, rather than routing the belt back and forth in a straight tunnel configuration. A spiral freezer that delivers 1,000 kg/h freezing capacity in a 6 m × 6 m floor footprint would require a linear tunnel 15–25 m in length for the same throughput, making the spiral format the standard choice for facilities where floor space is limited or where the production layout cannot accommodate a long linear freezer run.
Cold air is circulated by high-efficiency fans in the spiral tower at temperatures of -30 °C to -40 °C, with airflow designed to contact all surfaces of the product belt including the underside — ensuring even heat transfer across the full product surface, not just the top. Product enters the spiral at the bottom tier and exits at the top after completing the specified number of spiral rotations, with residence time (and therefore final core temperature) controlled by belt speed. The MT-SQF is particularly suited to large, heavy products — whole cooked chickens, large meat portions, pizza, bakery items — where the product weight would damage a conventional flat-bed IQF fluidisation system.
▌Technical Specifications
Parameter | MT-SQF Specification |
Freezing Method | Continuous spiral belt — cold air circulation at -30 °C to -40 °C |
Evaporating Temperature | -35 °C to -45 °C (refrigeration system) |
Belt Width | 300–600 mm (model dependent) |
Tier Count | 15–30 tiers (determines residence time and capacity) |
Capacity | 500–3,000 kg/h (model and product dependent) |
Product Entry/Exit | Bottom entry — top exit (continuous upward spiral) |
Floor Footprint | Significantly smaller than equivalent linear IQF tunnel |
Defrost | Automatic hot gas defrost |
Refrigerant | R404A / R507 / NH3 (ammonia) — model and market dependent |
Body & Frame | SUS304 stainless steel food-contact surfaces; insulated outer casing |
Applicable Products | Cooked whole poultry, large meat portions, pizza, bakery, formed meat products |
▌Solution Applications
Solution / Line | Role of MT-SQF |
Whole cooked chicken & poultry | The spiral format handles whole cooked chickens — the product weight and irregular shape is not compatible with IQF fluidisation. Spiral freezing achieves uniform core freezing for whole-bird retail and food-service products. |
Smoked & Cooked Meat Line | Rapid freezing of whole smoked sausage chubs, ham pieces, and large cooked meat portions after the smokehouse stage — where the product size and weight excludes flat-bed IQF systems. |
High-volume compact facility | Where floor space limits prevent installation of a linear IQF tunnel of sufficient length for the required throughput, the MT-SQF delivers equivalent or higher capacity in a significantly smaller footprint. |
▌FAQ
Q: When should I choose a spiral freezer (MT-SQF) versus a linear IQF tunnel (MT-IQF)?
A: Choose the MT-SQF when: (1) floor space is limited and a linear tunnel of the required length cannot be accommodated; (2) the product is large or heavy (whole birds, large meat portions) that would be damaged by IQF fluidisation; (3) the production layout requires product entry and exit at the same end of the machine rather than opposite ends. Choose the MT-IQF linear tunnel when: the product is small and loose (meatballs, vegetables, diced meat) where fluidisation produces better individual piece separation; or when the required capacity is achievable in the available floor length.
Q: Can the MT-SQF freeze both raw and cooked products?
A: Yes. The MT-SQF freezes raw, partially cooked, and fully cooked products — the freezer does not distinguish between cooking states. The key considerations are product surface condition (wet products from cooking tunnels or ice water chillers should pass through the MT-AD air dryer before the spiral freezer to prevent surface ice formation and belt icing) and product temperature at entry (Meatech specifies the maximum inlet temperature for each MT-SQF model based on the refrigeration system capacity).
