A multi-segment view of how those working along the cold chain have been affected by COVID-19 so far in 2020. 

Humidity control may be the last thing on your mind right now if you’re running a food processing facility, trying to execute a rapid buildout to meet increased consumer demands. But, as you race to adjust production lines, “dust off” old processing equipment and ultimately ramp up how much food you’re making and storing, dialing in your humidity control will eliminate a handful of costly issues that slow down production.

The new Mettler Toledo X37 X-ray inspection system series was developed specifically to deliver efficient, cost-effective production line X-ray inspection of products in vertical packaging such as bottles, cartons, cans and canisters. The X37 system provides a highly adaptable solution that provides inspection of individual situations by offering a wide range of features. The new system also features higher-sensitivity sensors, which require lower 20W X-ray generator power consumption to complete its inspections. This eliminates the need for active cooling of the generator and reduces both Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) and unit size.

Dairy cooperative Arla Foods has, for the first time, created transparency over the energy consumed in cottage cheese production at its Falkenberg (Sweden) location. This involves the use of the Baumer Flex-Flow sensor, which is able to measure the temperature of the medium as well as the flow rate. The cost reductions this could achieve in the future quickly made this a worthwhile investment.

Sealand’s smart containers, called "Captain Peter", optimize remote container management. Shippers receive status updates and alerts if the reefer container’s condition deviates from the required settings, like temperature, humidity, CO2 levels and the power status of the container, through sensors in the container. This advanced technology solution helps ensure perishable products arrive at their destination in optimal condition to maximize market value and shelf life.

The purpose of the spiral freezer is to quickly decrease product temperature prior to transporting or placing in storage. Product travels through the spiral freezer on a belt, with the time spent in the freezing process controlled by the belt speed. The enclosed area of the spiral freezer, or box, is maintained at a target temperature, with evaporator fans operating at a defined speed to maintain air flow across product while the evaporator coils remove heat from the space.

The Global Cold Chain Alliance (GCCA) released first-quarter data showing the general major cost structure of operating refrigerated warehouses. The cost of labor was once again the largest share of expenses, followed by property rent/lease/mortgage costs.

ASHRAE has published an updated guideline to assist in control of legionellosis associated with building water systems. ASHRAE Guideline 12-2020, Managing the Risk of Legionellosis Associated with Building Water Systems, provides guidance useful in the implementation of ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 188, Legionellosis: Risk Management for Building Water Systems. The guideline is intended for use by owners of human-occupied buildings and those involved in the design, construction, installation, commissioning, management, operation, maintenance, and service of centralized building water systems and components.

View the latest freezing and chilling equipment utilizing speed, power, and space-saving technology for higher productivity and a better bottom line.

Because 2020 is Refrigerated & Frozen Foods’ 30-year anniversary, we take a look back at the evolution of technology in lift trucks, and what current trends will shape the future of forklifts.