A Closer Look at Concrete Cooling Systems: Aggregate Cooling by Water

In this series of articles, we have looked at different types of aggregate cooling methods for large-pour concrete projects. Concrete cooling is vital to the strength and durability of the concrete. For large projects, you are going to need a comprehensive cooling system, which will be determined by the scope of your project and its application. SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC understands that you want to get the most out of your project while maintaining your schedule and budget. This article will provide you with a closer look at aggregate cooling by water.

How Aggregate Cooling by Water Works

With larger projects, it is necessary to cool the concrete aggregate on a conveyor belt to get it to the required temperature much more quickly. Basically, aggregate cooling by water is simply putting cool water on the aggregate stockpile. It is a very quick process, depending on the size of the aggregate. If natural water isn’t cold enough to bring the temperature of the aggregate sufficiently low enough, a chilling system can be included.

Although air can do this process, cold water is much quicker and more effective. Installing this system does require specialty equipment, such as a well-functioning dewatering system and flooded cooling belt. In addition, a settling tank is mandatory to the process. However, the investment in this equipment is often minimal compared to other types of cooling processes.

Benefits of Aggregate Cooling by Water

Aggregate cooling by water helps keep your time-frame on schedule. Because it is so reliable, you know that your concrete pouring project will be completed and set when it needs to be. This means that you can keep the subcontractors and other people working on the project on task.

Proper cooling by water is very effective and stable. Your system won’t develop problems down the road when you use aggregate cooling by water. It is less likely to deteriorate over time, which makes the whole process more reliable. Wetting the concrete cools it, so that it doesn’t need as much water to get the required slump. This means less shrinkage as it dries.

Although it does take a great deal of water, the system is actually very small compared to other methods of cooling, which means that you aren’t having to use valuable space on the site to store equipment for your concrete pouring. When you work with an experienced company that has multiple engineers and managers, you get the benefit of their knowledge to keep your system well-designed.

Aggregate cooling by water is cost-effective and budget friendly. This in turns allows you to pass these savings on to the client, which means that they can invest more into the project where it really needs it. You can also work with natural resources, which means if you have available water for cooling, it can be integrated into the system to reduce your overall costs.

Cons of the Aggregate Cooling by Water

Aggregate cooling by water is not appropriate for every site. Although it does tend to be a cost-effective method, some sites may not have sufficient resources. Depending on the project requirements aggregate cooling by water may also not be sufficient to cool the concrete to the right temperature. This method is also not cost-effective for smaller batches. It’s important to look at your particular project and the facilities and resources that you have available to determine if aggregate cooling by water is appropriate for your project.

Find the Right Cooling Method for Your Project at SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC

SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC offers precise applications and methods for your project, designed to your specifications, including environmental concerns when applicable to keep the project eco-friendly. We have an extensive background in industrial cooling and freezing that allows us to come up with innovative solutions for your project. Please contact us so that we can come up with the best concrete cooling system for your company, whether that system incorporates aggregate cooling by water or a different process.

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Optimal Cooling and Storage Methods for Shrimp and Shellfish

While most of the population immediately thinks of prawn species when they hear the word shrimp, the fishing industry uses the term to distinguish small shellfish (decapod crustaceans) from larger varieties. Shrimp are extraordinarily abundant and can be found on the floors of nearly any body of water including oceans, lakes and rivers. Various species adapt to an array of different environments.

There is substantial evidence that dates shrimping on the northwestern coast of the United States back to 600 AD. Native Americans used shrimp as an essential source of protein while many European settlers left the resource untapped. However, during the gold rush, Chinese immigrants introduced the shrimping practice, establishing a booming industry.

Today, shrimp are an essential part of the food and restaurant industry, and are a daily staple in restaurants and homes throughout the world. They are sold whole, but most frequently broken down for their meat. They are viewed as a healthy addition to almost any diet because they are low in saturated fats and high in omega-fatty acids. As such, there is a substantial demand for fresh shellfish.

As with other seafood, the freshness of shrimp is essential in its safety and marketability. They begin spoiling the moment they are killed. Therefore, there is a great risk of loss when storing and transporting shrimp. The best cooling and storage for shrimp and other small shellfish is an important step in ensuring the success of a catch.

Catching and Storing Shrimp

It is important to be careful even before the shrimp have been pulled on board. While it is important to complete a long enough trawl to collect a substantial number of shrimp, if it is extended too long, significant damage can be done to shrimp resulting in loss and more sorting. After the shrimp have been collected, they must be quickly sorted, cleaned, and appropriately stored to prevent spoiling.

On-board Freezing of Shrimp

Shrimp are most commonly transported frozen. While this is not currently common practice everywhere, it can possess great economic benefits because it may increase the quality of the product while also significantly increasing storage time. They can be frozen by using cold brine immersion, air blast freezing, or plate freezing. Using a sugar and salt solution during freezing can substantially improve glaze and aid in separation when thawing. During immersion, they can be frozen in 10-15 minutes, but longer freezing times will result in substantial damage to the seafood. In contrast, block freezing is completed by freezing the shrimp inside ice. This method helps with moisture retention and is most appropriate for cooked shrimp. Once frozen, they must be stored at -30 degrees C in order to ensure freshness.

On-Board Chilling of Shrimp

During chilling, shrimp are placed in shallow boxes with appropriate amounts of ice. While this method can help retain the color of some varieties, it requires substantial attention and care. The shrimp must be entirely covered by the ice, and the shrimp should be carefully layered with ice. In addition, during this process shrimp can only be stored for a short amount of time. They can stay good in ice for up to 4 days, but for optimal freshness, the shrimp should be landed and processed within 2 days. This is most appropriate for short voyages.

Live Transport of Shrimp

While much less common, live transport is growing in popularity due to its higher sale price along with low processing costs. In addition, there are fewer U.S. regulations on the product because it arrives alive. Traditionally, this method required large water tanks, which were expensive and heavy. However, there are several studies that indicate the possibility of transporting live shrimp without water. During the process, live shrimp are cooled to an appropriate holding temperature. They are then warmed or re-acclimated once they arrive at their destination. It has been found that this process is best completed with wood shavings cooled to a holding temperature of 15 degrees C. While fairly new, this method has substantial potential.

Overall, shrimp can be quickly and easily contaminated and spoiled if they are not handled correctly. Therefore, they need to be quickly and appropriately stored for optimal flavor. While there are a number of options, you need to specifically consider the best cooling and storage for shrimp and small shellfish on your unique vessel. As an expert in the cooling and storage field, SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC can help you create the perfect cooling and storage system for your transporting needs. A functioning and appropriate system will ensure the quality of each shrimp you catch.

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Post-harvest Cooling of Asparagus

Asparagus have been used for food and medicine for thousands of years in a variety of cultures. Ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Romans all utilized the vegetable. While asparagus is in season during the spring, the Greeks and Romans dried and even froze the vegetable for use in major festivals. The oldest existing recipe book contains an asparagus recipe. Today, the vegetable remains a staple in cultures around the world and is a central feature on spring menus in an array of restaurants. Like other fresh foods, asparagus must be properly cooled and stored to maintain quality after harvest.

General Facts About Asparagus

Officially known as asparagus officinalis, asparagus was originally classified as part of the lily family of vegetables and plants along with garlic and onions. However, the family was later split, and onion varieties have been classified as Amaryllidaceae while asparagus are now Asparagaceae.

The plant is native to Northern Africa, Western Asia and most of Europe and is an herbaceous perennial plant. Only young shoots are used for food because once they begin flowering they become too woody for consumption. Varieties grown in northwestern Europe are most prominently white, and are extraordinarily popular in the region. They are tenderer and less bitter than the more widely produced green stalks. The thickness of the stem indicates the age of the plant. The plant consists of about 93% water and is extremely low in calories and sodium, making asparagus a healthy dietary choice.

General Information About Cooling and Storing Asparagus

Asparagus can require up to three growing seasons before they are ready to harvest. Once spears begin to show, they can be harvested for 2-3 weeks. Asparagus spears continue to age after harvesting. Therefore, it is important to harvest them when they are young. Because of the restrictive harvest requirements, it is vital to properly store the asparagus. There are several things to consider when storing the vegetable.

Pre-cooling – Pre-cooling is important in the storage of most vegetables because you want to remove the ambient heat as soon as possible for lengthened storage time. Asparagus’s high respiration rate requires that it be cooled to its lowest temperature as quickly as possible. Therefore, asparagus should be precooled either with hydrocooling or package icing for optimal results.

Temperature – The plant should be stored at a range of about 32°F – 35°F. Asparagus should not be stored at a temperature lower than 32°F because doing so can result in chilling injury, substantially changing the flavor of the vegetable.

Relative Humidity – Because of their substantial water make up, asparagus can easily become dried out during the refrigeration process if care is not taken. Therefore, it is important to maintain a substantially high relative humidity of 95% – 100%. This relativity can be accomplished through a variety of moisturizing techniques. However, asparagus can be susceptible to microbial infection, so there must be a delicate moisture balance during refrigeration.

Shelf Life – Asparagus have a medium-range storage life compared to other produce and can be stored for about 14 – 21 days under ideal conditions.

Ethylene Sensitivity – Due to its ethylene sensitivity one rotting, bad, or aging asparagus can greatly affect the life span of the other vegetables stored with it. This makes it important to carefully sort asparagus and to keep them separate from other ethylene-producing fruits and vegetables.

Methods for Cooling Asparagus

Hydro-cooling – This technique immerses harvested asparagus spears in cold water, quickly and efficiently reducing the temperature of the plant. While this technique is the most effective in reducing temperature, it is not the most energy efficient. However, thermal immersion systems can substantially increase efficiency. In addition, it is important to add a form of disinfectant in the water to decrease the potential for the spread of disease throughout the crop.

Ice Packaging – Both top and liquid icing are beneficial for quickly and efficiently cooling densely packaged or palletized harvests. Liquid icing allows asparagus being cooled in their packaging containers through vents and handholds. This technique prevents the need to open and remove plants from the packaging. Top icing also allows the product to remain packaged, as crushed ice is added through the top of the container. Both methods can be completed by hand or by machine. The technique is particularly beneficial for high respiration vegetables like asparagus.

The storage of your harvest is essential in ensuring that your customers receive the best possible products. As an industry expert in storage and cooling systems, SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC works intimately with its clients to provide the perfect equipment for each producer’s individual needs. We have the necessary experience and resources to design optimal cooling and storage systems for your asparagus or other harvested crops.

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Factors that Influence the Efficiency of a Concrete Cooling System

When you purchase any type of machine or equipment, you want it to be efficient. You want it to fulfill the role that you need it for well. When you’re looking at concrete cooling systems, you need to know what factors affect their efficiency. This will help you get the system that is best for you and your business. At SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC you can build your own customized concrete cooling system. In order to better understand what you need and what influences efficiency, you have to know why concrete cooling systems are important and how different components of the system work.

Why Concrete Cooling Systems Are Important

If you’re a member of the construction industry and you pour concrete regularly, you need a concrete cooling system. This type of system is important because it helps you provide your customers with the highest quality concrete. SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC wants to provide you with the highest quality equipment and services so that you can provide high quality products and services to your customers. If you don’t have a concrete cooling system, your concrete is susceptible to cracking, low tensile strength, and non-uniformity.

These negative side effects happen when concrete is poured and it is too hot. When you mix cement aggregates with water, the process of making concrete, a chemical reaction occurs. This reaction is largely exothermic, that means that it releases heat. If you have to pour large amounts of concrete, the temperature can exceed 200F. Thus, you need to have dependable, effective concrete cooling systems in place in order to leave your customers with high quality concrete that isn’t weak, crack-prone, non-uniform.

How Different Components of the System Works

Since SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC offers customizable concrete cooling systems there are of course different variables in these systems. Some main components that can be included in a concrete cooling system are:

  • Water Chilling Plant – Most concrete cooling systems have a water chilling plant. This is used to cool the water that hydrates the cement. The cooler the water used the cooler the concrete’s temperature. That means that using cool water is an efficient way to cool concrete. Not only does this component efficiently cool water, but it is also much more power efficient than it has been in the past.
  • Cold Water Tank – This component is used to store the water that is to be used in the hydration process. Once you have chilled the water in the chilling plant, you don’t want it to warm back up. That means that in order to keep the system efficient you have to have a cold water tank to store the cold water in. To increase the efficiency of this component, you can choose to have it insulated.
  • Ice Plant – Beyond adding cold water in the hydration process, you can also add ice into the mixing drum to help keep the concrete cool. The type of ice used in this part of the system affects the efficiency. The most efficient type of ice is flake ice because it has the largest surface area, so it cools the best. It also melts quickly which helps keep the concrete uniform. The ice plant makes the ice that is used in the cooling process.
  • Ice Storage Bin – Just as the cold water has to be stored, the ice also has to be stored. In order to increase the efficiency of the concrete cooling system, SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC allows you to choose to add an ice storage bin. This means you can make large quantities of ice and store it until it is needed in the concrete process.
  • Ice Delivery and Weighing – This part of the system effects the efficiency to a high degree. The ice delivery and weighing component delivers a predetermined amount of ice to the mixing drum. In order to be highly efficient it has to deliver the ice in a consistent, reliable way. It may possibly use a blower, rotary valve and/or cyclone receiver.
  • Aggregate Cooling With Water – When you need to keep the mixture extremely cool, you have to use an aggregate cooling system. Aggregate cooling with water is sometimes considered the less efficient method. You have to make sure that the water is at the perfect temperature for the size of the aggregate. It’s also considered less efficient because it can take up a lot of space.
  • Aggregate Cooling With Air – Aggregate cooling with air is more efficient because it can continuously cool the aggregate through valves located at the bottom of the silo. It doesn’t require extra machinery. It also helps maintain a uniform amount of moisture in the aggregate.
  • Sand Cooling – Sand cooling is only used when needed. It is a much more demanding cooling process than any of the aforementioned processes. It requires a highly customized system which SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC does offer.
  • Post-Cooling – Another uncommon part of a concrete cooling system is post-pour cooling. It runs chilled water through a network of pipes in the poured concrete. This can be effective if done exactly right, but it can also cause irreparable damage if not done properly.

The components you use in your concrete cooling system affect the efficiency of the overall system.

How SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC Can Help You Customize Your Concrete Cooling System

You may not need or want every single component listed. Each business has its own requirements. We realize that and that is why we are able to help you customize your own concrete cooling system. We’ll help you meet your temperature goals with a high level of efficiency while having only the components that you need. Contact us to discuss the particulars of your concrete cooling system.

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How Freezing and Cooling Systems Can Be Customized for Your Business

SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC understands that each of clients has a unique business with its own set of unique needs and demands. Even businesses within the same industry may have different resources, priorities, and conditions that call for slightly different industrial cooling systems. SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC offers customizable freezing and cooling systems for your business. That means that you get to purchase the equipment that you need because it will be customized for you.

Aspects of Freezing and Cooling Systems that Are Customizable

There are many different aspects of freezing and cooling equipment that can be customized at SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC. Each bit of customization allows for a unique piece of equipment that will be able to serve your business better. As you customize it, you are making sure that it fits the exact needs of your business. Some of the aspects that can be customize include but are not limited to:

  • The General Type of System – You get to choose the system that you need, be it a cooling system or freezing system, ice blower or crusher, industrial cooler, or anything else. If you are unsure what system best fits your needs we can also help advise you.
  • The Size and Capacity of the System – Some businesses need large freezers or cooling systems, while others don’t need such a large capacity and may be more concerned about getting something that can efficiently handle smaller loads. At SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC, you get to choose the size of your freezing and cooling system.
  • The Temperature Requirements – Just as not all businesses are exactly same, not all products have to be kept at the same temperature. That means that you need to be able to customize what the temperature requirements are for your equipment.
  • The Level of Automation – You can also customize how automated the system is. Some businesses may require an almost completely automated system whereas others need less automation and may prefer to take a more active role. Systems may be designed that automatically shutdown after a period of idleness or that will automatically dispense ice as needed.
  • The Parts and Components Used – You also get to select the parts that are used. You get to choose the quality and type of parts. All of the specs are for you to choose.
  • The Accessories – Finally, you also get to choose what accessories you add to the equipment, adding or removing features as desired.

With SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC the customization is almost endless. We will help you get the exact system that you need.

How to Get Your Customized Freezing and Cooling Systems

Now that you know there is an option to get what you need and no more or no less, you are probably wondering how you can get your customized machine. Thankfully, it is quite simple. SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC strives to provide our customers with the highest quality equipment and services. This means that all you have to do is give us a call to get started. We will put you on the right track to getting your very own customized freezing and cooling systems.

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Effectively Cooling Peaches Post-Harvest

Peaches were a coveted and pricey luxury in the 16th and 17th centuries, when Spanish explorers brought them to North America. Although they are more accessible today, they are still a delicious snack and are enjoyed in both desserts and savory dishes, not to mention their prized spot as an iced tea and beverage flavoring. While a growing peach requires a specific cycle of precipitation and increasing temperatures to thrive, they are best preserved using appropriate methods for cooling peaches after harvest.

General Facts About Peaches

Peaches are categorized into one of two main groupings – clingstones or freestones. Clingstone varieties consist of flesh that grips tightly to the pit while freestone peaches tend to cleanly separate. The main difference between these varieties is that cling peaches are better for canning while freestone peaches can be eaten right after picking. Peach trees flower in March and produce a mature harvest in the summer heat, as long as they do not experience a late frost, which tends to kill the blossoms.

There are hundreds of cultivars of peaches bred for less fuzz, more color, or levels of firmness. This has led to varieties that are easier to pack and ship, some with more juice and flavor and others that are easier to wash and eat fresh. Most significantly are the variety called nectarines, which are so popular as to have their own name and their own distinct cultivars as well.

Information About Cooling and Storing Peaches

Peaches are a delicate fruit, and deciding when to harvest can be challenging. A peach should be ripe enough to cultivate flavor and yet not so developed as to soften or bruise during packing and shipping. The art of picking peaches is developed over time and experienced pickers are an asset to an orchard. Often times the same grove will have to be picked over multiple times to ensure each piece of fruit is removed at the peak of freshness. In order to ensure this effort isn’t for naught, it’s important to use appropriate methods for cooling peaches after harvest, and storing them in the meantime. The principal factors are:

Handling – Peaches are prone to bruising. The thin skin and flesh fruit can be easily damaged, so careful packaging is necessary to keep them protected. A damaged peach will release ethylene which causes other peaches to over ripen and can ruin an entire crate of fruit.

Temperature – Like many fruits, peaches will continue to ripen as they are exposed to heat. To counteract that tendency, the fruit should be cooled and stored at 31°F-32°F. Cooling peaches will only stave this off for so long before rot or internal breakdown occurs. A peach with a chilling injury will fail to ripen when the temperature is increased causing dry flesh and discoloration.

Relative Humidity – Peaches are mostly water, and should be exposed to high humidity in order to thrive in storage. Levels of 90-95% are necessary to ensure peach moisture.

Shelf Life – Peaches have a relatively short shelf life compared to other fruits. They can be stored for approximately 2-4 weeks, after which they are unlikely to be appetizing or safe to eat.

Methods of Cooling Peaches

Peaches need to be pre-cooled to quickly remove field heat and bring down overall fruit temperature. This should occur within the first 24 hours of harvest to ensure the best quality. Simply refrigerating the fruit will not be an effective method of temperature reduction particularly for fruit that will be shipped and continue to be stored. The following are effective methods of cooling peaches after harvest:

Hydrocooling – The longer that peaches are kept at the high field temperatures after picking, the more quickly they will be damaged and over ripen. Hyrdocooling is a quick and efficient method of cooling fruit that consists of running the fruit under cool water. This reduces heat rapidly while also cleaning the fruit at the same time.

Forced-Air Cooling – Instead of simply setting peaches in a freezer, forced-air cooling adds circulation by using fans to move the cold air rapidly around the fruit. When used alone or in conjunction with hydrocooling, forced-air cooling removes field heat to help ensure a good crop.

Farmers work hard to harvest their peach crops and need a quality product to meet their cooling and storage needs. Using modern methods for cooling peaches after harvest is the key to winding up with the most desired and sellable crop. SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC offers industrial cooling systems that are designed and manufactured to individual specifications ideal for keeping peaches cool until delivery and consumption.

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A Closer Look at Concrete Cooling Systems: Aggregate Cooling by Air

Concrete cooling systems are used to ensure that the concrete product you provide is strong, durable, less likely to crack, and completely uniform. They are necessary because concrete is best when it is cool, and the chemical reaction that occurs during the hydration process is exothermic, which means that it releases heat. If you don’t have a cooling system in place, the temperature can exceed 200°F.

There are many different types of cooling systems. SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC knows that not every business has the same needs, so we will help you customize a system to best fit your business. There are various methods of concrete cooling to choose from. One effective component of many concrete cooling systems is aggregate cooling by air. Let’s take a look at what aggregate cooling by air is and how it works.

About Aggregate Cooling by Air

Aggregate cooling in general is the lowering of the temperature of the materials, or aggregates, used to make the cement mix. This helps ensure that the concrete will stay cool when it is being made. Aggregate cooling can be done in two ways—by water or by air. In this instance, the one that is being discussed is cooling by air.

Aggregate cooling by air is particularly useful at construction sites that don’t have much space. This is because the aggregates can be cooled in their existing silos and without a dewatering system. This makes them a great choice at many worksites.

How Concrete Aggregate Cooling By Air Works

Aggregate cooling by air requires that an exact, defined airstream is blown continuously through the aggregates in the silos. Nozzles at the bottom of the silo are used to guarantee that the air distribution is specific. The aggregates have to be moistened during this process, but you don’t want the moisture to exceed what is required.

Aggregate cooling by air lets cold air get streamed through the silo, and as it passes through the silo and over the aggregates it is warmed up again. The warm air carries out the added moisture that is in the silo. This helps ensure that no additional moisture will be left behind on the aggregates, thus allowing you to control the aggregate’s environment from moisture to temperature.

More Advantages of Concrete Aggregate Cooling by Air

Not only does the aggregate cooling by air help you control the moisture in the silos, but there are other benefits to using this type of cooling system:

  • Continuous Process – With an aggregate cooling by air, a continuous process can be achieved. This means that you do not have to worry about the aggregates reaching a temperature that is too high because they can always be cooled.
  • Low Operational Costs – Cooling by air is a comparatively cheap cooling option.
  • Low Cost of Investment – Not only is this option cheap to operate, but it is also a much less expensive option to set up than many other systems. This is in large part due to the fact that air aggregate cooling does not require a separate dewatering system to remove excess moisture.
  • Mobile Set-up – This system doesn’t require as much space as other systems, which means you are able to use the equipment you already have. This allows for a more mobile set-up than the other cooling options.

SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC Delivers Quality Aggregate Cooling Systems

At SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC we want you to get the absolute best service and system possible. For some clients this will mean an aggregate cooling by air system, while other clients will benefit more from a aggregate cooling by water system, or a concrete cooling system that does not focus on the aggregates at all. Please contact us to discuss your needs so that we can come up with a system to best address them.

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Cooling and Storage For Industrial Fishermen

Fishermen harvest almost 100 million tons of fish per year. An additional 50 million tons come from commercial fisheries. While the exact number is unknown, it is estimated that up to 2.7 trillion fish are caught and consumed each year. This number accounts for about 16% of the total protein consumption globally. Fish are an important food source because of their central role in the diets of many people and their nutritional content, including essential fatty acids that promote heart and brain health.

The vast majority of the global fish supply comes from industrial fishing, is an enormous industry that employs over 500 million individuals each year. It is done by large corporations and small, family-owned businesses. Commercial fisherman must pursue their catch far into the ocean, often facing adverse conditions and real danger, including on-board injury, vessel disasters and falling overboard. In addition to the physical dangers a commercial fisherman may encounter, they also face great financial risk. They must maintain expensive vessels and equipment but there is no guarantee their investments and efforts will produce a profitable haul.

It is important that each catch is processed efficiently in order to preserve the quality and quantity of fish that can be brought to market. SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC manufactures cooling and storage products for industrial fisherman that can enable them to maximize their profits by reducing the number of fish that are lost to spoilage and contamination. Our products include ice banks and storage bins, slush cooling systems, hydrocoolers, and fully custom-designed systems and can be used for transporting both live and deceased fish.

Processing Live Fish

Once a catch is hauled in, it goes through several processes on the way to market. Fresh fish deteriorates quickly and must be handled appropriately in order to maintain its value. Many companies choose to keep fish alive until they can be delivered to market.

  • Fish should be stored in clean water. Each catch must be sorted carefully. Healthy fish may be placed in a container of clean water, while dead or diseased fish must be thrown out. It is important to remove unhealthy fish so they do not contaminate the water or the healthy individuals.
  • Fish shouldn’t be fed. This makes them less active, decreasing their metabolic rate and extending the amount of time they can occupy tanks before their respiration and waste products bring the pH to unhealthy levels.
  • The water should be cool. The temperature should be lowered gradually to avoid shocking or stressing the catch. Optimum temperatures depend on the type of fish and time of year. Cooler water decreases the animal’s activity level, increasing the time and distance they can be transported and enabling them to be packed more densely in the water. Careful temperature control can bring fish to a state of near hibernation, greatly reducing the rate of fish that die en route. Low death rates and high density are crucial for a fisherman to reap the greatest profits from the catch that they risked so much for.

Many commercial fisheries utilize holding basins, fish yards or floating cages that are equipped with water filtration and oxygen, circulation and temperature controls to maximize the amount of time that live fish can survive in transport and to increase the number of fish that can be transported in a single container.

Transporting Frozen Fish

While many species of fish are hardy enough to tolerate live transportation, even from one country to another, it is not a viable option for the bulk of the fish harvested worldwide. Captured fish have been preserved with ice for thousands of years to maintain their freshness and quality from the water to the market.

  • Cold temperatures reduce spoilage and disease. Fish should be cooled to about 0°C. This prevents spoilage and reduces the growth of pathogenic microorganisms that can cause illness and disease. Contaminated seafood poses a great health and safety risk, and buyers will turn away a catch that seems questionable. Some fish are gutted and sectioned before they are put on ice while others are frozen whole. In either case it is important that the product be frozen as quickly as possible to prevent disease and decay, and that it remain frozen until it has reached the consumer.
  • Ice keeps fish moist. By submerging fish into a slurry of ice and water the fish will chill more quickly, and the melted ice will keep the skin fresh and hydrated. Dehydration can cause weight loss. As most fish are sold by weight, this decreases the profits a fisherman can collect. This treatment also prevents the growth of pathogenic bacteria.
  • Ice has a large cooling capacity. A small amount of ice can cool a larger amount of fish than most other cooling methods. Insulated containers are important for keeping ice from melting, which can make it less efficient. Ice maintains a constant temperature, ensuring the catch is uniformly chilled.
  • Ice is convenient. It is portable and can be distributed evenly around fish. It is easy to store, transport and use. Various sources of water can be used to generate ice, although the source should be tested to ensure it will not contaminate the product. When utilized correctly it is a cheap and easy way to preserve a catch.

In order to maintain the quality of fish transported to market and maximize the quantity that can be sold, industrial fishermen must have the appropriate equipment to process their catch quickly and to transport live or frozen fish long distances. SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC manufactures and installs equipment that can enable commercial fishers to handle and deliver their harvest efficiently and economically.

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Guide to Ice Crushers and Blowers Maintenance

If you work in an industry that needs to produce a large volume of snow, ice, or slush for any application, then you know how important it is to maintain your ice crushers and ice blowers properly. These important pieces of equipment are the lifeblood of your operation, whether they are helping you to cover a hillside in snow or setting up for an event that requires a heavy application of cold weather comfort. Manufacturers like SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC understand that your needs vary a lot from job to job, and we also understand that you want to get the most out of your investments, which is why we provide detailed maintenance instructions and other pillars of support that help you to get the most out of your ice crushers and blowers over their lifetime.

Ice Crusher Service and Support

The most important step in maintaining any industrial equipment is setting up your service plan so that you know you’re getting the maintenance you need. This includes both establishing a regular routine that allows you to get preventative tune-ups and regular replacements for parts that have definitive limits on their recommended useful life. It also positions you to have the best possible knowledge of any issues that might be developing in your ice crushers. Working with a regular service provider recommended by a manufacturer like SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC means that your repair records will also be more complete, allowing each new technician you work with the opportunity to review the history of the work done on your equipment.

Working with your manufacturer’s suggested network of service technicians also means that you won’t need to worry about whether the technicians you hire are certified for the exact models and manufacturers that you use, so it helps to streamline your selection process when you are first searching for service. That pays off when it’s time for repairs, because you won’t have to worry about where to go or who will do the repair. As an alternative, you can always hire your own on-site technician, which is really helpful for companies whose inventory of ice crushers and blowers or other related industrial equipment is large enough to require full-time service and maintenance. It is important to hire only certified technicians who have trained on the machines you purchased, though, so if you do decide to go for an in-house maintenance specialist, you still do need to ensure that they have the right credentials for your SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC machines.

Maintain Manufacturer Recommendations

Once you have a clear plan for service, it is essential to budget for the time and materials outlined in the individual equipment manual for each of your ice crushers, ice blowers, and related machines. Depending on the use, capacity, and exact function of your machines, there might be a wide variety of regular checkups and operations needed across all of your equipment, and having a ‘one-size-fits-all’ plan for tune ups and other regular inspections can result in some pieces slipping through the cracks. When that happens, it is more likely that you will miss early signs of some problems as they develop, and that can cost you money in repairs.

Plan the Work, Work the Plan

The only way to get the most out of your ice machines is to keep to a plan that acknowledges all of your equipment needs, parts, and other supporting resources. That way, your machines will always be able to crank out the right amount of ice and snow for any occasion. Properly maintained equipment that is held to a schedule brings a variety of benefits, including:

  • More predictable expenditures
  • Advance warning for unforeseen expenses, allowing better staging
  • Reliable, quality maintenance from a provider you trust
  • Better use of each machine’s maintenance history in assessing and repairing ongoing issues
  • Longer peak performance lifetimes for your machines

SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC and other ice crusher manufacturers don’t make these maintenance recommendations lightly. Since poor maintenance and inexperienced service can lead to problems that further damage your machines or even injure your workers, it is vital to be sure that your service plan is comprehensive, and that it follows all the right guidelines. If you need assistance with maintenace and repair issues please contact us so that we can help.

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Methods for Cooling Nectarines Post-Harvest

Nectarines are often thought to be a cross between a peach and a plum; however that is not the case. In fact, a nectarine is a cultivar of a peach that is bred for less fuzz and more firmness. There is a recessive allele in nectarines that causes the smoother skin. Seeds with the dominant allele produce the fuzzier peaches. Both fruits ripen quickly and bruise easily, making it imperative to use the best methods for cooling nectarines after harvest.

General Facts About Nectarines

Nectarines have been domesticated for more than 4.000 years, likely originating in China. They are a good source of vitamins A and C and are often cooked into desserts, jams and conserves. While peaches are closely associated with the eastern coast of the United States, more than 95% of nectarines are grown in California. Nectarines are somewhat tarter than peaches but are typically used in many of the same circumstances in which one might use a peach.

Information About Cooling and Storing Nectarines

Like their brother, the peach, nectarines are a delicate fruit with thin skin and soft flesh. As a result, they bruise easily and are difficult to store. It’s important to pick them at the right time so that they are ripe enough to taste delicious but not so ripe as to break apart during cooling or storage. To ensure every last fruit makes it to the consumer, the following factors must be considered:

Temperature – Nectarines will keep developing as long as the temperature is warm, so cooling immediately is necessary to stave off ripening of the fruit. They should be cooled and stored at around 31°F.

Handling – Nectarines cannot be tossed, dropped or loosely stored. They must be handled delicately to ensure the fruit does not bruise and begin releasing ethylene that might damage other fruit.

Shelf Life – Nectarines have a shelf life of 2-4 weeks, which is somewhat short compared with other fruits. The more efficiently they’re cooled after picking, the more likely they are to last on the longer end of this spectrum. Nectarines can be treated and canned which will significantly increase shelf life and is a great way to store fruit that won’t be eaten in time to remain fresh.

Relative Humidity – The flesh of a nectarine is juicy and requires high humidity of 90% or above to maintain the moisture of the fruit and prevent shriveling.

Methods of Cooling Nectarines

Nectarines cannot be simply refrigerated after harvest, since this will not lower their temperature as quickly as necessary to effectively slow ripening. Field heat must be removed from the fruit in the first 24 hours after picking to obtain the best output from the crop. To rapidly reduce the temperature of the fruit, consider the following effective methods of cooling nectarines after harvest:

Hydrocooling – This method of cooling produce involves submerging it in cold water or under a constant stream of running water. Hydrocooling is fast at reducing temperature and also helps to aid in cleaning the fruit. It’s most effective when used in conjunction with other cooling methods, since fruit should not sit in water for an extended period of time.

Forced-Air Cooling – This cooling technique is especially effective when used directly after hydrocooling. Forced-air cooling places the nectarines in a refrigerated area and adds the effect of moving the cooled air by using fans. This method surrounds the fruit with constantly cool air to quickly reduce temperatures and prepare the nectarines for packing.

SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC knows how important each harvest is during the growing season and how hard growers work to obtain the perfect fruit. In order to keep that fruit its freshest, it’s wise to consider a custom cooling system built with the right specifications for nectarines. SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC offers designs created for precise needs to offer the best methods for cooling nectarines after harvest, and storing them until delivery.

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