Warning Signs of Fish Spoilage

A top priority for commercial fishermen is preserving their catch. Since they may not be returning to port immediately but moving on to other fishing spots, refrigeration and a well-insulated hold are vital in the effort to keep fish fresh. SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC understands the importance of preventing fish spoilage, and we manufacture and install industrial cooling systems designed to customer specifications. In the commercial fishing business, proper cooling of the seafood product can mean the difference between expected profit and economic disaster. The warning signs of spoilage can typically be detected through the senses of sight and smell, but there are also other warning signs of fish spoilage.

Assessing the Quality of Fresh Fish and Warning Signs of Fish Spoilage

The term “quality” refers to the appearance and freshness of fish or the degree of spoilage that has occurred during the time of transport from sea to land. Though quality is something an individual can determine through sight and smell, food researchers have developed parameters that form the basis of an assessment tool known as the Quality Index Method (QIM). The various parts of a fish, such as the skin, eyes, and gills are rated. The QIM assigns a score of zero for very fresh fish and the numbers, or demerits, pile up as the fish deteriorates. Characteristics such as dull skin, cloudy eyes or a musty, sour odor are among the signs of fish spoilage. The QIM assessment has been used for many years by European and Nordic countries to evaluate how many days caught fish such as cod, herring, and flounder can be kept on ice while still remaining safe to eat.

Guarding Against Fish Spoilage

The hold of a commercial fishing vessel must be properly chilled in order to preserve the catch. Many types of insulation are available—polyurethane foam, fiberglass, cork board, even wood shavings—and SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC can provide the accompanying cooling system depending on the kind of insulation selected, the size of the craft, the amount of space available, and the type of fish being caught. With the entire customized system in place, fishermen can go about their business, confident that there is ample protection against fish spoilage. The refrigeration equipment, coupled with the proper insulation, will maintain the correct temperature inside the hold.

Icing Down the Catch

Fish of good quality should have bright, shiny skin. Their eyes should be clear, their gills characteristically colorful, and they should carry a fresh, seaweed sort of smell. To ensure that they maintain good quality from the moment they are taken from the sea until the day of their delivery for packing and transport to a final destination, ice will be an important preservative. Ice, however, has its own issues. Since it is often handled with human hands, bacteria can invade the ice container, speeding up the spoilage process. SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC offers ready-made clean ice that is available in several forms. Also available are icemakers that will produce ice continually as well as water filtration systems designed to ensure that the water used for the preservation of the catch is kept clean and organism free.

Different Kinds of Cooling for Best Preservation

Fish of different sizes have different needs relative to cooling methods. Small fish such as sardines and anchovies tend to spoil easily because they have few layers of protection. However, their small size allows for fast cooling. Medium-sized fish such as salmon, cod, or tilapia are less likely than smaller fish to spoil quickly and they stay cool longer than large fish. Meanwhile, large fish should ideally be gutted or filleted to make the cooling process more efficient. At SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC, we understand these different requirements and stand ready to equip the commercial fishing industry with the ice, ice-making equipment, and refrigeration products they need to ensure the integrity of each valuable catch.

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Top 5 Signs You Need a New Industrial Freezer

Business owners typically don’t spend a lot of time each day thinking about their industrial freezers. However, if something were to go wrong in an industrial food or product setting, there could be the potential loss of thousands of dollars of inventory as well as downtimes while repairs are made. It makes sense then for wary owners to be on the lookout for signs that freezer equipment is about to fail. At SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC, we’ve gathered this helpful list of warning signs to help business owners understand when it may be time to invest in a new industrial freezer.

Decreased Efficiency

Even when a industrial freezer is technically still working, it might not be operating in the most efficient manner. Fortunately, there are some obvious indicators when this is the case. Owners or employees might notice that there is a significant amount of ice accumulating on the walls, contents, or compressor unit inside the freezer. Or, there may be certain areas where the temperature seems higher than the rest of the compartment. If someone opens the door for an extended period of time, an inefficient freezer will have trouble getting back to the appropriate temperature quickly.

Temperature Failures

Beyond anomalies such as these signs of operational inefficiency, there may be downright obvious clues that an industrial freezer is reaching the end of its service life. Large fluctuations in overall temperature, such as periodic thawing, is a major issue that must be addressed immediately. Similarly, industrial freezers that are exposed to high exterior temperatures may struggle to maintain the necessary freezing temperature on the interior.

Structural Deterioration

Industrial freezers, especially those at high-capacity facilities, can take a beating. Though the walls are likely to get banged up and the door dented, there are some major structural damage issues that could be warning signs for equipment that needs to be replaced sooner rather than later. For example, door seals are one of the first parts of the freezer to show wear. The door gets the most traffic, so it is the most vulnerable to damage. Seals on the panel joints can also start to fail, which may let warm outside air into the freezer compartment. Wall damage that’s heavy enough to pierce the metal surface and expose the insulation underneath is a major cause of concern as well.

Costly Maintenance

Most pieces of equipment need service now and then, although regular maintenance should help cut down on visits from the repairman. However, there comes a point at which doing more and more frequent – and costly – repairs simply isn’t worth it anymore. At some point, it makes more financial sense to replace the industrial freezer instead of continuing to pour money into repairs. This may especially be the case as the freezer gets older and the parts become more expensive or, worse, obsolete and unavailable.

Insufficient (or Over-Abundant) Space

Finally, not every person in the market for a new industrial freezer is in that situation because of equipment failure. A business owner who is planning a major expansion or who wants to switch from reach-in freezers to walk-in freezers may be considering investing in a new unit. Many companies simply outgrow their freezer storage capacities or change their inventory so that the current freezer is no longer suitable.

However, it’s also possible for the opposite problem to exist. An industrial freezer that remains mostly empty can burn a great deal of extra energy and even have reduced efficiency compared to a fuller freezer. That’s why some businesses that have scaled back, made other arrangement, or changed their business models may be better off downsizing than pumping money into a unit that is too large.

SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC Provides Customizable Industrial Freezers

At SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC, we know that purchasing a large piece of industrial equipment such as an industrial freezer is a major investment. We believe these warning signs can help owners and managers be vigilant and on the lookout for inefficient operation, signs of failure, or structural problems in their current units. Though repairs might be an option for the shorter term, there may come a time when the financial outlay for a new commercial freezer is more logical than continued repair bills. By taking the time to check on the operation of freezers in their facilities, companies can avoid downtime and inventory loss.

SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC is committed to providing our customers with custom built industrial freezers and other freezing and cooling equipment that meets their needs, budget, and timeline. Contact us for more information about what industrial freezer is right for your business.

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Why Hydrocooling Won’t Work As a Standalone Produce Cooling Method

Proper cooling of produce is critical to maintain the quality and nutrition of food. The single most important factor that prevents food degradation is maintaining a proper food temperature. Through refrigeration by units produced by SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC, major spoilage processes are prevented. The first is that the processes of ripening and premature softening are slowed at lower temperatures. Refrigeration also prevents wilting and moisture loss. Lastly, refrigeration prevents significant food quality and safety issue by preventing bacteria, fungi and yeast from growing. Among many cooling methods, hydrochiller is an effective pre-cooling method that aids in food quality.

The Hydrochiller Process

Hydrochillers are an effective process by which cooled water is used to bring the temperature of produce down. After produce is harvested, it can have a temperature between 50 to 80 degrees. This is commonly referred to as field heat. If the fruits, vegetables, and grains are not negatively affected by the process, they can be pre-cooled with hydrochillers.

Hydrochiller involves submerging produce in a tub of refrigerated water or passing produce through a stream of cooled water. Additionally, some machines will recycle to water used in the process while adding sanitizers to the water to help clean the produce as it is cooled. Water is more effective at quickly pulling heat out of produce compared to air-cooling. This allows field heat to be rapidly removed, slowing the spoiling process.

Limitations of Hydrochillers

Hydrochillers are a an efficient cooling process but does not work for all types of produce, is not as energy efficient compared to other methods at lower temperatures, and functions only as a pre-cooling and not a standalone cooling method. Certain produce should not be soaked or sprayed with water after harvesting. A few examples of fruit and vegetables that cannot be hydrochilled include celery, carrots, cabbage, blackberries and beets. In certain cases, the produce can be damaged by hydrochillers. In certain fruits and vegetables, extra water absorption by produce can also increase the speed of spoilage or decrease the structural integrity, taste, or quality.

Increased Speed and Decreased Energy Efficiency

Room cooling utilizes an air-conditioned room to bring down the temperature of produce. Hydrochillers are much more rapid than room cooling, but the hydrochillers process is not as energy efficient as room cooling. Maintaining a low water temperature required for the hydrochillers process take significant amounts of energy. This means that hydrochillers are a fast, efficient way of quickly removing heat, but it is not suitable for complete cooling to optimal temperatures because it would require too much energy.

Hydrochillers Are Not a Standalone Method

Hydrochillers are designed to quickly decrease the temperature of produce that is not sensitive to wetting, but it is not designed to maintain it at a low temperature. In addition to energy efficiency concerns, most produce could not be continually stored in cold water without significantly decreasing its stability, taste, and quality. To design an effective cooling process, hydrochillers should be an introductory method to decrease the temperature of sensitive produce rapidly so that it can be stored in a cold room and maintained at the correct temperature.

SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC designs high quality cooling and freezing systems ideal for produce, food, and many other industrial and commercial applications. We are always happy to help our clients find the produce cooling system that is best for their needs. All of our systems are also customizable and can be designed to customer specs. For more information about cooling methods for specific types of produce please browse our past articles.

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Tips for Best Handling Block Ice Aboard Fishing Ships

No matter how large the catch may be, if a fishing ship doesn’t have an effective cooling system that catch will spoil before making it back to the harbor. The most cooling methods involves using various forms of ice. There are many different types of ice that may be used, but in today’s article let’s take a look at block ice and its proper handling. Block ice is preferred by many fishermen because of it lasts longer than pre-crushed or flake ice and because it is easier to store in that larger quantities can be stowed in smaller spaces than other forms of ice.

Proper Storage and Handling of Block Ice

Before being used to preserve the freshness of the catch, block ice must be stored and handled in a safe and hygienic manner. The most important point to remember is that block ice must be made from either potable water or clean sea water. Harbor water should never be used to produce ice blocks because of the contaminants left behind by the fishing vessels that come and go from the port.

Once you’ve purchased or made the proper quality of ice, the blocks will need to be stored aboard ship in a refrigerated chamber until such time as they will be used. A variety of SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC cooling and storage systems offer the necessary insulation and seamless construction to ensure that a proper temperature is maintained. Only authorized personnel should be allowed to handle ice blocks in order to keep the ice as clean and pure as possible. Persons handling the ice should always wear rubber boots and rubber gloves to limit the spread of bacteria and other contaminants that could be transferred from the ice to the catch.

Proper Usage of Block Ice

Freshly caught fish should be frozen as quickly as possible to maintain freshness; however, to freeze it effectively, the fish must be completely surrounded by ice to prevent air from drying out the flesh. In order to accomplish this, ice blocks need to be crushed prior to use. The ice must be crushed as finely as possible because a smaller crush has a better likelihood of contacting the entire surface of the fish. Freshly crushed ice should be applied immediately to the fresh catch. If the ice is crushed in advance, it will melt more quickly causing unmanageable clumps to form. Crushed ice can become virtually unworkable after 24 hours, which is why most commercial fishing ships prefer to carry block ice that can be crushed on demand. Many fishing ships carry an on-board mechanical grinder, like the ice systems offered by SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC, in order to crush ice blocks more efficiently.

Successful fishing expeditions require three things in terms of ice handling and preparation:

  1. Clean ice
  2. Proper refrigeration
  3. Appropriate tools

From pristine block ice to top quality ice systems or industrial cooling and storage systems, SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC makes it easy to maintain a clean, fresh catch from sea to shore. Our systems are also fully customizable and designed to each customer’s particular specifications. Let us help you maintain optimal fish quality and freshness.

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Why Cooling Systems Pay for Themselves Aboard Fishing Ships

Commercial fishermen know that it is crucial to preserve their catch in order to provide a good product for consumers and realize a profit. Once the fish are brought on board, SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC helps them meet storage and cooling challenges with a range of refrigeration options, including cooling equipment and the ice form that is most appropriate for the size and type of fish caught. Cooling systems can be designed to suit the customer’s needs as well as the space available, often resulting in greater efficiency and reduced operating costs. In fact in the long run cooling systems pay for themselves aboard fishing ships. Let’s take a look at how.

Cooling Systems Maintain the Quality of a Catch

Given that fish are prone to rapid spoilage, the first consideration is always keeping a catch fresh; it is essential that fish bound for market are completely free of harmful parasites, chemicals or bacteria. They should have shiny skin, clear eyes and a fresh smell. In addition to the use of ice and refrigeration equipment, the ship’s hold must be well insulated. Several kinds of insulation are available, including the following:

  • Polyurethane foam, a man-made polymer
  • Polystyrene sheets, better known as Styrofoam
  • Fiberglass, which is fire and heat resistant
  • Cork board, once among the most popular of the insulating materials
  • Organic materials such as sawdust and straw

The type of insulation used will have much to do with temperature control and energy cost reduction.

Cooling Systems Keep Holds Property Chilled

Once caught, fish must quickly be put on ice. Many fishing vessels are small with limited space for ice storage. In addition, the boats might not be headed back to port immediately, so the proper type and size of refrigeration unit is very important. SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC manufactures and installs industrial cooling systems designed to customer specification. The system chosen will provide the level of refrigeration required for the type of insulation that has been installed in the ship’s hold.

Cooling Systems Preserve Seafood in Clean Ice

The ice used to store the catch on fishing boats must be kept clean and preserved in such a way that it cannot contaminate other seafood. Human handling of fish may bring bacteria into the environment. Ready-made clean ice is available from SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC in addition to efficient, cost-saving icemaker units. Also available is a water filtration system to ensure that the ice being used to preserve the catch is kept clean and organism free.

Different Fish Require Different Cooling Units

Different kinds of methods are used to cool and store fish, depending on their size and individual qualities:

Small Fish – In many parts of the world, small fish such as sardines are considered a delicacy, but they are apt to spoil more easily than larger fish because they have fewer layers of protection. On the other hand, they cool faster and stay cool more easily when stored in a well-insulated container. A combination of ice and chilled sea water is effective for cooling down a fresh catch.
Medium-Sized Fish – Cod, salmon, mackerel and tilapia are all examples of medium-sized fish that are important to commercial fisherman because of their culinary popularity. They are not as prone to spoilage as small fish and they remain cool longer than large fish. Proper preservation requires that the surface area of the fish be completely covered by ice.
Large Fish – Due to their size, it is recommended that large fish such as tuna, halibut or mahi-mahi be gutted before cooling and flake ice, which cools faster than slush ice, be placed inside the bellies and around the outside of the fish.

Cooling Systems Preserve the Integrity of Seafood Companies

A seafood company’s good reputation depends upon the high quality of its products. SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC provides the refrigeration options that enable commercial vessels to bring fish directly from the ocean to the packing and transportation companies that will see the products delivered—still fresh and tasty—to markets and restaurants all over the world.

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Major Concrete Cooling Considerations

Every industrial large-pour concrete project has its own unique specifications. Local geography, climate, and architectural design are a few factors that may impact your project. If you have a large-pour concrete project coming up, you’re likely thinking of what you can do for the best chance of success, not just for the duration of construction, but for the long term. One of the most important things you can do is properly cool your concrete. Consider these following major factors.

The Need for Concrete Cooling

Concrete has been used industrially since Roman times, and many such structures are still standing, thanks to careful calculations and clever project management. You can’t argue with the fact that the hydration process produces an immense amount of energy. A 6 feet wide, 80 feet deep concrete shaft releases more energy than two bolts of lightning, and such excess heat, if unmanaged, can result in a product with reduced strength and increased tendency of cracking.

New Technology Can Help

A relatively new development is the measuring of concrete’s heat output during the curing process. Before a pour, wires can be installed to read the soil’s temperature. After the material is in place, the current reading from the same probes can be used to calculate the initial heat output of the fresh concrete. Engineers can use this data to predict the long-term reliability of the slab. While this may not be necessary for most concrete projects it is emblematic of the advances in technology that allow projects to run more smoothly and yield better results than ever before. At SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC we keep up with the latest technological developments, and will work with whatever project specs you have.

Manage Costs

When it comes to questions like how low should you go in regards to water temperature, which components of concrete should be cooled, and how long should a post-pour cooling program last, a definite consideration is its cost. Here is a look at a couple of your options in terms of what we can do to meet your cooling needs:

  • Water Chilling – During the mixing process, water can be chilled to as low as just a couple of degrees Fahrenheit above freezing. In most cases, the lower the temperature drop, the more costly.
  • Aggregate Chilling – Cooling down the gravel or other small stones to be used in your mix can help in certain applications. There are at least two different methods: flooded silo or air chilling. Lowering the temperature of aggregates is not required for all projects, so check with your engineers to decide if it’s worth the additional investment.
  • Post-Pour Cooling – Post-pour cooling methods are typically among the most costly cooling methods and are generally only used in large-scale projects.

SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC Provides Industry-Leading Concrete Cooling Systems

Concrete cooling is a great way to ensure a safe, durable end product. Contact SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC to learn what we can do to help you meet not just the building code, but deadlines, and budget requirements as well. All of our systems are fully customizable and can be designed with your particular specs in mind.

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4 Problems Caused by Improper Concrete Cooling

In industries where concrete is used, it is important for workers to understand the extreme importance of properly concrete cooling. If proper cooling methods are not used, a number of problems can occur, including a weaker finished product that is irregular and more susceptible to cracks and other damage. In addition, temperatures that are too high can interfere with the chemical process involved when cement becomes concrete. In this article let’s explore 4 serious problems that can be caused by improperly cooled concrete.

Improper Concrete Cooling Is Often Weaker

Concrete that has been created under overly high heat conditions is not as strong as it could be. The process of hardening concrete is called curing, and generally when concrete is cured at temperature above 70 degrees Fahrenheit, the strength and resilience of the concrete is greatly reduced. This is due to the chemical reaction that happens when concrete is formed. Temperatures that are too high can speed this process up, which does not allow for proper crystal formation within the material. This can be a disaster in many industries where durable, reliable materials are required.

Improperly Cooled Concrete Is often Irregular

When concrete is poured over a very large area and is prepared at temperatures that are too high, this can lead to an irregular material that is weaker in some places than it is in others. This is because of the temperature differentials caused by a concrete creation process that is too hot, and thus, goes too fast. In the same way that weak concrete is a hazard, uneven concrete poses similar risks, especially when the project is of the large-pour type. In these cases, central areas of the concrete may be a drastically different temperature than outer areas.

Improperly Cooled Concrete Is in More Danger of Cracking

Weak concrete is a very real problem. If concrete is less dense because of poor cooling practices, it can be more susceptible to cracking. Depending on the location of the concrete, this can possibly be catastrophic and could result in major accidents, injuries, costly property damage, and facility outages as the damage is repaired. Any industry where extremely strong, hardy concrete is required, a cracking hazard can be dangerous and costly.

Improperly Cooled Concrete May Not Undergo Full Hydration

To understand this negative outcome of improper cooling, one needs to understand first how concrete is formed. Concrete starts with a mixture called cement, which, when combined with water, undergoes a chemical transformation and becomes concrete. This process is called hydration. When temperatures are too high some of the water needed for the hydration process is in danger of evaporating, leaving some of the concrete un-hydrated.

There are a wide variety of ways that you can properly cool concrete to avoid any of these negative outcomes. Different concrete cooling methods involve different processes and equipment and may range in complexity from simply using colder water to full-scale post-pour cooling using a network of pipes inside the pour concrete – and many other techniques in between. The good news is that regardless of how large the project is, the concrete absolutely CAN be fully and adequately cooled, improving its quality and durability. SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC designs and manufactures high quality, customizable concrete cooling systems. Contact us for more information and to discuss your concrete cooling needs.

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How to Know When It’s Time to Replace Your Concrete Cooling System

If your industry involves concrete work, you are already aware of the importance of having concrete properly cooled before it hardens, or cures. Because the process of mixing cement with water to obtain concrete is a chemical process that releases heat, concrete will be very hot unless it is cooled through a specially designed system. Let’s take a look at some factors that could indicate it is time to upgrade or replace your current concrete cooling system, but first let’s also take a quick look at why concrete cooling is necessary.

Why Is Concrete Cooling Necessary?

Concrete that cures at higher temperatures will be less dense, since the heat will cause greater expansion; since heat distribution tend to be uneven, the concrete’s density will also be uneven. High temperatures also cause water to evaporate faster, leading to insufficient hydration of the concrete and a reduction in tensile strength. These two factors cause weaker, more brittle concrete; in industrial settings, where concrete strength is essential, this flaw can be disastrous. For this reason, companies engaging in concrete construction and other concrete projects use concrete cooling systems such as those manufactured by SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC to bring their concrete to an appropriate temperature.

Concrete Cooling Methods

There are several types of cooling systems and methods available today, each of which has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. The simplest method is adding cold water and ice to the water that will be mixed with the cement. This method requires calculating the necessary temperatures based on the quantity of material. Using a cooling system to bring the water’s temperature down is quicker and more efficient, especially in the case of larger quantities. Water cooling is achieved by flooding the silos with cold water and draining them once the mixture is cooled, which uses a lot of space and is wasteful of water. Another effective method is the wet belt system, which uses small amounts of ice water transported by conveyor belts.

Another way of cooling the concrete components, or aggregate, is via cold air that is circulated throughout the materials. This method takes more time than cooling the water, but is optimal in small, enclosed spaces since it doesn’t require a separate system of removing the water.

Air and water cooling are often supplemented by sand cooling to ensure that the mixture’s temperature stays cool throughout the process. Sand cooling is particularly useful for large projects. Sand cooling systems may include rotary cooling drums or sand silos. This method has the advantage of achieving cooler temperatures for longer times, at lower energy costs; however, it involves expensive equipment and more time in order to cool the sand.

A less frequent method is post-pouring cooling, which involves laying pipes before the concrete is poured, then sending cold water to circulate through the pipes after they are covered with the concrete. This method is very expensive and time-consuming. Typically, it is only employed for supersized projects like dams or highways.

No matter which concrete cooling system you have in place, it is highly important to ensure that it stays in good working order. It is crucial that it be repaired or replaced as necessary and that maintenance concerns are not ignored.

Risks of Inadequate Cooling

One of the clearest indicators that it could be time to replace your concrete cooling system is if the concrete is being inadequately cooled. A suboptimal system will produce inferior concrete, create potential safety concerns, and raise energy costs. If you find that your concrete quality is not up to standards, especially with what you expect from your cooling system, that is a clear indicator it’s time to make some changes.

Frequent Repairs

Going hand-in-hand with inadequate cooling as a key indicator of the need to upgrade your system, is frequent repairs. While regular maintenance is a must, and periodic repairs may be routine, an uptick in problems and rising maintenance costs can indicate that your system is nearing the end of its life. Eventually repairs or part replacements won’t be able to fully fix an issue or will be needed far too often to be cost effective. It is thus essential to know when it is time to replace your system entirely. Eventually the cost of repairs will outweigh the cost of purchasing a new system, especially if frequent breakdowns delay your projects’ schedules and overall productivity.

Outdated Technology

How long have you been using the same cooling system? With today’s rapid advances in technology, it may be time to see if a newer system will meet your needs better. Improvements in energy efficiency, precise temperature calibrations, and delivery mechanisms can make a new customized SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC system a worthwhile investment.

Rising Energy Costs

Take a look at your energy. If your system is using increasingly more water and energy to obtain the same results, it is a sign that it is deteriorating. Not only will increasing utility costs soon outweigh the expense of a new system, but continuing to use a decreasingly functional system will inevitably compromise the quality and integrity of the concrete. A system with poor energy efficiency can also be a major black eye for a company that wants to market itself as energy or eco-friendly.

Subpar Performance

Always monitor your system’s performance, carefully checking that your concrete has been cooled to its appropriate temperature. Consistent failures to achieve goal temperatures, or taking increasingly longer to achieve them, are indications that your system is no longer coping with its workload. Whether your system has deteriorated, or its workload has changed or increased, this is a clear sign that it is no longer the right system for you.

Changing Needs

Finally, if your company has dramatically changed the quantity or nature of its concrete projects, it may be time to reconsider whether your existing equipment is still the most appropriate. Do not let inertia carry you along into continuing to use older equipment just because it still works. If the direction of your company is changing, it may be time to look into a new SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC concrete system that will be fully customized to your current needs.

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Different Options That Exist for Industrial Coolers and Freezers

There are a variety of industries that involve food like meat and poultry, produce, or seafood. No matter which of these food-related industries you work in, you need to think about how to keep the materials at the proper cold temperature to avoid food spoilage and the growth of bacteria. When food is your business and your income, it is paramount that you have the proper industrial cooler or freezer. Fortunately there are many quality option these days for how to keep food at the proper temperature. Regardless of what you need to refrigerate, what your budget is, and what your space limitations are, there is likely an industrial cooler or freezer that is right for you. When you are ready, we at SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC can help provide you with the right cooling unit. Here are a few different options for you to consider.

Indoor vs. Outdoor Coolers and Freezers

Two basic options for cooling solutions are indoor and outdoor coolers and freezers. These two options each have their own advantages and disadvantages and one may suit your needs better than the other. At SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC, we have knowledgeable professionals that can help you take stock of your situation.

Outdoor options can be a great choice if you already have a level area to position the unit and if you live in an area that is not excessively hot, which would require you to do more work to make sure that the unit was not overly exposed to the heat. If there are not area building codes in place that impede the installation of an outdoor unit, this choice can free up more space inside your facility, eliminate the extra indoor heat created by the unit and may be a lower price option if you do not choose a highly customized cooler or freezer.

Indoor units, on the contrary, may take up more space and result in a higher building temperature, when can drive up your energy costs. However, if theft is a concern to you or if you require very easy access to the items inside your cooler or freezer, indoor may be the way to go. Indoor options are also less susceptible to environmental concerns like excessive outdoor heat or other weather concerns. Remember that indoor options also cost less than outdoor units, on average. We at SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC recommend talking to one of our professionals to assess whether an indoor or outdoor option is better for you.

Different Sizes for Industrial Freezers and Coolers

When you decide whether you need an indoor cooling unit or an outdoor cooling unit, you will then need to figure out what size unit you require. If you have an indoor unit, much of this decision may be made for you based on available space. Outdoor units often offer more flexibility in this area. Generally, the smallest walk-ins are about 15 cubic feet, while larger ones can be up to 400,000 square feet. A good rule of thumb to keep in mind when determining your space requirements is that 1 cubic foot of space can hold roughly 28 pounds of food. However, naturally this varies widely depending on the type of product you are refrigerating and your overall setup.

New Technologies in Industrial Cooling

With modern technological advancements in coolers and freezers, there are many available options that allow for a better performing unit that lasts longer and is more energy efficient. Consider which of these options will benefit your business and result in less maintenance and fewer unneeded costs. Some of these high-tech upgrades include:

  • Advanced door technology to avoid hinge problems
  • Alarms that monitor temperature and produce alerts when there are problems
  • LED lighting
  • Motion sensor lighting technology
  • Bluetooth connectivity

Contact us at SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC to find out more details about available cooling units and various options.

Food preservation technology has come a long, long way from the days when people used salt to keep food from spoiling. These days it is possible to find a top-of-the-line walk-in refrigeration unit at the right size and the right price. With all the different options, it may be difficult to choose the right one for your application. Review the information above and consider what features are most important to you, then call SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC and let us help you make this important decision. Remember also that all of our systems are fully customizable and can be designed to perfectly fit your needs.

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Strategies for the Post-Harvest cooling of Gooseberries

Native to Europe, Africa and Asia, the gooseberry is grown on small bushes commercially and domestically. Sparingly, the crop can be found in North American thanks to naturalization efforts. The plant’s fruit is generally a bit hairy, though some varieties are grown to be hairless. The bush grows to about five feet high and wide with sharp spines. The berries are generally green, but they also come in yellow, white, red, black and purple.

Gooseberries as an American Crop

Perhaps the main difference between wild and cultivated gooseberries is simply the size. Wild gooseberries are considerably smaller, but very similar in flavor. The small fruit rose to popularity in Europe during the 19th century. Some crops begin with cuttings instead of traditional seed growth, which produces fruit bearing plants in a few years. Seed growth allows produces fruit giving bushes very quickly. During cultivation, farmers must take care to monitor nitrogen levels, as excess will weaken the bush.

Industry Cooling Methods

Fruit cooling methods will vary throughout the industry, but generally, commercial enterprises will use:

  • Room cooling – Fruit is housed in an insulated and refrigerated room while slowly cooled.
  • Vacuum cooling – In a vacuumed room, produce’s moisture is evaporated resulting in heat loss.
  • Hydro cooling – The harvest is submerged or run through chilled water.
  • Forced-Air Cooling– Stored in a designated space, the fruit is placed under fans used to circulate cool air.
  • Top or liquid Icing – Products are submerged in crushed ice or a water-ice slurry.

Ideal Storage Environment for Gooseberries

As with any fruit, gooseberries have an ideal storage temperature an environment, which ensures maximum freshness and shelf life. Gooseberries perform best when stored at 31 to 32 degrees Fahrenheit and 95 percent relative humidity. Failure to observe these guidelines could result in chilling damage or decreased product quality. However with proper storage techniques, gooseberries can be expected to have a shelf life ranging from 10 to 21 days.

Ethylene and Storage

Ethylene is a natural hormone produced as certain fruits ripen, which causes ethylene sensitive fruits to ripen too quickly. For this reason, ethylene-producing fruits cannot be stored with ethylene sensitive products. Otherwise, sensitive products may have excessive bitterness, discoloration, russet spotting and accelerated softening. Luckily, there is no evidence to suggest gooseberries are sensitive to ethylene production. This makes them eligible to be stored with bananas, avocados, kiwi and prunes.

Sanitation of Gooseberries

Refrigeration naturally removes moisture from fruit and other products. However, produce must maintain its moisture to retain its overall quality. During storage, water is introduced in the form of sprays, reservoirs and wet floors. With these solutions comes an increased risk for disease and bacteria, leading to the use of chlorine washes for many fruits and other produce. Ozonation is another option, which uses naturally occurring ozone molecules to disinfect. Alternatively, hydrogen peroxide is utilized in small doses.

SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC is thoroughly in tune with the demands of gooseberry farmers and transporters. That’s why we offer industry-leading cooling systems to our clients. Using our expertise and experience, we will guide you through system customization to ensure your needs are met.

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