Brooke Loeffler

Water Jet Cutting

Brooke Loeffler · Mar 16, 2020 ·

No Matter How You Slice It

Most industries have multiple options when it comes to cutting machinery. Between lasers, EDM (Electrical Discharge Machinery), plasma cutters, and water jet cutters we are spoiled for choice. Each cutting method has pros and cons and all have evolved into efficient and useful industrial tools. In the last 90 years, water jet cutters have become highly tuned machines capable of powerful and intricate results.

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History of Water Jet Cutting

Innovative humans have found water a useful erosion tool for many ages. For example, ancient Roman miners used water for soft material excavations when mining underground. They would store water above a mine and flush the mining cavity to remove debris and expose what they were mining for. During the California gold rush in the 1850s, gold seekers used higher pressure water hoses to blast away at the Sierra Nevada Mountains. This hydraulic mining practice was discovered to be extremely damaging to the surrounding environment and has since mostly fallen out of practice.

However, the use of water jets to erode specific materials has continued in many applications. In the 1930s, a paper company in Wisconsin began using a highly focused water jet to cut paper. The technological advances spurred by World War II led scientists to begin to fine tune and increase the pressure and power of water jet cutters. Also in the 1930s, multiple developers worked on water jets with added pieces of abrasive materials to vastly increase their cutting power.

In 1956, an inventor in Luxembourg created a water jet that could cut out plastic shapes. 2 years later, North American Aviation began using an ultra high powered water jet cutter that reached 100,000 psi and could cut through hard materials. This water jet was proven to be too powerful for certain laminate materials, but its development was helpful in fine-tuning future models.

In 1962, an American chemical company named Union Carbide developed a 50,000 psi water jet that was able to cut a variety of hard materials like stone and metal. Over the next few decades, scientists refined water jet nozzles and equipment to make them more versatile, more efficient, and longer lasting.

Technology was pushed even further in the 1980s when researchers began using ice as an abrasive material to reduce the environmental impact of water jet waste.

Modern Water Jets

North Slope Chillers infographic ranking water jet cutters among famous speeds

The automotive, aviation, and oil mining industries continued to drive the development and refinement of water jet cutters for many years. Today, water jet machines are highly versatile and can still be tuned for soft materials like paper and leather, and amplified for extremely high pressures and exit velocities. The average water jet nozzle generates 40,000-60,000 psi and the water exits the nozzle around 1,700 (mph) miles per hour. Hyper water jets can reach 100,000 psi and exit velocities of over 2,200 mph! Modern water jet machines range in size, power, and application and are used in many industries to provide them with heat and chemical free cutting for a huge range of materials.

How Does a Water Jet Cutter Work?

Pure vs. Abrasive

Water jet systems can either employ a pure stream of high pressure water or can contain added abrasive materials to increase its cutting power. Whether pure water or abrasive, the general concept is the same.

North Slope Chiller graphic showing the parts of a water jet nozzle and how it works

A high pressure hydraulic pump generates the water pressure levels needed for the cutting application. The highly pressurized water passes through a jewel orifice, usually a ruby (red corundum) or a diamond. The jewel must be as high as possible on the Moh’s hardness scale in order to protect it from eroding in the water stream. From here, the water flow is greatly restricted to a fine stream and all of the water pressure is converted into velocity. Some water jet nozzles emit water streams as thin as a human hair.

If needed, abrasive materials are now added to the water stream. The most common abrasive used is tiny powdered fragments of garnet, however silicon carbide, aluminum oxide, and even ice are sometimes used as well. The water jet leaves the nozzle faster than the speed of sound, and in some applications can reach over Mach 3!

Cryojets

Cryojets are water jet machines that use chilled water and ice particles as the abrasive substance. There are many advantages to using chilled water and ice as your cutting medium. Previously, the food industry could only use pure water jet machines because garnet and other abrasives are not safe to use on food.

Using an abrasive additive can increate a water jet’s cutting power 1000 times. By introducing ice particles as an option for abrasives, cryojets have innovatively created a safe and sanitary cutting solution.

Water Jet Cutting Applications

Aerospace

Water jet machinery and the aerospace industry go back a long way. For military or commercial aircraft, water jets cut interior cabin panels, engine components, metal and composite fiber body panels, rubber seals, and more.

Automotive

Water jets are convenient for cutting exterior and interior automotive components. Carbon fiber, fiberglass, seat foam, engine components, carpet, body panels, engine insulation…you name it, water jets can cut it.

Construction

Residential and commercial construction suppliers use water jet machines to cut a huge array of materials: stone, metal, tiles, glass, insulation and more.

Manufacturing

Looking into the broader manufacturing industry it is hard to find a task that a water jet cutter can’t perform: light textiles like fabric and paper, heavy duty metal parts, cable stripping, circuit boards, and even the special packaging used in shipping.

Food Processing

Pure water or cryojet cutters are used all the time for slitting and slicing frozen meat (including bone), vegetables, and a wide range of snacking goodies.

Water Jet Advantages

Operation

Water jet machines are typically simpler to set up and operate than EDM, plasma, and laser cutters. They also require less fine tuning and maintenance, and are much easier to repair and maintain. Their great versatility also makes them extremely valuable for any operation.

Heat and Chemical Free

Water jet machinery transfers very little heat to the cutting material. Small amounts of heat can be generated due to friction and the velocity at which the water jet hits the surface, but that heat is quickly dispersed into the water itself. This greatly reduces the chance of heat warping, melting, deformation, or discoloration as the materials are cut.

Because little to no heat is generated, water jets can be used on a wider range of sensitive materials like plastics, paper, leather, and even food. Water jets also do not emit harmful chemically loaded vapors as they cut, making it a safer work environment for personnel.

Water Jet Problems

Waste

Obviously water jet cutting is going to generate a large amount of waste water. This wastewater will also contain added abrasive powders, so it is not easily recycled. However, cryojets can use closed loop systems to recirculate the waste water to be used again and again.

Difficult Materials

Water jets are difficult to use on materials with empty spaces or voids such as tubing or honeycombed materials. Water jets can sometimes bend, taper, and change shape as they interact with the cutting material. Some manufacturers have engineered solutions to some of these problems, but it is still a possibility.

Hydraulic Pump Overheating

A water jet machine is only as powerful as its hydraulic pump allows. In most cases, a hydraulic pump should not critically overheat unless something is malfunctioning. However, high seasonal ambient temperatures can also cause hydraulic pump distress and reduce the duty cycle of your water jet machine. Additional process cooling may be necessary if you plan to use your water jet during the summer months.

North Slope Chiller Water Jet Solutions

Here at North Slope Chillers, we specialize in portable process cooling solutions that won’t interfere with your current setup. We can keep your machinery operating within safe temperatures, fluid reservoirs chilled, and provide custom chilling solutions for problems you never even anticipated. Our expert engineers can quickly create the exact cooling range and setup that would be beneficial for your operation.

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Wide World of Lasers

Brooke Loeffler · Mar 10, 2020 ·

What Can Lasers Do?

In today’s modern age, a more appropriate question would be “what can’t lasers do?” When Theodore Maiman built and demonstrated the first functioning laser in 1960, he prophetically predicted that “a laser is a solution seeking a problem.”

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As the years have passed, it has become clear how accurate that statement truly is. Laser technology has solved an ever expanding range of problems over the last 60 years, and continues to solve more every year. That first solid state, ruby laser demonstration in 1960 triggered the discovery and development of many different laser families. Let’s explore these varying laser media and some of the ways they are used today.

North Slope Chillers infographic on the applications of lasers by laser medium

Diode/Semiconductor

Diode or semiconductor lasers are the most common type of laser medium. A diode laser is composed of thin slices of semiconducting material known as a p-n junction. A small electric pulse excites the junction between the positively and negatively stacked diodes, and a laser beam is born.

Consumer Electronics Applications

Diode lasers are found in a huge range of electronic devices available to consumers. Their scanning abilities are helpfully used in barcode readers, disc readers (CD/DVD/Blu-ray players), printer, and scanners. They are also widely used as components in fiber optics communications.

Industrial Applications

Many different industries use diode lasers for cutting, welding, scanning, LIDAR, heat treating, distance measuring, engraving, and more. Diode lasers are also frequently used to pump and excite electrons in other types of lasers.

Medical and Dental Applications

The use of diode lasers in the medical industry are expanding rapidly as researchers discover more and more applications. They are specially suited for minor procedures that require small, precise incisions and cauterizations that would be difficult to accomplish with traditional surgical tools. Because they are so precise, diode lasers are perfect for finicky eye and dental procedures. They can also be used to light activate drugs in photo-dynamic therapy (like certain cancer treatments).

Solid State

The world’s very first laser was, in fact, a solid state laser. Today’s solid state lasers have evolved far past the ruby crystal used by Theodore Maiman and they now include fiber, slab, microchip and disc lasers. The most well-known solid state lasers are: ruby lasers, titanium-sapphire lasers, and YAG (yttrium aluminum garnet) doped with rare earth elements (like neodymium, erbium, holmium, and thulium).

Consumer Electronics Applications

Smart phone and tablet manufacturers use solid state lasers to micro-drilling invisible speaker and microphone holes in their technology casing. They are also used as internal proximity sensors and OLED display screens in a wide range of consumer products.

Laboratory Research Applications

Solid state lasers are ideally suited for MPM (multiphoton microscopy). MPM uses lasers to image map biological tissues all the way down to the molecular level. This allows researchers to get a deeper understanding of biological processes non-invasively.

Medical and Dental Applications

The application of solid state lasers in the medical industry is expanding constantly. Currently they are used for removing unwanted hair, lesions, wrinkles and skin discoloration. They are also perfect for coagulating blood vessels, attacking cancer cells and for glaucoma procedures.

Defense Applications

The Department of Defense uses solid state lasers to illuminate targets, destroy mines, and for range finding capabilities on weapons systems.

Dye

Most dye lasers use an organic dye in a liquid solution as the laser medium. There are however some solid state lasers that are also doped with organic dyes. The dye within these lasers is soluble and typically fluorescent. They are highly tunable and can operate within a wide range of wavelengths. Most dye laser applications occur within the confines of laboratory research and are then used in various scientific fields.

Consumer Electronics Applications

Dye lasers are very efficient at optical pulsing. Optical pulsing is used in micro-machining and creating micro-structures and textures in a variety of materials.

Laboratory Research Applications

Research scientists use dye lasers to detect pollutants in liquids and to separate isotopes (like uranium) at the molecular level. They are also used for spectroscopy to study the interaction between electromagnetic radiation and matter. Dye lasers are also helpful for measuring FLT (fluorescence lifetimes) in biological cell research.

Astronomy Applications

Because dye lasers are highly tunable, they are perfect for measuring distances large and small. Astronomers use dye lasers for lunar laser ranging to measure the varying distances between the moon and the earth.

Medical and Dental Applications

There are many dermatology applications for dye lasers. They can efficiently remove tattoos, scars, and skin discoloration. Dye lasers can also treat kidney stones and blood vessel disorders. The above mentioned optical pulsing has also been used to stimulate bone formation.

Gas

Gas lasers generate a beam by discharging an electric current through a gas medium. The first gas laser (a Helium-Neon laser) was demonstrated in the very same year as Maiman’s ruby laser. Today a wide range of other gasses are used as laser media such as nitrogen, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, hydrogen fluoride, metal vapors, and more.

Laboratory Research Applications

In research laboratories, gas lasers can perform spectroscopy experiments, detect pollution, monitor environmental conditions, and aim and focus telescopes.

Industrial Applications

Many industries use gas lasers for cutting, welding, drilling, and laser printing.

Medical and Dental Applications

Gas lasers are perfect for medical sealing procedures that seal off blood vessels, lymph nodes, and nerve endings. They can also destroy harmful tissue like lesions, polyps, and tumors.

Entertainment Applications

Whenever you have watched a laser light show or seen a laser hologram, you are watching gas lasers at work.

Defense Applications

The Department of Defense uses gas lasers for SDI (Strategic Defense Initiative) laser weapons systems.

Wavelength vs. Power Output

Laser light is produced when electrons become stimulated, “leap” to a higher energy level, then leap back to their original energy level. When this happens, a photon of light is created. This photon can then stimulate more and more photons in a change reaction of light.

North Slope Chillers graphic on how a laser works

These photons of light make a characteristic pattern as they travel, known as their wavelength. Photons traveling in short wavelengths emit more energy, and photons traveling in longer wavelengths emit less energy. The electromagnetic spectrum shows the wavelength range in which lasers operate.

North Slope Chiller graphic on the electromagnetic spectrum

Within this spectrum, lasers can operate on a wide array of wavelengths and energy levels depending upon the type of laser and how they are being used. Some lasers are even tunable and can be adjusted for necessary wavelength needs.

North Slope Chillers graphic on the wavelengths of common lasers

What Affects Power Output?

The potential power output of a laser depends upon many conditions. The laser medium, the internal configuration of the laser equipment, and the pump current all affect how much power a laser produces. Lasers can emit anywhere from miliwatts to petawatts of power depending upon these factors.

Importance of Laser Cooling

Not all of the power generated by a laser becomes light. Every piece of laser equipment generates a significant amount of what is called waste heat.

Waste Heat

The percentage of waste heat generated varies depending upon the laser. For example if your laser equipment is using 100 watts of power and emitting 45 watts of light, it is generating 55 watts of waste heat. If left unchecked, waste heat can adversely affect your beam quality and accuracy, damage your equipment, and become unsafe to use. Most laser manufacturers will provide information on the percentage of waste heat produced by their equipment.

Keeping your laser equipment cool through process cooling is an extremely effective way to remove waste heat. Some laser equipment include a fan to use forced air to remove waste heat. Higher powered lasers can be protected with the use of an industrial laser chiller.

North Slope Chillers Laser Cooling Solutions

Here at North Slope Chillers, we specialize in portable and efficient laser cooling chillers. Our chillers are easily installed without disrupting your current system and apply effective and even chilling to your laser equipment. We can protect your valuable equipment, keep operations running, and optimize your laser’s performance. Contact us today to find the perfect laser cooling solution for your needs at 866-826-2993 or [email protected]

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Guide to Ultra Low Temperature Chillers

Brooke Loeffler · Mar 4, 2020 ·

Reaching New Lows

Ultra low temperature process chilling is a highly specialized branch of refrigeration that has a myriad of industrial uses. From aerospace to food service, many industries benefit from pushing the chilling envelope lower and lower. Let’s explore the world of ultra low temperature process cooling.

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Ultra Low Temperature Chilling FAQs

What is considered an ultra low temperature?

The ultra low temperature range typically starts at a high of around -40°F (-40°C) and continues to descend from there. Ultra low temperature freezers and chillers can reach a wide variety of low temperatures, depending on the needs of the application.

What are cryogenics?

Cryogenics is the study of ultra low temperatures, how they are created, and how they affect matter. The Encyclopedia Britannica classifies cryogenic temperatures as ranging from -238°F all the way down to -460°F or absolute zero. Absolute zero is the theoretical point where molecular motion is as close as it can get to stopping completely.

What industries use ultra low temperature chillers?

The uses of industrial low temp chillers are expanding every year. Currently the industries that use ultra low temperatures include: aerospace, medical, pharmaceutical, automotive, defense, plastic manufacturing, chemical, plant oil extraction, food production, and more.

What applications require ultra low temperatures?

Ultra low temperatures are used to: safely store and transport fragile lab samples, temper metals and other materials for extra strength and durability, test materials for use in extreme temperatures/high altitudes/outer space, cool sensitive medical equipment, create superconductors, safely store and transport hazardous chemicals, super chill gasses for plant oil extraction, flash freeze food, and more.

How do ultra low temperature chillers differ from regular chillers?

Regular chillers typically use 1 stage of refrigeration, whereas ultra low temperature chillers can use multiple refrigeration stages. These refrigeration stages can even use different fluids for each stage to reach lower temperature ranges. Ultra low temperature chillers also need more efficient, stronger, and more durable interior components to be able to keep up with the temperature demands. Internal parts (compressor, valves, tubing, pump, etc.) usually need to be upgraded to more robust models for ultra low temperature chilling.

What are the different fluids used in ultra low temperature chillers?

Single stage chillers that operate above freezing temperatures (32°F or 0°C) can use water or deionized water. To increase that cooling range, some single stage or dual stage chillers use a water glycol mix that can achieve even lower temperatures. Below -4° F (-20° C) dual and triple stage chillers can use a variety of heat transfer fluids containing silicone oils, inert fluorinated fluids, hydrofluoroethers, or alkylated aromatic fluids.

What is a recirculating chiller?

Recirculating chillers are closed loop and constantly reuse the refrigerant and process fluids. Heat is either dissipated from the system by forced air or a water cooling tower.

What is a liquid nitrogen chiller?

Liquid nitrogen chillers use containers of supercooled nitrogen that have been chilled enough to change from a gas to a liquid. As opposed to a recirculating chiller (that only expels heat and air), liquid nitrogen chillers expel heat and ventilate gasses. Because the liquid nitrogen is being ventilated, it will need to be replenished, which can make them more expensive to operate than ultra low temperature recirculating chillers.

What is pull down time?

Pull down time is the amount of time it takes for a chiller to descend from the ambient room temperature to the required chilling temperature. Pull down time is affected by the type and amount of insulation, the type of heat transfer fluid used, as well as the efficiency of the compressor.

What should I look for when buying an ultra low temperature chiller?

An industrial ultra low temperature chiller is only as strong as its weakest link. Let’s expand upon this question more thoroughly…

Selecting an Ultra Low Temperature Chiller: What Do You Need To Know?

There are certain questions you need to ask yourself as you start looking for an ultra low temperature solution.

North Slope Chillers graphic on what you need to know when selecting an ultra low temperature chiller

Cooling Application

The very first step is to make sure you thoroughly understand what process or materials you need chilled. This will determine a lot of the specifications you will look for in an ultra low temperature chiller.

Cooling Capacity and Temperature Range

Ask yourself how low you need to go? Be sure to have a really clear idea of how cold you need your chiller to be. It is typically a good idea to purchase a chiller with a slightly wider temperature range than you think you will need.

Pull Down Time

How quickly do you need your chiller to move from ambient room temperature to your desired temperature targets? Some materials are more forgiving than others as they chill, others need ultra cold and they need it fast. Know your chilling timeline so you can be sure the chiller you select will get cold as quickly as you need it to.

Internal Components

Becoming acquainted with the basic interior components of a chiller will help you foresee and avoid future problems. For example: How loud will the compressor be? Is the fluid reservoir made of a corrosive resistant material? Are the interior components rated to work the heat transfer fluid I need? Acquiring a baseline knowledge of a chiller’s inner workings will increase your success in selecting the right ultra low temperature chiller.

Chiller Footprint and Dimensions

Industrial ultra low temperature chillers come in all shapes and sizes. Take a thorough look at your layout and where you need a chiller to operate. Look beyond just the size and fit and make sure your chiller’s vents will be unobstructed so it can operate as efficiently as possible.

Duty Cycle

How long do you need your chiller to operate? Does your application need ultra low temperature chilling 24/7? Or does it need to kick in only occasionally to prevent machinery from overheating? Knowing the answer to these questions will help you pick a chiller that is robust enough for your needs.

Power Usage

For safety and financial reasons, it is extremely helpful to know how much power your chiller will use. This will help you avoid overloading whatever circuit you plug it into. Contact your power company and find out how many cents you will be charged per kilowatt hour in your area. That way you can avoid surprises on your bill after you start using your chiller.

Indoor or Outdoor Rated

Not all ultra low temperature chillers are rated for both outdoor and indoor use. Make sure you know exactly where your chiller will be operating so you can make sure you purchase one that matches its environment.

Heat Transfer Fluid(s) Type

There are a wide variety of heat transfer fluids that can be used to reach ultra low temperatures. Some chillers can have multiple refrigeration stages and use a different fluid or oil in each stage. Do your research on what fluids will help your chiller reach your desired temperature ranges.

Temperature Controls

Thermostatic controls have come a long way in a short period of time. How much control do you want over your chiller? Some ultra low temperature chillers will come with basic controls that require someone to physically input information. Others may come with smart control options that allow you to remotely take control over your temperatures no matter where you are. Would you like to tap into the internet of things and have access to process cooling data analytics? Be sure to look at all of your options and find the solution that will not only fit your budget but will give you the most autonomy and peace of mind.

North Slope Chillers Ultra Low Temperature Solutions

Here at North Slope Chillers, we know that one size does not fit all. We are proud to offer the most thorough and quickest customized process cooling options on the market. Instead of searching endlessly for the right chiller, or compromising on some of your requirements, why not custom design the exact ultra low temperature solution you need?

By working with our world class team of engineers you can make sure you find an ultra low temperature chiller that is designed for your exact cooling requirements.

Contact us today to find the perfect ultra low temperature cooling solution for your needs at (866) 826-2993 or [email protected]

Ultra Low Temperature Process Cooling

Brooke Loeffler · Mar 4, 2020 ·

How Low Can You Go?

Our modern lives, as we know them, would be very different without process cooling. Many of the products we use, buy, wear, and eat, rely heavily on precise temperature control at different stages of their manufacturing and transportation processes. But what do manufacturers do when their products require exposure to extreme temperature environments? Let’s take a closer look at ultra low-temperature process cooling, who needs it, and why.

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Why Go So Low?

There are many reasons why certain industries need process cooling equipment to reach ultra-low temperatures. One of the most common uses of ultra-low temp chilling is for durability testing.

Durability Testing For Extreme Environments

Take a look around you. As most of us sit in our comfortably climate controlled homes, offices, and vehicles, it can be hard to imagine how the products around us would react to extremely cold temperatures. At what point would they stop working…crack…explode…rupture? Most of the items around you would never naturally reach those temperatures, so there is little reason to worry. Everyday items undergo typical durability testing to make sure they can operate safely and efficiently in a wide range of seasonal environments.

However, materials and devices that are intended to operate in the upper atmosphere, deep ocean, or outer space must undergo more rigorous testing. In order to be prepared for anything mother nature can throw at them, every piece of equipment, protective gear, machinery, electronics, and other supplies need to be thoroughly tested before they can be safely used in such an environment.

North Slope Chillers graphics on ultra low temperatures in nature

Land

The lowest temperature ever recorded at Earth’s ground level occurred on July 21, 1983. The Soviet run Vostok Station in Antarctica recorded a temperature reading of -128.6° F (-89.2° C). More recently, satellites have detected even lower readings (some as low as -144° F), but the 1983 record is still recognized as the most accurate reading from the ground level.

Sea

Similarly, the coldest seawater temperature was also recorded in Antarctica. A super salinated stream of seawater running under an Antarctic glacier measured in at 27.3° F. The high salt content allowed the water to reach sub-freezing temperatures and still remain liquid.

Atmosphere

Another natural extreme temperature environment exists above us at all times. The Earth’s atmosphere is comprised of multiple layers, and each has different environmental conditions. The mesosphere is the layer that extends from 31-53 miles above the Earth’s surface. The top of the mesosphere (aka the mesopause) is the coldest section of our atmosphere and has an average temperature of -130° F.

Space

For the most extreme temperatures, we have to look beyond our home planet. According to NASA, gaseous matter out in space routinely drops to -454° F. Because of the extremely cold conditions in space, astronauts will soon be able to conduct quantum cooling experiments in the Cold Atom Laboratory (CAL) on the International Space Station (ISS). There, astronauts will be able to use quantum process cooling to chill atoms well below the average temperature of deep space, boldly going where no thermometer has gone before.

Cryogenics

Another common need for ultra-low temperature process cooling lies in the vast field of cryogenics. Broadly speaking, cryogenics is the study of ultra-low temperatures and how matter behaves at those temperatures. According to the Encyclopedia Britannica, cryogenic temperatures range from -238°F all the way down to -460°F or absolute zero. Absolute zero is theoretically the point where molecular motion is as close as it can get to stopping completely. Over the years, many different cryogenic sub-studies have evolved in our modern world.

Cryobiology – studying the effect of ultra-low temperatures on organisms

Cryonics/Cryoconservation/Cryopreservation – conserving genetic material and organisms for future revival

Cryoelectronics – the study of electricity at ultra-low temperatures

Cryosurgery – using cryogenic temperatures to medically destroy harmful tissues or growths

Materials behave very differently when exposed to cryogenic temperatures. Some, like rubber, become so brittle they are easily broken down. Others, like ceramics and some metals, become superconductive and allow electricity to flow through them with zero resistance.

What Industries Use Ultra-Low Temperatures?

The field of cryogenic and ultra-low temperature process cooling is expanding every year. As we continue to find new ways of utilizing this technology, the possibilities seem endless. Let’s look at some specific examples of industrial uses for ultra-low temperature process cooling.

North Slope Chillers graphic on the industries that use ultra low temperature process cooling

Aerospace

The aerospace industry must rigorously test every component used in modern aircraft for its ability to withstand extreme temperature changes. Ultra-low temperatures can increase wear and in compromise the structural integrity of many kinds of materials. These aeronautic materials undergo what is known as cryogenic tempering to increase their durability. They are exposed to strategic high and ultra-low temperatures during fabrication so their microstructure becomes more stable, durable, and long lasting. Cryogenic processing is used to improve the performance and strength of engine components, turbine blades, seals, brake lines, and more.

Pharmaceuticals/Medical

Medical and pharmaceutical laboratories use ultra-low temperature freezers and storage rooms to preserve important samples. These can include: bone marrow, blood, stem cells, vaccines, DNA and RNA, Sperm, Eggs, Embryos, and more. Many of these samples are extremely valuable and some are irreplaceable. Ultra-low temperature storage and transportation is absolutely crucial to protect the viability of delicate lab products.

Pharmaceutical companies also use ultra-low temps for the lyophilization (freeze-drying) process. Lab samples are inserted into a special ultra-cold vacuum chamber that freezes and removes moisture simultaneously.

In addition, some medical devices, like MRI machines (which require cryogenic cooling temps of -400° F) need ultra-low temperature process cooling in order to operate safely.

Food Service

If you have ever purchased frozen seafood in a landlocked state, then your taste buds have benefitted from ultra-low temperature process cooling. Commonly referred to as “flash freezing”, food products can be frozen so quickly, they don’t expand or lose taste or nutritional value. Flash freezing also preserves natural flavors so your food still tastes fresh and delicious.

Automotive

Similar to the aerospace industry, the automotive industry tests structural and engine components for usability in extreme temperatures. Testing a car in ultra-low temperatures allows car manufacturers to see if fluids and batteries hold up, electronics still function, how quickly the engine and cabin heat up, and to what degree the vehicle is still operable.

Defense

Civilians like us will never know all the ways the defense industry uses ultra-low and cryogenic temperatures. However, looking closely at the private sector we can see many ways the defense industry can benefit from ultra-low process cooling. As mentioned above, aerospace engineers subject every material used on an aircraft to thorough temperature testing. Ultra-low temperatures are also useful for storing and transporting flammables and combustible materials safely. Cryogenic tempering is also used on a wide variety of metals (including on firearms) to strengthen their microstructure and increase durability.

Chemical

Storing and transporting temperature sensitive chemicals can be extremely dangerous. Many flammable and combustible materials require ultra-low temperature solutions in order to meet hazardous location safety certifications.

Plant Oil Extraction

Extracting highly pure oils out of plant matter involves some ultra cold temperatures. Some companies use CO2 extraction methods that use carbon dioxide which is chilled below -69° F. Some companies also use ultra-low temperatures (-20°F) to remove natural waxes from their extracts. These extraction methods produce high concentration oils that are very valuable. In recent years, the production and use of essential oils, especially CBD oil, has grown into a very lucrative industry.

Plastics

Plastic injection molding is a highly efficient plastic manufacturing method that greatly reduces waste material. Special thermoplastics (such as ABS and Polyethylene) are heated, injected into a mold and then quickly chilled before they are released from the mold. Molding plastics at high temperatures creates a nice glossy finish and makes the finished plastic more heat resistant. Rapidly chilling then makes the plastic stronger and more impact resistant.

North Slope Chillers Ultra-Low Temperature Solutions

North Slope Chillers graphic on deep freeze ultra low temperature chillers

Here at North Slope Chillers, we specialize in portable and powerful industrial process cooling. Our Deep Freeze line features a wide temperature range from -112° F to 70° F. With fully insulated interior components, Deep Freeze operates efficiently with little thermal loss. If you need a liquid cooling system that is both reliable and as cold as it gets, look to Deep Freeze. Contact us today to find the perfect ultra-low temperature solutions for your needs at (866) 826-2993 or [email protected]

Cooling in Food Processing

Brooke Loeffler · Aug 31, 2019 ·

Riding the “Cold Chain”

As food products make their way from farm to table, they travel a path that is fraught with danger. As they are processed, packaged, distributed, and sold they are susceptible to spoilage, pathogen growth, and other contamination. Let’s follow food’s journey and find out what systems are in place to make sure it safely reaches our plates.

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The Cold Chain

The cold chain is a series of refrigeration units that protect food along its journey. This chain is comprised of stationary and mobile cooling units as well as a network of data sensors. 1 broken link in this chain causes destructive product loss, endangers consumers, and results in expensive product recalls.

Stationary Cooling

Blast chilling and blast freezing is a critical early step in food processing. Roller coaster temperatures are very damaging to food products so once food is chilled, it needs to remain that way until it is consumed. Large open space cold rooms provide food with a safe place to wait for transportation. These rooms are often large enough for food products to be packaged, reorganized, and consolidated while remaining chilled. Some cold rooms are large enough for loading machinery, such as fork-lifts, to enter and exit.

Mobile Cooling

The most complicated sections of the cold chain involve cold cargo on the move. Once food products leave the cold room, they need to be quickly loaded into a mobile refrigeration unit. These units include refrigerated trucks, reefers (ships with chilled cargo bays), refrigerated rail cars, cold air cargo planes, or a combination. Mobile chilling units need to be equipped with enough cooling power to make sure food can endure a potentially long journey.

As reliable cold chains are becoming more common, consumers are able to enjoy food products from farther and farther away. It is becoming easier for food to traverse continents, oceans, and hemispheres and still retain freshness. Once chilled food arrives at its destination, it needs to be quickly unloaded back into stationary cooling environments such as walk in fridges and freezers at restaurants, grocery stores, etc.

Managing the Cold Chain

North Slope Chillers diagram of the components the cold chain

Specialized Packaging

Shipping cold cargo can be a tricky endeavor. Cold cargo must be packaged for thermal and light protection. Reflective outer layers can be used to reduce solar temperature increases while food is being moved outside on loading docks and ramps. Specially insulated storage containers compartmentalize foods according to their temperature and humidity needs. Packaging can also have compartments to hold ice, or other chilling liquids until the food reaches a stationary cooling room.

Temperature Sensors

The most reliable cold chains have a network of temperature sensors on stationary units, mobile units, and even on the packaging itself to ensure that food is preserved the entire length of the journey.

Employee Training

Workers all throughout the cold chain need to be well trained in HACCP food handling guidelines. This ensures that workers use the most efficient food handling practices to keep food out of the contamination danger zone.

Timers

State of the art sensors can also keep track of how long packages of food have spent in each of the cold chain stages. This information can be very helpful for companies that are looking to tighten up their chain and keep food fresher for longer.

Data Collection & Analysis

Temperature, timing, and mapping data can be collected and analyzed for weak points. Previous generations needed to have workers out in the field to monitor this data, whereas now all these control points can be monitored digitally. There are many cold chain data analysis apps available that streamline cold cargo processing. It is now simpler than ever to catch food processing problems in real time before costly mistakes arise.

Internet of Things

The IoT is making waves in the food processing industry by allowing machines, sensors, and process cooling systems to all transfer data and communicate with each other without human to human or human to computer interaction. “Skynet” fears aside, this network of tech to tech communication is working hard to keep our food safer.

The Global Cold Chain

Cold Cargo in Developing Countries

The cold chain enables developing countries to more fully participate in global trade as both food producers and food consumers. Uninterrupted cold chains provide greater food variety and freshness that historically was only available to persons of higher socio-economic status. One of the fastest ways to improve the quality of life in developing areas is to provide access to fresher and healthier food options.

A reliable cold chain also creates jobs in the food manufacturing, food processing, food transportation, and food preservation industries. Post harvest losses are very detrimental to local, national, and global economies. High food spoilage rates hurt every industry involved and with a rapidly growing world population, it is even more critical that food safely reaches consumers in a timely manner.

In 2017, the Indian Food Processing Minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal cited a study that revealed startling statistics. She said, in India “hardly 10% of the horticulture produce is processed or reaches cold storages.” India is now conducting a nationwide push to create a national cold food grid to reduce post-harvest losses, create jobs, increase agricultural incomes, and provide their citizens with a greater variety of fresh, healthy food.

Environmental Concerns

Global climate change has a tremendous impact on cold cargo both in developed and developing nations. As worldwide temperatures rise, we need even more reliable cold chains extending around the globe.

Reducing food waste will help us get the most from the agricultural lands we already have, and cut back the need to hastily acquire more. By optimizing our cold chains, we can control agricultural expansion into wildlife habitats. We are currently watching vast areas of the Amazon rain forest become engulfed in flames. This is largely due to intentionally set fires to prepare more farmland to feed increasing populations.

By strengthening the global cold chain, we can greatly reduce the amount of food waste happening every year. And by so doing, we can scale back the need for hasty and destructive agricultural expansion.

Cold Chain Solutions From North Slope Chillers

Our portable industrial fluid chillers can efficiently cool loads of all shapes and sizes. They are compact, easy to install or relocate, and won’t interrupt the layout of your current system.

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