Air Products & Chemicals Inc. Showcases Innovation at Seafood Expo North America

Air Products’ Freshline® Smart Technology represents a significant advancement in food manufacturing, allowing customers to monitor their equipment remotely. This innovative feature enables real-time analysis of key performance parameters, optimizing processes and improving overall productivity. The self-monitoring capabilities offer a glimpse into the limitless possibilities for data-driven manufacturers, paving the way for enhanced operational efficiency and sustainability.

By leveraging this smart technology, seafood processors can ensure their operations remain competitive in a fast-paced market where efficiency is paramount.

At the forefront of Air Products’ offerings is the Freshline® IQ Freezer, designed specifically for high throughput freezing and chilling of various food products. This state-of-the-art machine is modular, occupying minimal floorspace and allowing for easy expansion. The 10-foot modular sections make it adaptable to different operational scales, ensuring that both large manufacturers and small processors can benefit from its capabilities.

The integration of Freshline® Smart Technology with the Freshline® IQ Freezer allows Air Products engineers to troubleshoot potential issues remotely, significantly reducing downtime and preserving the processing timeline. This feature is particularly beneficial for businesses looking to maximize their bottom line while minimizing operational interruptions.

Air Products will also emphasize the advantages of using liquid nitrogen (LIN) and carbon dioxide (CO2) in their food freezing and chilling processes. The extremely low temperatures provided by these cryogenic gases allow for rapid chilling and freezing, reducing processing times from hours to mere minutes. This rapid freeze minimizes yield losses and helps to maintain the quality and moisture content of seafood products, which is crucial for both processor profitability and consumer satisfaction.

Attendees at the Seafood Expo are invited to visit Air Products' booth 1074 to engage with industry specialists who can provide tailored insights into the specific challenges faced by seafood processors. The opportunity to discover how Freshline® solutions can enhance operations is a key focus at the event.

Air Products has been supplying the food industry with gases, equipment, and technological advancements for over 60 years. The company’s Freshline® solutions cater to a diverse range of customers, from large-scale manufacturers with multiple production lines to small processors focusing on niche products. Air Products offers a variety of industrial gases and delivery options, ensuring each customer can find a solution that meets their unique needs.

With a commitment to innovation, Air Products operates a state-of-the-art food and grinding lab at its headquarters in Allentown, Pennsylvania. This facility allows customers to test products on production-scale equipment to assess the feasibility and benefits of employing cryogenic technology in their processes without the need for substantial capital investment.

As a leading global supplier of industrial gases and a pioneer in clean hydrogen technology, Air Products is dedicated to supporting the transition to low- and zero-carbon energy solutions across various sectors. With fiscal 2024 sales reaching $12.1 billion and a market capitalization exceeding $65 billion, the company continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in the industrial gases market.

For more information on Air Products’ food freezing and chilling solutions, attendees are encouraged to visit the company’s Cold Zone Virtual Content Hall website.

As Air Products prepares to showcase its innovative solutions at Seafood Expo North America, its commitment to sustainability, efficiency, and quality in the food processing industry remains a cornerstone of its mission to reimagine what’s possible.