ROCKWELL AUTOMATION SOLUTIONS FOR OCTOFROST
This article is in collaboration with Rockwell Automation. OctoFrost Group is a globally recognized manufacturer of Individually Quick Frozen (IQF) freezers, which are used for a wide range of applications: from fruits, berries, vegetables to meat, poultry, seafood and even pasta and cheese.
OctoFrost, realising that many food processors wanted a single supplier for their full IQF lines, has evolved into a supplier of full IQF processing lines, through the strategic acquisition of the Dutch Innotec Systems – an expert in blanching, cooking and cooling processing. Today, OctoFrost offers individual processing equipment, including Impingement Flash (IF) Cooker, IF Blancher, IF Chiller, IQF Freezer or complete IQF lines as per the requirements of each processor.
Each type of OctoFrost equipment is a unique, sophisticated technology, built through continuous development and by listening to the customers’ needs. The OctoFrost IQF Freezer is already a well-known technology on the IQF processing market. Its unique design and aerodynamics, allow adjustable airflow for each type of product, resulting in a well separated IQF product and energy efficiency. In addition, the OctoFrost exchangeable bedplates together with the open and cleanable design help ensure more reliable food safety.
A recent redesign project and subsequent directive by the company saw it move from hardwired automation solutions to those based on Ethernet.
Each type of OctoFrost equipment is a unique, sophisticated technology built through continuous development and by listening to the customers’ needs.
Allen-Bradley CompactLogix programmable automation controller Allen-Bradley PowerFlex 525 variable-speed drives Allen-Bradley PanelView Plus HMI– with Allen-Bradley® products from Rockwell Automation becoming the new in-house standard.
As a result of this new approach, the company’s popular IQF freezer now use Allen-Bradley CompactLogix programmable automation controllers (PAC) as the primary means of control.
Coupled to the PAC are up to 15 –depending on the size of the machine – Allen-Bradley PowerFlex® variable-speed drives, which are used to control the fans deployed in the freezing process.
Operator interactions are delivered by an Allen-Bradley PanelView™ Plus 7 HMI, with an Allen-Bradley Guardmaster® CR30 Configurable Safety Relay and various low-voltage products completing the control infrastructure.