Abstract: A refrigeration system comprises a mixing tank for a slurry of solid particles in a liquid, said mixing tank having first and second inlets and an outlet. A sublimator has a bottom inlet, a top outlet and several internal paths connecting the inlet and the outlet, said internal paths having no descending parts. A first conduit connects the outlet of the mixing tank to the bottom inlet of the sublimator via a pump, there being no descending parts between the pump and the inlet of the sublimator. A separator has an inlet and top and bottom outlets. A second conduit connects the outlet of the sublimator to the inlet of the separator, the bottom outlet of the separator being connected to the first inlet of the mixing tank. A compressor has an inlet and an outlet, and conduits connect the top outlet of the mixing tank to the inlet of the compressor and the outlet of the compressor to the second inlet of the mixing tank.

Abstract: An apparatus for stabilizing food products prior to freezing thereof comprises a frame defining a vertical channel. A plurality of rollers are rotatably mounted in the frame and form a substantially horizontal conveyor across the channel. The rollers are rotated in a direction providing conveyance of food products thereon. Cold gas is blown up through the channel and between the rollers, such that a thin bottom layer of each one of the food products is frozen during conveyance thereof on the rollers across the channel.