Abstract: The invention concerns a process for freezing an article, such as a food according to which said article is contacted with the surface of a porous support which is impregnated with a cryogenic liquid. The invention also concerns a device for freezing an article including a conveyor of porous material, which is insulated by means of an enclosure as well as means for impregnating said conveyor with a cryogenic liquid.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process for freezing an article, such as a food according to which said article is contacted with the surface of a porous support which is impregnated with a cryogenic liquid. The invention also concerns a device for freezing an article including a conveyor of porous material, which is insulated by means of an enclosure as well as means for impregnating said conveyor with a cryogenic liquid.

Abstract: Process for freezing a product in which said product is contacted with a film made of a liquefied gas of which the boiling point is below -30.degree. C., disposed at the surface of a vibrating support, and the frozen product is at least in part separated from said film of liquefied gas.Device for freezing a product including a vibration generator (7) connected to a support (2) at the surface of which there is disposed a film of liquefied gas (3) of which the boiling point is below -30.degree. C.

Abstract: A process for continuous cooling of an extruded product, wherein the product passes successively in its direction of movement in a tunnel through at least three cooling zones; an upstream zone for cooling by convection in which the gas and the product move countercurrently, a cooling zone by cryogenic fluid spraying on the product, and a downstream stabilization zone in which the gas and the product move concurrently.

Abstract: A system for fluidizing products in the form of grains or pieces. Gas is injected through lateral inlet ports in facing relation to each other in pairs so as to form an ascending current for a fluidized bed and a descending current for a fixed bed from which the treated product may be withdrawn by a belt. The system is particularly applicable to the deep freezing of food, drying, transfer of masses, gasification, etc.

Abstract: In order to stop the continuous stream of liquid nitrogen supplied through the outlet conduit 4 of the device 2 for regulating the pressure, this conduit is provided with a stop electrovalve 5A combined with a degassing device 27 so that the flow of plain liquid in normal operation is not disturbed. Application to the pressurization of preserving boxes or cans by vaporization of liquid nitrogen.

Abstract: Quick-freezing of food products in liquid or paste form is achieved by mixing the food with an excess of carbon dioxide snow. A finely divided carbon dioxide snow bed is formed in situ by stirring and then there is brought into contact with the resultant bed of carbon dioxide snow particles the food product in a paste or liquid state, divided on contact with the snow, until the granules of the food product are formed. The apparatus is applicable in the industrial food field and for making of products intended for home consumption.

Abstract: Quick-freezing of food products in liquid or paste form is achieved by mixing the food with an excess of carbon dioxide snow. A finely divided carbon dioxide snow bed is formed in situ by stirring and then there is brought into contact with the resultant bed of carbon dioxide snow particles the food product in a paste or liquid state, divided on contact with the snow, until the granules of the food product are formed. The process can be used in various apparatus and is applicable in the industrial food field and for making of products intended for home consumption.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the embrittlement of the integuments of small seeds wherein the seeds are cooled by thermal shock in a fluidized bed; cooling is provided by direct injection of a cryogenic fluid flash evaporated in the fluidized bed, forming the fluidization gas in the gaseous state, and recovery of cold by countercurrent circulation of the seeds. The process applies to small oleaginous seeds to facilitate their decortication, and to treatment of impermeable leguminous seeds to favor their eventual germination.