Abstract: A method and device for operating a cryogenic tunnel involving the implementation of the following provisions: the measurement of a plurality of key parameters of the method, the division of these parameters into two groups of different parameters, the implementation of one or both of the two following actions on these key parameters: Anticipation actions on the parameters of the 1st group (in order to act in advance on an anticipated/expected deviation in the deep-freezing quality; and Retroactive actions (countermeasures) on the parameters of the second group, in order to rebalance a measured, effective drift in the quality of the exiting products.

Abstract: Processes for deep freezing and defrosting of products, in particular foodstuff products, wherein a constant speed of deep freezing is maintained throughout the process, and in that, in order to defrost the products, the products are subjected to a constant defrosting speed throughout the defrosting process.

Abstract: Method for determining the temperature of products transported on the conveyor belt of a cryogenic tunnel, comprising the following steps: —continuously measuring the surface temperature of products travelling on the conveyor belt; —measuring the thickness of a product at the point where the temperature measurement is taken; —performing the following evaluation: a. when the thickness of the product is within a certain range, then the temperature measured for said product is considered to be a reliable value; b. when the thickness of the product is outside the range, then the last temperature value of the measured product is considered to be a reliable value according to paragraph a) above; c. after a determined period of time during which the measured thickness is outside the range, it is concluded that there are no products on the conveyor belt and the temperature measurements are no longer taken into account.

Abstract: The invention relates to a flowmeter for liquid/gas two-phase cryogenic fluids, including: a separator of the liquid/gas phases, preferably made up of vessel, the cryogenic fluid being admitted into the top portion of said vessel; a liquid flow sensor, located on a liquid pipe in fluid communication with the bottom portion of the vessel, the vessel being placed in the top position in the space relative to the liquid flow sensor; a gas pipe, in fluid communication with the upper portion of the vessel, provided with a flow sensor of the gas phase circulating in said gas pipe; a three-way valve capable of recovering, in two of the channels thereof (A/B), the downstream end of said gas pipe and the downstream end of said liquid pipe; and a device for measuring the level of liquid in the vessel, preferably comprising two level sensors: a bottom level sensor and a top level sensor.

Abstract: An installation for cryogenic cooling or freezing of products includes: a cryogenic tunnel through which products that are to be cooled or frozen circulate, between an entrance into the tunnel and an exit from the tunnel on a conveyor belt; an upstream extraction hood situated facing the entrance to the tunnel and/or a downstream extraction hood situated facing the exit from the tunnel; and movable blinds or shutters that make it possible to close all or part of a suction cross section of at least one of the said hoods over a width and depth of the conveyor belt.

Abstract: A method of metering the energy applied to a downstream process employing a cryogenic fluid, comprising the following steps: a) separating the liquid and gas phases of the cryogenic fluid before the cryogenic fluid reaches the downstream user process. b) Measuring the mass flow rate of the gas phase. c) Calculating the energy flow rate associated with this gas flow rate by taking into consideration the variation in enthalpy of the gas between its vaporization temperature and the gas temperature recorded at the outlet of said downstream process in real time.

Abstract: The invention relates to a flowmeter for liquid/gas two-phase cryogenic fluids, including: a separator of the liquid/gas phases, preferably made up of vessel, the cryogenic fluid being admitted into the top portion of said vessel; a liquid flow sensor, located on a liquid pipe in fluid communication with the bottom portion of the vessel, the vessel being placed in the top position in the space relative to the liquid flow sensor; a gas pipe, in fluid communication with the upper portion of the vessel, provided with a flow sensor of the gas phase circulating in said gas pipe; a three-way valve capable of recovering, in two of the channels thereof (A/B), the downstream end of said gas pipe and the downstream end of said liquid pipe; and a device for measuring the level of liquid in the vessel, preferably comprising two level sensors: a bottom level sensor and a top level sensor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a flowmeter for liquid/gas two-phase cryogenic fluids, including: a separator of the liquid/gas phases, preferably made up of a vessel, the cryogenic fluid being admitted into the top portion of said vessel; a liquid flow sensor, located on a liquid pipe in fluid communication with the bottom portion of the vessel, the vessel being placed in the top position in the space relative to the liquid flow sensor; a gas pipe, in fluid communication with the upper portion of the vessel, provided with a flow sensor of the gas phase circulating in said gas pipe; a three-way valve capable of recovering, in two of the channels thereof (A/B), the downstream end of said gas pipe and the downstream end of said liquid pipe; and a device for measuring the level of liquid in the vessel, preferably comprising two level sensors: a bottom level sensor and a top level sensor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cabinet used for freezing or storing food, medical or biological products, using a cryogenic fluid as cooling fluid, said cabinet being of the type that is: provided with one or more convection fans located in the enclosure of the cabinet and capable of moving the air inside the cabinet and thus of contributing to the thermal exchange that occurs therein; and provided with a system for extracting the gases formed in the enclosure of the cabinet due to the vaporization of said cryogenic fluid, said extraction system including an extraction tube connecting to one wall of the cabinet and linking the enclosure to the outside; characterized in that it includes a flap, located on said wall, at the point where the extraction tube enters the cabinet, and extending into the cabinet, the shape, position and direction of said flap making it possible to divert all or part of the turbulence created by the or said convection fans towards the extraction tube.

Abstract: A method of metering the energy applied to a downstream process employing a cryogenic fluid, comprising the following steps: a) separating the liquid and gas phases of the cryogenic fluid before the cryogenic fluid reaches the downstream user process. b) Measuring the mass flow rate of the gas phase. c) Calculating the energy flow rate associated with this gas flow rate by taking into consideration the variation in enthalpy of the gas between its vaporization temperature and the gas temperature recorded at the outlet of said downstream process in real time.

Abstract: A sealing system suitable for equipping a cryogenic apparatus used for transforming or storing food, medical or biological products, characterized in that:—the sealing system comprises a first part, made from a soft and resilient material, constituting a shape, suitable for being pressed between two elements of the apparatus to form a seal;—said first part comprises, within the structure of same, one or more magnetic metal plates;—the sealing system further comprises a second part, constituted by one or more magnets, capable of being positioned in the structure of the machine, at the location or locations that need to support a seal, said magnets preferably being spaced at regular intervals.

Abstract: The invention relates to a flowmeter for liquid/gas two-phase cryogenic fluids, including: a separator of the liquid/gas phases, preferably made up of a vessel, the cryogenic fluid being admitted into the top portion of said vessel; a liquid flow sensor, located on a liquid pipe in fluid communication with the bottom portion of the vessel, the vessel being placed in the top position in the space relative to the liquid flow sensor; a gas pipe, in fluid communication with the upper portion of the vessel, provided with a flow sensor of the gas phase circulating in said gas pipe; a three-way valve capable of recovering, in two of the channels thereof (A/B), the downstream end of said gas pipe and the downstream end of said liquid pipe; and a device for measuring the level of liquid in the vessel, preferably comprising two level sensors: a bottom level sensor and a top level sensor.

Abstract: A method and device for chilling food products by jets blasted into a tunnel, said tunnel comprising/a conveyor for conveying products into a tunnel, at least one plate, located opposite the conveyor, and provided with through holes, the plate or plates being located above and/or below the conveyor; and at least one means of blowing a cold fluid through the through holes and towards the products, characterized in that, during all or part of the periods of operation of the tunnel and/or during all or part of the periods of stoppage of the tunnel, there takes place an operation to clear all or part of said through holes, using a network of channels allowing a blow gas to be distributed opposite all of said through holes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a flowmeter for two-phase gas/liquid cryogenic fluids, comprising: a liquid/gas phase separator, preferably consisting of a tank, into the top part of which the cryogenic liquid is admitted; a liquid flow-rate sensor, located in a liquid duct in fluid communication with the bottom part of the tank, the tank being placed in a high position in space relative to the liquid flow-rate sensor; a gas duct, in fluid communication with the top part of the tank equipped with the gas valve; and a device for measuring the level of liquid in the tank, preferably comprising two level sensors: a lower level sensor and an upper level sensor.

Abstract: A method and installation using liquid CO2 as a cryogenic fluid for transferring cold energy to products, wherein liquid CO2 is sent into a heat exchanger system including first and second heat exchangers connected in series. The liquid CO2 is supplied to the first heat exchanger where it evaporates. Gaseous CO2 from the first exchanger is supplied to the second heat exchanger. The atmosphere surrounding the products is blown across the heat exchangers to provide a cooled atmosphere with which to cool the products. The latent heat of vaporization of the liquid CO2 in the first heat exchanger and the sensible heat of the gaseous CO2 in the second heat exchanger satisfies the cooling requirement of the products. The first exchanger is kept at a pressure higher than the triple point pressure for CO2, whereas the second exchanger is held at atmospheric pressure or at a pressure between the triple point of the fluid and atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for freezing a product. The product is frozen in a treatment container which contains a vibrating support. The vibrating support is capable of receiving a film of a cryogenic liquid. A heated temperature probe, located just before the outlet of the treatment container, measures the temperature at that location. The supply system for the cryogenic liquid has a proportional valve. A data acquisition and processing unit receives the temperature information and controls the opening of the proportional valve.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for freezing articles, that comprises a conveyor with a porous belt maintained in position inside the device by drums, and a means for impregnating the belt of said conveyor with a cryogenic liquid, wherein the impregnation of the belt is carried out by partially or totally immersing the belt in a bath of cryogenic liquid, characterised in that it comprises a means for pressing the belt of the conveyor onto one of said drums.

Abstract: The invention is a method for operating a cryogenic tunnel through which products to be chilled or deep-frozen pass. This tunnel is equipped with means for injecting a cryogenic fluid and means for extracting the cold gases in the tunnel. The method includes obtaining an entry or an exit gas temperature from a gas temperature probe outside the tunnel in proximity to the tunnel entrance or exit. The method also includes obtaining an ambient temperature from an ambient temperature probe located outside the tunnel. The method also includes determining a first delta which is the difference between the ambient temperature and the gas temperature. And the method includes controlling the extraction rate of the extraction means by feedback as a function of the the temperature difference between the first delta and a set point, in order to restore the value of the first delta to the setpoint value if necessary.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for freezing a product. The product is frozen in a treatment container which contains a vibrating support. The vibrating support is capable of receiving a film of a cryogenic liquid. A heated temperature probe, located just before the outlet of the treatment container, measures the temperature at that location. The supply system for the cryogenic liquid has a proportional valve. A data acquisition and processing unit receives the temperature information and controls the opening of the proportional valve.

Abstract: According to the inventive method for the operation of a cryogenic tunnel (1) fitted with means (2) for injecting a cryogenic fluid and means for variable-rate extraction (3) of cold gases, at least one temperature probe (21,22) which is located outside the tunnel (1) close to the entrance and/or exit thereof and able to provide a value T (input/output) of the temperature of the gases and at least one second temperature probe (23) located outside the tunnel and able to provide a value T (amb) of the ambient temperature of the premises wherein the tunnel operates are provided and the difference T (amb input/output) is determined between the ambient temperature T (amb) and the temperature T (input/output) which is compared to a predetermined setpoint value To (amb-input/output) in order to act retroactively, according to the result of said comparison, on the rate of extraction of the extraction means (3) in order to establish, if necessary, the value of said temperature difference with regard to the setpoint va