Abstract: An apparatus for chilling a dry ingredient consists of a housing having an interior space through which the dry ingredient flows; a compression ring positioned in the interior space and through which the dry ingredient flows, the compression ring positionable within the interior space and having a region constructed to coact with the housing for providing an adjustable passageway through which a cryogen is introduced into the dry ingredient; and an injection port in fluid communication with the adjustable passageway for introducing the cryogen into the adjustable passage. A related method is also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for chilling a dry ingredient consists of a housing having an interior space through which the dry ingredient flows; a compression ring positioned in the interior space and through which the dry ingredient flows, the compression ring positionable within the interior space and having a region constructed to coact with the housing for providing an adjustable passageway through which a cryogen is introduced into the dry ingredient; and an injection port in fluid communication with the adjustable passageway for introducing the cryogen into the adjustable passage. A related method is also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for reducing the temperature of a liquid product in a processing line includes a polymer member having a passageway formed therein for receiving a liquid product in the passageway; an inlet and an outlet each in fluid communication with a corresponding opposed end of the passageway; a plurality of delivery channels formed in the polymer member, each one of the plurality of delivery channels having an opening in fluid communication with a different location of the passageway and constructed to provide a chilling medium into the passageway; and a support member for the polymer member, the support member constructed to mount the polymer member in the processing line. A related method is also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating a flowable food product includes a container constructed from a first plastic material; an injection chamber arranged within the container, and including an inlet and an outlet in fluid communication with the injection chamber; at least one nozzle constructed from a second plastic material, the at least one nozzle including a first end in fluid communication with a source of cryogen and a second end in fluid communication with the chamber for providing the cryogen to the chamber. A related system and method are also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for reducing the temperature of a liquid product in a processing line includes a polymer member having a passageway formed therein for receiving a liquid product in the passageway; an inlet and an outlet each in fluid communication with a corresponding opposed end of the passageway; a plurality of delivery channels formed in the polymer member, each one of the plurality of delivery channels having an opening in fluid communication with a different location of the passageway and constructed to provide a chilling medium into the passageway; and a support member for the polymer member, the support member constructed to mount said polymer member in the processing line. A related method is also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating a flowable food product includes a container constructed from a first plastic material; an injection chamber arranged within the container, and including an inlet and an outlet in fluid communication with the injection chamber; at least one nozzle constructed from a second plastic material, the at least one nozzle including a first end in fluid communication with a source of cryogen and a second end in fluid communication with the chamber for providing the cryogen to the chamber. A related system and method are also provided.

Abstract: A freezer for a product includes a housing having a chamber therein with an atmosphere for reducing a temperature of the product; a cryogen refrigeration apparatus operationally associated with the chamber during a first cycle to pre-cool the atmosphere in the chamber; and a mechanical refrigeration apparatus operationally associated with the chamber during a second cycle to cool the atmosphere in the chamber when the first cycle is completed. A process is also provided.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for converting liquid fats into solid particles for blending with dry feed ingredients comprises spraying atomized liquid fat into the upper portion of the mixing chamber while directing a plurality of fine jets of liquid nitrogen against the liquid fat spray so as to produce solid fat particles which fall into the dry ingredients at the bottom of the mixing chamber. A homogeneous mix free of fat lumps is thereby readily obtained, even at the higher percentages of fat required for some animal feed.