Abstract: Frozen solid particles are obtained from liquids such as dairy produce, liquid egg, microbiological cultures and pharmaceuticals, by direct contact with liquid nitrogen in an enclosed insulated vessel which includes nozzles for injection of liquids into conduits with contact channels additionally cooled by countercurrent flow of liquid nitrogen in cooling channels. A separation auger removes partially frozen product from the liquid nitrogen and completes its freezing by contact with cold nitrogen gas.

Abstract: In a method of freezing a liquid such as cream, a continuous, pulsating stream of liquid is dispensed from nozzles onto a stream of liquified gas flowing along downwardly inclined channels provided by a trough. The liquid forms itself into discrete spheroidal bodies, a substantial number of which have a larger cross-sectional area than that defined by the outlet of each nozzle from which they are dispensed. The bodies are carried by the liquified gas along the channels and at least their peripheries are frozen by the time the bodies reach the downstream end of the channels. Freezing may be completed by gas cooling. The bodies are then separated from the liquified gas.