Cryogenic
The Quickdraft Venturi exhauster is an excellent solution for cryogenic exhaust applications. We have supplied numerous Venturi exhausters venting Nitrogen or Carbon Dioxide gases having temperatures as low as –250°F (-156°C). Our Venturi exhauster eliminates problems experienced with in-line exhaust fans such as ice build-up on the impeller, which leads to lost productivity. The blower can be controlled with a variable frequency controller to increase or decrease the amount of induced airflow from the freezing tunnel based on the application or production requirements.
CASE STUDY: CARGILL MEAT SOLUTIONS COLD WEATHER BEEF PROCESSING
Background
Cargill Meat Solutions is a large beef processor with multiple locations throughout North America. One particular processing facility located in the far North employs over 2,000 people and processes thousands of cattle every day, so efficient exhaust and filtration systems are a must to keep this plant running.
Problem
At this facility, temperatures drop well below zero in the winter causing several problems for the customer’s cryogenic meat mixer exhaust system. Fog from the mixer exhaust would drift over nearby roads and cause dangerous driving conditions. In addition, the old exhaust system fan impeller was located in the extremely cold air stream of the exhauster, and would often freeze leading to production down time. Finally, the existing system allowed meat particles and pieces to be blown on to the roof. In cold weather, these particulates caused problematic cleanup issues, while warmer weather brought on a whole different set of problems: like heavy odors.
Solution
Our first step was to provide a more efficient exhaust system with no moving parts in the cryogenic exhaust air stream. Our Venturi Exhauster solution included a Velocity Reduction Chamber to allow any stray meat particulate to be collected in a contained space adjacent to the line instead of being released on to the roof enabling easy clean up for operators. We insulated the exhaust ducting so that it would work properly even in subzero temperatures. Lastly, we added a large stack to the whole system so fog is dispersed before becoming a hazard on the road.
Results
Cargill is extremely happy with the new system’s performance. They had some initial freezing when the system was installed, but our experts were able to correct this issue quickly and our customer is pleased with the results of this custom designed system.