Wyma Laned Hydro-Cooler

The Wyma Laned Hydro-cooler has a maximum of three lanes dividing the internal belt conveying fresh produce through the cooling chamber. This cooling option allows packers and processors to refrigerate loose fruit and vegetables after they have been graded or sized. The aim is to minimise handling, as some produce (such as carrots) is more susceptible to damage once cooled.

The laned cooler averts the need to run multiple types of equipment to cool the different grades. Traceability may also be facilitated with various grower or production line batches able to be conveyed at once.

Immediately removing field heat is an important step in extending shelf life. The cooler uses water showering down the produce as the cooling medium. Water is cooled to below freezing temperatures as it passes through a heat exchanger constructed from coils. This cooled water then deluges down onto the loose produce to rapidly reduce its core temperature.

Hydro-cooling is a suitable method of cooling in packhouses and food processing plants as it maintains moisture levels and allows rapid reduction in the core temperature of produce. This translates into minimal weight and quality loss by dehydration, maximising saleable produce.