② Melting-point-controlled Ice chips

      Our ice machine produces specialized ice chips that maintain consistent temperatures just above the freezing points of fresh fish and shellfish for extended periods (Table 1). These ice chips represent the optimal solution for preserving freshness and enabling long-distance transport—including overseas and remote destinations—offering the following advantages. (Pat.):

 

1. Temperature Properties

     These ice chips maintain a consistent temperature just above the freezing point of fresh fish and shellfish (FFS).

• They kill harmful bacteria and significantly inhibit bacterial growth, thereby preventing spoilage.

• They inhibit the denaturation of proteins and lipids—preserving taste, flavor, and color—caused by enzymes and oxidation.

• They do not cause cellular damage associated with freezing.

 

2. Transportation Properties

     These ice chips maintain stable temperatures within insulated shipping boxes throughout long-distance transport, including overseas shipments.

In carrier-operated refrigeration, facilities such as refrigerated containers inherently exhibit uneven temperature distribution across their interiors. Refrigeration units cycle on and off periodically, causing repeated temperature fluctuations over time. For high-value perishables, these fluctuations accumulate into measurable quality degradation.

 

3. Melt Properties

a) Solid form

• Compared to sherbet-type ice (liquid-dominant state), these chips contain a significantly higher proportion of solid ice in the mixture, allowing stable temperatures to be maintained for substantially longer periods.

• Being in a solid state, the chips exhibit a slower melt rate under the vibrations typical of transport.

b) Flat shape

• The layer formed by the flat chips creates an effective insulating barrier, further reducing the rate of melting.

 

4. Hardness Properties

     These ice chips can be produced in a soft consistency, ensuring that they do not cause physical damage to the fish or shellfish.

 

5. Ice Machine Characteristics

a) Rapid response to melting-point adjustment

• The machine adapts quickly to different FFS types with differing freezing points.

b) Operability and cost efficiency

• Simple to operate, capable of continuous production, and available at a low initial investment.

c) Mobile deployment

• Compact and easily transportable, the machine can be deployed wherever it is needed—on vehicles or vessels.

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