Cold storage is ice and frost free with Munters Icedry[R].

Munters Dehumidification Division (DH) has introduced the IceDry[R] desiccant dehumidifier in the United States. The IceDry unit is used to reduce or prevent ice and frost in cold storage areas and was designed for installation inside of cold storage and process freezers with temperatures as low as -30[degrees]F. The introduction of the IceDry in the U.S. market gives food processors an alternative to the costly traditional methods of frost and ice removal.

Frost and icing problems often occur in cold storage freezers because of the infiltration of warm, humid air through access doors. This creates a safety hazard within the plant because of slippery floors and poor visibility as a result of fogging and ice on strip curtains and access doors. Loading time is extended because fork trucks are unable to move efficiently across the floor because of ice build-up. Quality also suffers as ice forms on the product while in the freezer. Ice must be mechanically removed be means such as hot gas defrost or chipped away by hand creating additional costs and inefficiencies.

"The new concept of the IceDry is that the unit is designed to be installed directly in the freezer. The IceDry unit prevents frost and ice buildup in two ways. It is installed in a manner that reduces moisture infiltration into the freezer, and because it is installed directly in the freezer it is constantly removing moisture from the air within the freezer at temperatures as low as -30[degrees]F", says Joe Martino, business development engineer for Munters Corporation, DH Division. "Cold storage areas require a unit that can run continuously under relatively extreme conditions. The IceDry has been designed to ensure reliable and energy efficient operation in this environment."

Traditionally the only solution to solve ice and frost problems within a freezer has been to install a dehumidification system to lower humidity levels adjacent to the freezer, typically a loading dock. This is still a good solution if there is a moisture problem within the loading dock itself. However, if the problem is ice in the freeziner then the IceDry approach offers a simpler, less expensive solution. Installation of an IceDry is straightforward. It typically is installed on a wall to conserve floor space and requires few short runs of ductwork to deliver the dry air in the proper location.

As soon as the unit is turned on, ice and frost will begin to disappear. Once the initial build-up of ice and frost has been completely removed, the unit will continue to run to minimize ice and frost build-up due to moisture infiltration.

"Hundreds of IceDry unit installations have met with success in the European market and we are using the experience to support U.S. installations", says Jeff Siemasko, marketing and business development manager for Munters Corp., DH Division. "With a design that specifically addresses the needs of cold storage facilities, we are confident that the IceDry will be a cost effective solution to frost and ice problems in cold storage areas."

Munters' desiccant dehumidifiers are used for many diverse applications including condensation prevention, product drying, frost and ice prevention and many others. "The addition of the IceDry product allows Munters to further satisfy the diverse needs of our customers within the food processing and cold storage industry," says Siemasko.

Munters DH Division manufactures state-of-the-art air-conditioning and dehumidification systems for industrial environments that benefit from both reduced humidity levels and cooler temperatures.

With over 20,000 systems manufactured during the past 60 years, Munters Corp. is the world's largest manufacturer of dehumidification equipment. The company provides products and services that humidify, dehumidify and cool air, control emissions and dry water-damaged environments.

Munters America has operations in more than 30 locations throughout the United States, as well as in Argentina, Brazil and Mexico. Its parent company, Munters AB, is headquartered in Sweden and has operations in Europe, Asia, Africa and Australia.

For information contact Jeff Giemasko, Manager of Marketing and Business Development, Munters Dehumidification Div. Call 978-241-1124.

E-mail: [e-mail]