Fast freezer for bags with detection of the bag temperature

Abstract

A freezer for fluids inside bags comprises a freezing chamber ( 11 ) containing a plurality of surfaces ( 13 ) for storing bags ( 20 ). Each surface in turn comprises a refrigerated shelf ( 14 ) and an associated uniformity plate ( 15 ) arranged above the shelf. The plates ( 15 ) are hinged so as to be able to be raised from the respective shelf in order to store bags between the shelf and the plate. At least one of the uniformity plates ( 15 ) is provided with a temperature sensor ( 18 ) for checking the temperature reached by the bags on the shelf.

1 . Freezer for fluids inside bags, comprising a freezing chamber ( 11 ) containing a plurality of surfaces ( 13 ) for storing bags ( 20 ), each surface comprising in turn a refrigerated shelf ( 14 ) and an associated uniformity plate ( 15 ) arranged above the shelf, the plates ( 15 ) being hinged so as to be able to be raised from the respective shelf in order to store bags between the shelf and the plate, characterized in that at least one of the uniformity plates ( 15 ) is provided with a temperature sensor ( 18 ) for indirect verification of the temperature reached by the bags on the shelf. 
     
     
         2 . Freezer according to  claim 1 , characterized in that the sensor ( 18 ) is connected to a system ( 23 ) for controlling operation of the freezer which detects with this sensor that a given storage temperature of the bags has been reached within a predefined time interval. 
     
     
         3 . Freezer according to  claim 1 , characterized in that the sensor ( 18 ) is arranged on the plate ( 15 ) in order to measure the temperature of a predetermined zone of the plate. 
     
     
         4 . Freezer according to  claim 3 , characterized in that the predetermined zone is a zone close to a side edge of the plate. 
     
     
         5 . Freezer according to  claim 3 , characterized in that the predetermined zone is at least partially defined by incisions ( 19 ) in the plate. 
     
     
         6 . Freezer according to  claim 1 , characterized in that the plate with the sensor ( 18 ) is the plate associated with the lowest shelf inside the chamber ( 11 ). 
     
     
         7 . Method for checking for correct freezing of bags of fluid inside a freezer of the type comprising a freezing chamber containing a plurality of surfaces for storing bags, each surface comprising in turn a refrigerated shelf and an associated uniformity plate arranged above the shelf, the plates being hinged so as to be able to be raised from the respective shelf in order to store bags between the shelf and the plate, the method comprising the steps of detecting the temperature of at least one zone of a uniformity plate resting on at least one bag and using the value measured as an indication of the temperature reached by the bags on the shelves. 
     
     
         8 . Method according to  claim 7 , wherein it is considered that a predetermined storage temperature of the bags has been reached when the temperature detected in the said plate zone is less than said predetermined storage temperature by a predefined amount. 
     
     
         9 . Method according to  claim 8 , wherein it is considered that the predetermined storage temperature is equal to or less than −30° C. and the predefined amount is at least −10° C. 
     
     
         10 . Method according to  claim 7 , wherein it is considered that the predetermined storage temperature of the bags has been correctly reached if the temperature detected in the said plate zone reaches a value lower than said predetermined storage temperature by said predefined amount within a predefined time interval following introduction of the bags into the freezer.