New Air Products Microsite Illustrates Novel Ways Liquid Nitrogen Can Improve Food Processing Operations

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Nov 20, 2014, 10:00 ET

LEHIGH VALLEY, Pa., Nov. 20, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Air Products (NYSE: APD) has launched a new microsite designed to illustrate the seemingly endless possibilities for applying liquid nitrogen to various phases of the food production process. As a recognized leader in cryogenic technology applications, Air Products has been helping food manufacturers identify innovative ways of using liquid nitrogen in their production process to improve both the quality of their products and the efficiency of their operations.

The new "Think About It" microsite features a series of short videos intended to inspire food manufacturers to consider potential applications within their own processes where liquid nitrogen can, for example, improve grinding and chopping, eliminate sticky food processing problems, remove production bottlenecks, and address other challenges.

Traditionally, liquid nitrogen has been used in the food industry to power tunnel or spiral freezers for the final preservation of food before packaging and shipment. Today, liquid nitrogen is also being used to remove troublesome heat from food processes up and down the production line, resulting in increased production throughput and reduced cycle times. In mixing applications, liquid nitrogen is used to instantly stop the cooking process in order to chill sauces and gravies, ultimately reducing cooling times. In coating applications, the low temperature of liquid nitrogen provides greater control of the enrobing process. And during grinding, liquid nitrogen can be used to eliminate frictional heat to help improve the throughput of mills and the consistency of the grind. This also helps to prevent the loss of flavor and aroma components in food additives, ingredients, and functional foods.

Air Products' new microsite also includes literature, tools and tutorials that speak to every type of food producer—from a large manufacturer to a small food processor, from a food freezing novice to a cryogenic freezing veteran. To learn more about how the unique powers of liquid nitrogen can help food manufacturers solve their tricky food processing problems, visit Air Products' new "Think About It" microsite at www.airproducts.com/thinkaboutit.

About Air Products
Air Products (NYSE: APD) is a leading industrial gases company. For nearly 75 years, the company has provided atmospheric, process and specialty gases, and related equipment to manufacturing markets including metals, food and beverage, refining and petrochemical, and natural gas liquefaction. Air Products' materials technologies segment serves the semiconductor, polyurethanes, cleaning and coatings, and adhesives industries. Over 20,000 employees in 50 countries are working to make Air Products the world's safest and best performing industrial gases company, providing sustainable offerings and excellent service to all customers. In fiscal 2014, Air Products had sales of $10.4 billion and was ranked number 276 on the Fortune 500 annual list of public companies. For more information, visit www.airproducts.com.

SOURCE Air Products