Blast Cell Air Optimization Project Reaches ROI in Less Than a Year

The plant has seen a 10% reduction in freeze time, a 5.7% total site electricity reduction, and an overall reduction in kWh/lb usage.

The staff at Conagra Brands’ Marshall, Mo., plant discovered and repaired sources of significant energy waste in the freezing operation.
The staff at Conagra Brands’ Marshall, Mo., plant discovered and repaired sources of significant energy waste in the freezing operation.
Photo courtesy of Conagra Brands

Degradation of freezer blast cells was resulting in improper airflow and inefficiency of the blast cell function at Conagra Brands’ Marshall, Mo., facility. Repairs were made to air segregation, and baffle design was changed to reduce potential damage from forklift loading process.

“Baffles were added at the back of each rack column in the blast cells to force the airflow through the product pallets to improve the heat transfer of the freezer,” explains Scottie McKenzie, plant engineering manager. “This reduces the freeze time, lowers electricity consumption, and increases plant capacity.”

The project will reduce the plant’s electricity consumption by 5.7% and reduce the plant’s Scope 2 GHG footprint by almost 1,300 metric tons. “Efficiency projects like this will be an important piece of the entire company’s science-based target,” he adds.


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