BOC launches cryogenic refrigeration for food distribution

BOC has begun trials of Frostcruise, an in-transit refrigeration system, with a number of customers in the UK. The system aims to provide a more environmentally friendly, efficient and reliable cryogenic alternative to diesel-powered mechanical refrigeration.

Frostcruise is a cooling technology, developed by BOC’s parent company The Linde Group, which uses the cryogenic effect of liquid nitrogen (LIN) at a temperature of -196°C to produce rapid and evenly-distributed temperature drops.

It also has the ability to maintain accurate product temperature throughout the truck compartment during multiple delivery stops, reducing the risk of food spoilage and improving food safety.

Importantly, Frostcruise can provide significant environmental benefits including substantial noise reduction during deliveries and a much lower carbon footprint than traditional mechanical transportation systems.

“Frostcruise represents a major development for the food distribution industry,” said Cedric Hanson, BOC business development manager, Applications Technology.

“Its ability to consistently maintain accurate temperature control while offering significant environmental benefits, at a competitive cost comparable to standard mechanical refrigeration systems, means Frostcruise could transform refrigerated transport of chilled and frozen perishable items by road.”

Frostcruise refrigeration technology does not rely on vehicle engines to perform the cooling process and so is substantially quieter than diesel systems which need to remain running in order to maintain a low compartment temperature.

The lack of reliance on a vehicle engine also means that the refrigeration system can run independently in the event of a mechanical breakdown, protecting the compartment contents.

Frostcruise is also being deployed in other parts of the globe. MacFood Services, a leading food processor and distributor to the quick service restaurant industry in Malaysia, has recently taken on a fleet of 14 Frostcruise enabled trucks to deliver their frozen products including burger patties, nuggets and French fries.