Automation of the food deep-freezing process using a PLC-controlled freezing tunnel.

Abstract

This paper addresses the design, construction, and evaluation of an automated freezing tunnel for the deep-freezing process of food, implemented using a programmable logic controller (PLC). The research was conducted in the context of the food industry, where energy efficiency, quality preservation, and sustainability are critical factors for competitiveness. The system integrates temperature sensors, control modules, and a human-machine interface (HMI), allowing for accurate, real-time monitoring of the process. The experimental results show that the prototype reached temperatures of up to –30 °C, freezing different products in an average of 12 minutes. This performance represents a significant reduction in time and costs compared to traditional methods, ensuring the preservation of organoleptic and nutritional properties. It is concluded that the automation of the deep-freezing process using PLCs is a viable and scalable alternative for the food industry, providing improvements in productivity, operational efficiency, and food quality.