Microwave Techniques continuous microwave tempering unit (MIP12) is a tunnel system for on-demand tempering of many frozen food products. This unit has the ability to significantly reduce processing time for food operations working with frozen meats, poultry products, fish, bakery items, fruits, vegetables, and a wide range of other food items. Speak with our team of experts to learn how you can take control of your process.
Continuous Microwave Tempering: MIP12 System Overview
The MIP12 continuous microwave tempering system design centers around simplifying the tempering process, while improving quality and yield to increase production output. The main design features of the MIP12 system include:
- Simple, user-friendly system software and Allen-Bradley controls
- Industry-leading microwave feed technology for tempering uniformity
- Tempering of up to 15,000 lbs. (6,800 kg) of 0°F (-18°C) product per hour
- Precise control over product temperature, belt speed, power adjustments, and more
- Arc detection, emission sensors on either end of tunnel, and safety interlocks on the door
- Ability to expand and add generators to the unit as a means of increasing production output
System Dimensions and Specifications
TUNNEL AND TRANSMITTERS
The standard continuous microwave tempering unit consists of a single 4-foot by 4-foot by 8-foot (1.2 meters by 1.2 meters by 2.5 meters) long tunnel. This is suitable for up to four dependable 75 kW microwave generators.
Product temperature control is maintainable with simple adjustments to the generator power and belt speed. To significantly increase production output, additional generators (up to a total of four), may be added to the unit.
PRODUCT TRANSPORT
A 20-inch wide, positive drive, articulated belt of microwave transparent material transports the frozen food product through the continuous microwave tempering oven. Standard tunnels accomodate boxes with dimensions of 20 inches by 10 inches (50 centimeters by 25 centimeters). However, several other tempering tunnel sizes are available.
The Advantages of Using a Continuous Microwave Tempering System
A continuous microwave tempering system makes processing time more simple, streamlined, and efficient. One particular advantage to using a system like the MIP12 is its ability to enable better processing downstream. Continuous tempering enables precise control of product temperature. This helps further processing downstream. Processes such as: dicing, forming, slicing, grinding, and molding are made easier with the use of the MIP12. Other advantages include:
- Improvements to product quality and final yield
- Enabling of predictable final product temperature control
- Saves production workers from having multiple handling sequences
- Space savings without needing dedicated rooms or racks for processing
- Technical support via remote system troubleshooting by service technicians
- Additional processing flexibility with continuous microwave tempering on demand
Enhance Your Food Processing Capabilities
The MIP12 enhances your food processing capabilities. It saves space, as it eliminates the need for rooms and racks. In addition, it helps with the resulting sanitation issues that may arise, while further brining precision to your food processing procedures. Continuous microwave tempering gives more control over the production process from start to finish. It will help users plan their input and output production on a monthly, weekly, daily, or shift-to-shift basis.
Given that drip loss is minimized as well, this improves the product quality and final yield. Flavor, as well as protein compounds, remain in the product and are also passed along to the consumer. Lastly, controlled temperature increases, and predictable final temperature ensures that all food processors get the most processing flexibility available.
About Continuous Microwave Tempering Units
What are some of the safety features of the units?
Interlocking access doors on the generator, arc detection, emission sensors, and various safety interlocks. Our systems are built to safety standards that meet or exceed those of OSHA and Health and Human Services. For example, our continuous microwave tempering equipment conforms to safety exposure limits of 5 mw/cm2 measured 5 cm away from the equipment. This is twice as stringent as OSHA’s voluntary standard. We always provide the safest operating environment available for each of our customers, in accordance with each location and its associated by-laws.
How does the system design take sanitation and regular cleaning into consideration?
The ovens and generators are manufactured from stainless steel. The oven and conveyor belt are wash-down safe.
Which types of products react well to continuous microwave tempering?
Most food products, items such as: meat blocks, poultry items, bakery products, fruits, vegetables, and more.
Which people and processes benefit the most from using a tempering unit?
Production, management, facilities, product handlers, janitorial staff, quality inspectors, and next-step processers.
Do you have questions you would like to ask our team of microwave experts? We’re here to answer your questions.
