A model was developed consisting of a modified Plank's equation to estimate phase change time and two unsteady state cross-product heat transfer equations for estimating precooling and tempering times. It accurately predicted total time to proceed from an initial temperature above the freezing point to a final temperature of -18°C. A correction factor was developed and incorporated in the P term in Plank's equation to correct for the effect of initial and freezer medium temperatures and heat transfer coefficients. The model, tested over a broad range of freezing conditions, had a mean absolute error of 5.9% in predicted values relative to experimental values.

An instrumental method of texture measurement for scallop (Plucopecten mugellunicus) meats after frozen storage has been developed to replace the sensory method. Non-destructive and destructive compressive forces at 50 and 80% deformation respectively and shear peak force gave significant correlation coefficients of 0.89,0.78 and 0.82 respectively with sensory evaluation of the cooked meats. The coefficient of variation associated with the compression method was smaller, however, than with the shear method.

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