A method of measuring heat transfer rates from a solid food surface to liquid nitrogen droplets on it has been developed using 0.5 sec repeat-shot photography. Droplet diameters were varied from 0.1 to 2.5 mm and food surface temperatures from +30 to -100°C. All measurements were carried out at atmospheric pressure.The mean heat transfer coefficients were determined using an energy balance for the droplets. An empirical dimensionless correlation equation was established, and the significance of the results for food freezing by liquid nitrogen sprays is critically discussed.
KeywordsHeat transfer rates, liquid nitrogen food freezing, nitrogen droplets.