New Scallop Processing Line For Eastern Fisheries

Iceland’s Skaginn Inc has completed an IQF frozen scallop processing line for USA-based Eastern Fisheries, Inc.

Eastern’s new processing line in its New Bedford, Massachusetts plant, a MBF 3000 model, will process up to 6,500 pounds of scallops per hour. The line also features a clean in place system that reduces cleaning time, a glazing tank, raised freezing cabinet said to eliminate frost penetration into the foundation floor and a gentle infeed that maximizes yield. 

“We selected Skaginn's IQF processing line because we are focused on quality, and the Teflon conveyor belt insures that a high quality product is delivered to the glazing system. We installed a new ammonia cascade system that interfaces well with Skaginn’s IQF design,” said Paul Joly, vice president, operations, Eastern Fisheries.

Skaginn’s multi-belt IQF freezer can process meat, poultry and produce with equal efficiency. Models range in capacity from 900 pounds per hour up to 10,000 pounds per hour or more. The anodized, Teflon-coated, patented aluminium belt is said to guarantee rapid cooling and conserves energy by crusting the product immediately on contact.

“Eastern came to us with very specific requirements for production and quality based on a new refrigeration system,” added Sigurður Skúlason, sales and engineering executive, Skaginn. “The line we built for Eastern uses a dip and spray glazing system that maximizes shelf life and quality while offering the lowest possible processing costs, less than one cent per pound.”

Skaginn manufactures automatic feed plate freezers, fluid ice machines, pelagic freezers and the new super chiller refrigeration system, said to extend product shelf life with a unique near freezing approach using the IQF line.