Pump mechanisms in frozen treats equipment
By now, you are likely familiar with the difference between gravity fed-freezers and pressure-fed ones. But within the category of pressurized freezers, there are three distinct pump mechanisms to deliver the liquid mix to the freezing cylinder.
See also: Remote feed equipment vs. drawers system
See also: Remote feed equipment vs. drawers system
Gear pumps
A gear pump sits atop what looks to the untrained eye like a conventional gravity fed freezer. The pump is wall-mounted to the back side of the mix reservoir and pumps the combination of air and liquid mix into the freezing cylinder. Gear pumps are mostly found on Italian-made, imported freezers. On the plus side, as gear pumps are made of metal, they are sturdy and for the most part reliable. The disadvantage of a gear pump system, is that the liquid mix travels through the entirety of the pump (more parts to clean & sanitize) and the gears themselves tend to wear out over time. Replacing the gears is prohibitively expensive. |
Piston pumps
Piston pumps are for the most part found in the refrigerated cab (bar fridge at the bottom) of a pressurized freezer. Some older Taylor brand models had the piston pump mounted above the hopper of a gravity fed freezer. Piston pumps are made of plastic and are for the most part reliable. The disadvantage of a piston pump, is that there are literally over two dozen small parts that need to be disassembled, washed and sanitized, as the liquid mix touches almost every bit & piece. Piston pump parts are readily available, but are often misplaced by staff, due to their large numbers. |
Peristaltic pumps
Peristaltic pumps are found wall-mounted in the refrigerated cab section (the bar fridge at the bottom) of a pressurized freezer. A peristaltic pump essentially “milks” the liquid mix through a neoprene hose using a series of spinning wheels. If you have given blood recently, or own a commercial dishwasher, then you are familiar with how a peristaltic pump functions. Peristaltic pumps are reliable and do not require disassembly for cleaning in some brands. You are limited to having to clean and sanitize the neoprene hose that runs through the peristaltic pump. The only downside to using a peristaltic pump, is that the neoprene hose is a consumable that periodically needs to be replaced. |
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