Colombia. The company Refridcol participated in a project with the restaurant chain Crepes & Waffles for the supply of a new Flake Ice Generator machine.
Taking into account the opening of new markets and the commercial consolidation they hold, Crepes & Waffles has implemented a set of refrigeration systems to meet current requirements. Within their refrigerated processes they have ice generators for cooling Chiller tanks, which in turn cool the sealed and finished product by immersion. Ice is commonly used to preserve the cold chain, however, it is the application and technological efficiency of the equipment that produces notable differences in savings and quality.
Innovation is key to success and Crepes is a participant in this movement. Pedro Muñoz, Project Engineer of this company, knows the importance of optimal pre-cooling through the Flake Ice Generator for his product. This machine is part of the catalog of the French firm Geneglace, a specialist in industrial ice machines, which is represented by Industrias Refridcol in Colombia.
"Initially we had a frost ice generator that, according to their model, gave 2 tons. But over time and due to the lack of maintenance, the machine began to leak refrigerant, considerably decreasing the performance of the system in general and evidencing a growth in the purchase of ice of 20%. That is why it was decided to buy a new machine conditioned to our need and to the equipment we had previously. We reviewed technical data sheets, evaluated performance together with the accompaniment of our ally in the cold chain and that was how we opted for the solution presented by Refridcol" says Eng. Muñoz.
As a result, it was possible to reduce the total purchase of ice and we managed to produce 2.2 tons in 24 continuous hours of work, managing to be above the standard production of said equipment. The flake structure favors the reduction of 30% of ice consumption for pre-cooling due to its multiple benefits: Great durability, energy savings, better heat exchange rates (since there is a greater contact surface with fewer products) in addition to being sub-cooled ice that reaches -7°C, you get better heat transfer and most importantly; works continuously and automatically. "We are very satisfied with the generator, the machine has been working continuously for 1 and a half years giving excellent results" concludes the Engineer.
The story of Crepes & Waffles is dreamy, one of those that amaze. More than 35 years ago, the inspiration was born in a young couple of university students who decided to open a small creperie in the city of Bogotá with which they sought to provide a young and informal atmosphere. Today, the dream is a reality that expanded nationally and internationally with more than 80 commercial points and 4400 employees.
