FoodProTec
Specialized · Live

Blast freezer capacity calculator.

Size a blast for your throughput. Tonnage, recommended unit count, batch capacity, and ballpark cost — live, based on real specific-heat and latent-heat values for your product.

What this gives you
  • check Energy per lb (BTU)
  • check Required tonnage
  • check Unit configuration
  • check Batch / cycle time
  • check Capex range
1. Throughput (lbs / hour)
lbs/hr

Range: 200 to 50,000 lbs/hr. Most commercial blasts land between 1,000 and 20,000.

2. Product type
3. Entering product temperature · 70°F
35°F100°F180°F

Higher entering temp = more energy to remove = bigger compressor.

4. Target core temperature · -10°F
-30°F-10°F10°F

Standard frozen product is -10°F core. Blast typically targets -10 to 0°F.

5. Operating mode

Batch needs ~12% more capacity due to door losses and cycle inefficiency.

6. Region
Blast freezer spec
5,000 lbs/hr lean meat · 70°F → -10°F
cyclone
Energy per lb
Sensible + latent + below-freezing
154 BTU
Total load
BTU/hr at full throughput
~963K BTU/hr
Required refrigeration
105 tons
Including 30% blast safety margin
Recommended units
2× 50-ton units + 1× 25-ton
Sized for redundancy. Single-unit option available.
Continuous capacity
5,000 lbs/hr sustained
~120,000 lbs/day at 24-hr operation
Equipment + install
$580K – $1.0M
$5,500 – $9,500 per ton installed
What drives this

Lean meat: 154 BTU/lb to drop from 70°F to -10°F (sensible + 105 BTU latent + below-freezing). At 5,000 lbs/hr continuous + 25% headroom, you need ~105 tons. Two 50-ton + one 25-ton gives you redundancy if one unit goes down.

Ballpark ±25%. Air velocity, evaporator placement, and rack geometry tune the actual spec. For an exact number, talk to us.

Want the spec sheet?

Email it to me as a PDF — includes:

  • check_circleRecommended models from our partners (Cryo Systems)
  • check_circleAir velocity + evaporator layout for your throughput
  • check_circleDwell time tables for your product type
  • check_circleDrip-loss reduction options at your throughput
  • check_circleFootprint + utility requirements

Or call (201) 256-1231 · email info@foodprotec.com

We respond within 1 business day. Your inputs above are attached automatically.

Talk to a real engineer.

Blast freezer sizing is sensitive to product geometry, air velocity, and rack pattern. Get the math validated against your actual product before ordering steel.

Call (201) 256-1231 Send a message