The primary difference lies in their design and operational flow. A tunnel freezer uses a straight-line conveyor system, whereas a spiral freezer employs a helical belt. Spiral freezers are more compact and provide a higher freezing capacity per unit of floor space, making them ideal for factories with space constraints and high production demands. Engineering managers will appreciate the space-saving design and efficient operation of spiral freezers compared to tunnel freezers.
| Feature | Tunnel Freezers | Spiral Freezers |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Straight or slightly curved conveyor | Helical belt path |
| Capacity | Moderate; limited by length | High; utilizes vertical space efficiently |
| Space Utilization | Requires more horizontal area | Makes better use of vertical space |
| Product Handling | Limited variety of product sizes and shapes | Can handle a wider variety of product sizes and shapes |
| Freezing Time | Shorter; constrained by tunnel length | Longer; multiple revolutions possible |