AKDI-FRZ-0002
Asset Name
Cryogenic Nitrogen Tunnel Freezer
Asset ID
AKDI-FRZ-0002
Certification No.
DAG-2026-0008
Manufacturer
Praxair, Inc.
Model
JE-U4 LN₂ Tunnel Freezer
Summary
The Praxair JE-U4 Cryogenic Nitrogen Tunnel Freezer (AKDI-FRZ-0002) is a high-capacity industrial freezing system designed for rapid temperature reduction of food products using liquid nitrogen (LN₂). The unit features an approximate 42-inch wide conveyor and 42-foot tunnel length, providing substantial throughput capacity for continuous food production operations.
The system was rebuilt in 2010 and is maintained in very good operational condition. It is constructed of stainless steel and configured in modular sections (approximately 9-foot segments), allowing for efficient disassembly, transport, and reinstallation.
This asset serves as the entry point of an integrated frozen food production and packaging system supporting Kroger “Deli Fresh” Pizza and Centreville Foods Pot Pie programs. The production sequence continues through flow wrapping, shrink sealing, cartoning, and x-ray inspection.
As the primary freezing component within this system, the asset is considered mission-critical infrastructure, directly supporting production throughput, product quality, and downstream packaging operations.
Asset Overview (Standalone)
The Praxair JE-U4 Cryogenic Nitrogen Tunnel Freezer is an industrial-scale freezing system utilizing liquid nitrogen (LN₂) to achieve ultra-rapid temperature reduction. This process minimizes ice crystal formation, preserving product texture, yield, and quality across a wide range of frozen food applications.
The unit features a straight tunnel configuration with an approximate 42-inch belt width and 42-foot overall length, allowing for extended dwell time and high-volume throughput. The system integrates conveyor transport, nitrogen injection, exhaust management, and centralized control systems within a stainless steel enclosure designed for food-grade environments.
The freezer has been rebuilt (March 2010) and remains in very good operational condition. Its modular construction—consisting of approximately 9-foot sections—facilitates efficient disassembly, transport, and reinstallation, significantly improving flexibility compared to monolithic tunnel systems.
Key Features
Cryogenic freezing using liquid nitrogen (LN₂)
Approximate 42-foot tunnel length
42-inch wide conveyor system
Modular construction (approx. 9-foot sections) for transport and installation
Continuous high-throughput production capability
Stainless steel food-grade construction
Integrated control panel and process controls
Rebuilt system (March 2010)
Maintained in very good operational condition
Operational Role (Standalone)
This asset functions as a primary freezing system, rapidly reducing product temperature immediately following production. It prepares product for downstream packaging while maintaining product integrity and consistency.
Integrated System Role (AKDI Production)
The Praxair JE-U4 Tunnel Freezer operates as the entry point of an integrated frozen food production and packaging system at the AKDI facility in Harvey, Illinois.
This system supports production programs including:
Kroger “Deli Fresh” Pizza Production
Centreville Foods Pot Pie Production
Within this system, the production and packaging line operates in the following sequence:
Cryogenic Nitrogen Tunnel Freezer → Flow Wrapper → Shrink Tunnel → Cartoning → X-Ray Tunnel Inspection
As the initial stage in this sequence, the tunnel freezer converts prepared product into frozen state prior to packaging, making it a critical dependency for all downstream operations.
System Importance
This asset is considered mission-critical infrastructure within the AKDI facility. As the primary freezing component in the production chain, disruption of this system would halt downstream packaging operations and materially impact production output and revenue generation.
The freezer represents a high-value anchor asset within the integrated system due to its direct impact on throughput capacity and finished product quality.
Valuation (Standalone Asset)
Fair Market Value (FMV):
$275,000 – $425,000
Orderly Liquidation Value (OLV):
$175,000 – $300,000
Forced Liquidation Value (FLV):
$150,000 – $225,000
Replacement Value
The estimated replacement cost for a comparable cryogenic nitrogen tunnel freezer of similar size, capacity, and configuration is significantly higher than the current market value of this asset.
A new cryogenic tunnel freezer with approximately 42-foot length, 42-inch belt width, and integrated LN₂ injection and control systems would typically range between:
$750,000 – $1,200,000+, depending on manufacturer, specifications, and installation requirements.
This estimate includes fabrication, controls, and system integration, but excludes site-specific installation costs, utility connections, and facility modifications, which can further increase total project cost.
The substantial difference between replacement cost and current market value supports the economic advantage of acquiring and operating existing, well-maintained equipment of this class.
DAG Certification Statement
This asset has been cataloged and assigned a unique Asset ID under the DAG Asset Registry system. The information presented reflects a good-faith assessment of the asset’s configuration, condition, and market value as of the certification date.
