The Big Chill

This is a small section of a component used to create slush/ice on board commercial fishing vessels in order to preserve the catch. The exterior hollows create paths for liquid nitrogen and seawater is pumped through the large central bore, which becomes slush and ice. The 1-1/4” section shown here is approximately 6” across with a 4” inside diameter.

Aluminum extrusions are ideal for this application because they provide the ability to create complex shapes with multiple voids at a reasonable cost. Aluminum is lightweight, has a high thermal conductivity, and performs well in harsh environments. The extrusion process is the only viable technology to fabricate a long heat exchanger, of this type, cost effectively.

This component was produced using a 6105T6 alloy. The exterior features were designed into the extrusion and are used for tie-rods holding the end plates/manifolds, pump, etc. to the unit.

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