Techno-economic feasibility of IQF using liquid nitrogen; Tata Economic Consultancy Services, Bombay

Abstract

IIT, Bombay was assigned late last year the task of developing the Individual Quick-freezing (IQF) technology for marine foods with liquid nitrogen as the freezant under the aegis of a programme called ' Technology Mission' sponsored by the Planning Commission. Govt. of India. IIT Bombay approached Tata Economic Consultancy Services (T.B.C.S) for a feasibility study. analysing the prospects facing the IQF sector of the marine food processing industry and those facing nitrogen-based plants in particular. The first introductory section of this report dwells on the current and projected marine-food scene on a global scale and India 's position as far as potential and efforts towards enhancing exports are concerned. The second section has been devoted to brief descriptions on the different techniques of Quick-freezing and their applications. The third and final section dwells on the assignment proper. including the proposed plan of action. findings made and comments on the findings. The report ends on a note of caution hinting at deferring the development process until the high uncertainty surrounding the liquid nitrogen-based process is resolved to some extent in a couple of years.