Stainless Steel Ice Cream Ageing Tank with Cooling System

Ice Cream Ageing Tank Product Introduction

The stainless steel ice cream ageing tank provides a hygienic and temperature-controlled solution for holding and maturing ice cream mix after pasteurization, homogenization, and initial cooling. With a nominal capacity of 1,280 liters, the tank combines slow agitation with an integrated cooling jacket to maintain uniform product conditions throughout the ageing stage. Chilled water can be circulated through the jacket for efficient heat exchange, while high-density polyurethane insulation helps minimize unwanted temperature gain. The internal vessel and external shell are manufactured from food-grade stainless steel for durability, corrosion resistance, and easy sanitation. The tank can be supplied in closed or open-lid configurations to suit different production layouts. Sanitary load, drain, wash, and circulation connections simplify integration with processing pipelines. Optional accessories, including a CIP spray ball, discharge valve, temperature sensor, level sensor, weighing system, and agitator controls, allow the equipment to be adapted to production requirements and automation.

Thermal Insulation and Energy Efficiency

High-density polyurethane insulation is positioned between the inner vessel and outer shell. This insulated structure limits unwanted heat transfer from the surrounding environment and helps the cooling system maintain the required product temperature more efficiently.

The combination of an insulated vessel and cooling jacket makes the tank suitable for processes requiring prolonged low-temperature holding and controlled maturation.

Ice Cream Ageing Process

The ageing tank is normally positioned after pasteurization, homogenization, and initial cooling. Prepared ice cream mix enters the tank through the sanitary inlet and is held under controlled cooling while the slow agitator maintains uniform circulation.

A typical production sequence is:

Ingredient Mixing → Pasteurization → Homogenization → Cooling → Ageing & Maturation → Continuous Freezing → Filling → Packaging

After the required ageing period, the prepared mix is discharged through the sanitary outlet and transferred to the next processing stage.

Available Tank Configurations

Different production environments may require different vessel access designs. The ageing tank can be configured with:

• Closed top with sanitary manhole
• Opening lid with crosspiece
• Customized support feet
• Different sanitary connection arrangements
• Process-specific agitator configuration
• Integrated temperature monitoring
• Customized control functions

These options make it possible to adapt the tank to both standalone installations and complete automated ice cream processing lines.

Technical Specifications

Key Features

• Integrated Cooling Jacket: Provides efficient heat transfer through chilled-water circulation for controlled ageing conditions.
• Slow-Speed Agitation: Maintains uniform product consistency and temperature while minimizing unnecessary mechanical stress on the mix.
• Food-Grade Stainless Steel: Both the inner vessel and external shell use hygienic stainless steel construction suitable for food processing.
• Thermal Insulation: High-density polyurethane insulation reduces heat transfer and helps maintain stable product temperatures.
• Sanitary Tank Design: Smooth product-contact surfaces support hygienic operation and simplify routine cleaning.
• Flexible Tank Configuration: Available with a closed manhole design or an opening lid depending on processing and maintenance requirements.
• Process Line Integration: Multiple sanitary fittings allow convenient connection with upstream and downstream ice cream processing equipment.
• Expandable Automation: Temperature monitoring, level detection, weighing, and agitator control can be configured according to production needs.

Optional Accessories

Optional components can be selected according to production and automation requirements:

• CIP spray ball
• Sanitary butterfly discharge valve
• Agitator start/stop control
• Additional temperature sensor connection
• Temperature controller with display
• Level sensor
• Weighing system
• Customized support feet
• Additional sanitary process fittings
• Automated valve control
• Variable-speed agitator control

Applications

• Ice Cream Production: Provides controlled cooling and gentle ageing of prepared ice cream mix before continuous freezing.
• Gelato Processing: Maintains gelato mix at a stable low temperature to support uniform maturation and consistent processing.
• Soft Serve Mix: Keeps prepared soft serve mix cooled and evenly blended before transfer to dispensing or freezing equipment.
• Frozen Dairy Desserts: Supports temperature-controlled ageing of milk- and cream-based mixtures used for various frozen dessert products.
• Flavored Ice Cream Base: Maintains uniform mixing and cooling of chocolate, vanilla, fruit, and other flavored ice cream formulations.
• Plant-Based Frozen Desserts: Provides gentle agitation and controlled cooling for selected oat, soy, coconut, and other plant-based frozen dessert mixes.

Benefits for Ice Cream Production

Using a dedicated ice cream ageing tank provides more controlled processing conditions than conventional storage alone. The combination of cooling, insulation, slow agitation, and sanitary construction allows processors to manage the maturation stage as an integrated part of the production line.

The tank also provides a practical buffer between upstream heat treatment and downstream freezing equipment, helping coordinate batch preparation with continuous production while maintaining controlled product conditions.

FAQ

Q1: What is the main purpose of an ice cream ageing tank?
A: The tank is designed to hold, cool, gently agitate, and mature prepared ice cream mix before freezing, providing controlled conditions during the ageing stage.

Q2: What is the capacity of this ice cream ageing tank?
A: This configuration provides a nominal capacity of 1,280 liters and is suitable for commercial and industrial ice cream processing.

Q3: How does the tank cool the ice cream mix?
A: Chilled water circulates through an integrated cooling jacket surrounding the product vessel, allowing indirect and controlled heat transfer.

Q4: Why does the ageing tank use slow agitation?
A: Slow agitation helps maintain uniform temperature and product consistency without subjecting the ice cream mix to unnecessary high-shear mixing.

Q5: Is the tank insulated?
A: Yes. High-density polyurethane insulation between the inner vessel and external shell helps minimize heat transfer and maintain stable processing conditions.

Q6: Is CIP cleaning available for this tank?
A: Yes. A CIP spray ball can be supplied as an optional accessory to facilitate internal cleaning and improve sanitation between production batches.

Contact us to get your quotation now.

Get in touch with our engineering team.