MACS (Modular Automated Cooling System) Coolers are automated, forced-air precoolers, designed to cool any palletized product that can be forced-air cooled. This includes almost all produce varieties. These coolers will typically be installed at or near the dock of a cooling facility. Pallets can then be unloaded right off the field trucks and either be loaded directly on the MACS or put through inspection first. “Currently, our coolers are being used to precool strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, broccoli, yellow squash, cauliflower, and bell peppers,” says Orion Williams with MACS Cool, Inc. As an example, each unit is capable of precooling up to 30,000 trays of strawberries per day.
4 MACS Coolers located at Coastal Cooling
Portable
“Our coolers are portable, like a vacuum tube, via truck and trailer,” added Williams. “One of our clients, Western Precooling, owns eight 8 MACS Coolers. Two are permanently located in Oxnard, two in Castroville and the remaining four are trucked between the two locations each season.”
Faster cooling and energy efficient
When comparing MACS coolers to conventional coolers, MACS coolers are able to cool the produce at a faster pace. “There is no tunnel set-up, tunnel tarping or tunnel take-down,” mentioned Orion. “Additionally, the cold air moves directly through the product. As an example, a two module MACS cooler will cool as much as six tarped tunnels, while taking up a smaller footprint.”
“Our coolers are also more energy efficient,” shared Williams. “The cooling fans move cold air more directly through the product and the fans have a lower run time due to faster cooling. When it comes to refrigeration, savings can be made as the heat transfer is more effective and the refrigeration run time is lower as less warm air enters the building.”
Available nationwide
The first cooler was installed in 2004 and 2016 marks the sale of the 30th MACS Cooler. D’Arrigo Bros. purchased three coolers this year as part of its Salinas facility expansion, bringing the company’s total number of coolers to five. Western Precooling Systems added two MACS Coolers to the Coastal Cooling facility in Castroville, CA, bringing their statewide total to eight. MACS Coolers are available anywhere nationwide, provided the location can be reached by truck and trailer. The company is also working on a new line of coolers that focuses on international shipping ease.
For more information:
Orion Williams
MACS Cool, Inc.
Tel: (831) 761-7403