Energy consumption, rate of cooling and weight loss in beef chilling in UK slaughter houses

The energy consumption, cooling rate and weight loss were measured in 14 beef chillers in commercial use. Beef sides were removed from the chillers between 24 and 48 h after loading but a deep leg temperature of 7°C or less on unloading was achieved in only 4 of the chillers. The weight loss was between 1·1 and 2% after 24 h and between 1·5 and 2·3% after 48 h and its value was 20 times the cost of the energy used.

Energy consumption was related to ambient temperature and evaporator fan energy. Mean annual UK specific energy consumption was 116 kJ/kg and the estimated total UK consumption is 113 TJ. A target consumption of 70 kJ/kg is possible with existing technology and if achieved by all UK plants would save 42 TJ per year and increase profits in the industry by 26%.