Durrer and ZHAW develop new vacuum cooling solutions

Vacuum technology is one of the specialist areas of Durrer Spezialmaschinen AG. Founded in 1949, the Immensee-headquartered manufacturer of special machines launched its first vacuum cooler for baked goods under its own brand name in August 2020. Now, Durrer's vacuum technology has been further developed in partnership with the ZHAW’s Institute of Food and Beverage Innovation based in Wädenswil. 

The two partners designed and built a “vacuum cooling system with an extensive set of sensors and a wide range of process options”, writes the ZHAW in a LinkedIn article. With the help of the sensors, the team examined the cooling process and its influence on the sliced bread that it cooled. The results generated led to a new chilled cutting process for sliced bread. According to ZHAW, the development of the new and innovative solution gives Durrer “a unique selling point”.

In its own Linkedin post, Durrer thanks the ZHAW for the “great collaboration”. The manufacturer of special machines writes: “We can now substantiate our vacuum cooling process with the relevant scientific findings.” The company plans to use the findings in its development department. 

The vacuum technology developed by Durrer is used in the food industry and other sectors. As well as vacuum cooling products, Durrer also manufactures vacuum dryers and vacuum welding systems for medical- and sensor technology.