Defrost apparatus and method thereof
An apparatus and a method of defrosting frozen items, is provided. The apparatus and method utilizes a fluid flow system and method, such as a fluid-push/pull system in which generally an entire volume of fluid is pushed or pulled through a cavity in which frozen items are located and/or a continuous motion system in which fluid is circulated within a fluid tank of the system.
1. A method of utilizing a fluid thawing system, the method comprising:
filling a cavity with a liquid;
placing a chilled item in the liquid;
forcing the liquid through the cavity by means of a pumping system;
utilizing a control system to move the fluid thawing system from a first configuration to a second configuration;
utilizing the control system to move the thawing system from the first configuration to the second configuration after a first period of time; and
wherein the first configuration defines the fluid flowing in a first path and the second configuration defines the fluid flowing in a second path opposing the first path.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the first configuration being of a draft configuration or a pull configuration, the second configuration being either the unselected draft configuration, or the unselected pull configuration.
3. The method of claim 2 , wherein the draft configuration further comprises:
forcing the liquid in the first path from a discharge of the pumping system through the cavity;
causing the liquid to flow through and around the chilled item; and
forcing the liquid from the cavity to an intake of the pumping system.
4. The method of claim 2 , wherein the pull configuration further comprises:
forcing the liquid in the second path from the intake of the pumping system through the cavity;
causing the liquid to flow through and around the chilled item; and
forcing the liquid from the cavity to the discharge of the pumping system.
5. The method of claim 1 , the method further comprising:
obtaining a plurality of temperature readings, the temperature reading being obtained by the control system utilizing a temperature sensor at least partially submerged in the liquid.
6. The method of claim 5 , further comprising:
obtaining a first temperature reading;
comparing the first temperature reading to a first temperature range; and
operating a heating system if the first temperature reading is below a minimum value of the first temperature range, wherein the heating system transfers heat energy to the liquid.
7. The method of claim 5 , further comprising:
obtaining the first temperature reading;
comparing the first temperature reading to a first temperature range; and
operating a cooling system if the first temperature reading is within the first temperature range, wherein the cooling system removes heat energy from the liquid.