MXPA00000411A - Hydration and freezing plant for flexible refrigerant media - Google Patents

Abstract

Apparatus for preparing packaging materials for use in shipment of heat sensitive materials, utilizes a hydration module (11), a freezing module (40), and a delivery module (45). Rolls of superabsorbent polymer-based refrigerant media (117) in the form of a continuous web of a selected length and width are maintained in dry storage. These may be cut to size along the web material which separates cells containing the superabsorbent polymer. The web or pad is advanced into the hydration module (11) which comprises a dip tank (17) or spray system (26) to provide an adequate supply of hydrating fluid to the superabsorbent polymer. The hydrated web is then conveyed through a freezing chamber (40) having a temperature of -10°Fahrenheit, or lower, where the fluid absorbed within the cells freezes. The small footprint of the modular system means that necessary handling, including cutting into a suitable size and shape, may be accomplished in the consumer's shipping area for placement around perishable materials in shipping containers.

Description

HYDRATION AND FREEZING PLANT FOR FLEXIBLE REFRIGERANT MEDIUM TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates generally to apparatuses and processes for hydrating and freezing a selected medium used to maintain a variety of cold objects. In a particularly significant manner, the apparatus and method of the present invention relates to apparatus and processes for hydrating and freezing refrigerating media containing laminated superabsorbent polymer from individual cells on continuous sheets of thermoformable media, which can be placed in cardboard boxes of transport or boarding, so that the selected cold temperature can be kept inside the carton during transport or shipment to a selected destination.

PREVIOUS TECHNIQUE The present invention is an apparatus and method for hydrating and freezing coolant media based on superabsorbent polymer, similar to those described in the international patent application number PCT / US92 / 06486 (with reference to US Patent Application No. 07 738835), incorporated herein by reference, or similar means, which are used to maintain perishable materials at a controlled cooling or freezing temperature during transport or shipping. Accordingly, the discussion of the structure and properties of the means described in the patents referred to will be discussed only in detail to the extent necessary to explain the interaction of the means with the components of the apparatus and method described herein, given that understanding the details of the chemical properties of the media is not necessary to understand the invention. Before using laminated superabsorbent polymers in individual cells, transport or shipping containers used only a few substances to maintain a cool temperature inside the transport or shipping container. Those include: ice in sealed bags, dry ice and gel blocks. However, for reasons such as high cost, contamination and handling problems, and the inability to maintain critical temperatures in a container during transport or shipping, those transport or shipping materials have begun to be replaced with polymer-based refrigerating media. superabsorbent, frozen [here later means]. One such means is ThermaFreeze® made by Thermafreeze, Inc. of Mobile, Alabama. The ThermaFreeze® is manufactured in long rolls, typically 15 or 30 inches (38.1 or 76 cm) wide, which contain a matrix of individual cells laminated between elongated continuous sheets of thermoformable media, as described in the patents to which they are attached. made reference. Each cell contains a measured amount of superabsorbent polymer, capable of absorbing water as many times as its own weight and size, thus filling each cell after exposure to water. Before exposing the cells to an aqueous environment, the cells in the rolls are filled with superabsorbent polymer powder, which occupies a negligible space inside the cells. Therefore, prior to hydration, the cells are not expanded and the media consist of a flat sheet or network of cells typically 15 or 30 inches (38.1 or 76 cm) wide and of a preselected length (typically 300 feet). (9.1 m)). In a preferred operation, the media roll must be unwound, exposed to a suitable aqueous environment to rapidly hydrate the media, freeze, and cut into suitable shapes and sizes to be arranged within the shipping or shipping containers. This preparation operation can be established "in place" within a production facility for a user who consumes the means in transport or shipping operations. However, the current methods to prepare the media are manual and, therefore, consume time; so the total cost of using the means in transport or shipping operations is increased. In addition, the consumer may not have the necessary knowledge of how to optimize the preparation operation, so that the means are prepared in a suitable manner to be incorporated into transport or shipping containers of different sizes and shapes. In addition, a variety of other uses of the product can be made, but the appropriate knowledge and a feasible automation installation is lacking. Therefore, there is a need in the shipping or shipping packaging industry, and other industries, for an apparatus and method for automating the preparation of superabsorbent polymer refrigerant media before being arranged in transport or shipping containers. While many facilities give great value to the use of floor space, a modular unit that has a relatively small "footprint" is important.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for automating the hydration and freezing of refrigerant media based on superabsorbent polymer.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a method for optimizing the hydration or freezing of refrigerant media based on superabsorbent polymer. Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a minimal footprint modular plant incorporating a method for hydrating and freezing coolant media based on superabsorbent polymer, so that the media can be properly prepared at the consumer's site before being fixed in carriers of transport or boarding. In one embodiment, the invention includes a hydration module, a freezing module and a distribution module. The refrigerant media based on superabsorbent polymer, in rolls or in the form of integral pads of a selected length and width, are kept in dry storage. The rolls can be cut to size along the material of the network that separates the cells containing the superabsorbent polymer or can be pre-cut by the manufacturers into pads of desired sizes. When ready for consumption, the stored rolls can be pre-cut at the manufacturer's or consumer's site at the desired lengths or they can be placed on a distribution axis from which the network can be wound. The net or pad is advanced to the hydration module, which comprises an immersion tank or sprinkler system to provide an adequate supply of water to the superabsorbent polymer. The absorbed water fills the cells' network. The net or hydrated pad is then passed to a conveyor with agitation to remove external moisture. This is then transported to a freezing chamber that has a temperature of -10 ° Fahrenheit (-23.33 ° C), or lower, where the water absorbed inside the cells freezes. The frozen network then comes out of the freezer. The necessary handling or handling, including cutting in an appropriate size and shape, can be carried out in the consumer's transport or shipping area to be placed around perishable materials in shipping or shipping containers. When properly arranged with perishable materials, such as food, medical or chemical products, etc., the frozen media maintains a temperature within a predetermined temperature regime in the container during transportation to a transport or shipping destination. In another embodiment, the invention includes a storage section, a hydration section, a freezing section and a cutting section. The storage area stores the rolls of cooling media based on superabsorbent polymer in the form of a continuous network of a selected length and width. When they are ready for consumption, the stored rolls are placed on axles, so that the net can be wound on an adjacent transport system consisting of a series of rollers placed along the length of the transport or shipping trailer. When the means are unrolled, they enter on the transport rollers and the drive rollers push the network through other rollers in the transport system. When the transport system pulls the net towards the hydration area, which consists of an immersion tank or spray nozzles placed on top, the superabsorbent polymer absorbs water and fills the cells of the network. The hydrated network is then taken to a freezing chamber that has a temperature of -10 ° Fahrenheit (-23.33 ° C), or lower, where the water absorbed inside the cells freezes. The frozen media are then cut to a pre-selected size and shape in a laser cutting area and removed to the consumer transport or shipping area to be placed around perishable materials in shipping or shipping containers. When they are properly arranged with perishable materials, the frozen media maintain a temperature within a maximum / minimum window in the container during transport to a transport or shipping destination. The other features and objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from a reading of the following description, as well as the study of the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The characteristics of the invention incorporating the apparatus are described in the accompanying drawings, which form a portion of this description and where: Figure 1 is a sectional view of the hydration module taken along the central, longitudinal line thereof; Figure 2 is a sectional view of the cooling module taken along the longitudinal center line thereof; Figure 3 is a sectional view of the agitation module taken along the longitudinal center line thereof; Figure 4 is a block diagram of the components in operative relation. Figure 5 is a schematic view of the second modality of the hydration-freezing plant showing the main internal elements; Figure 6 is an expanded view of the hydration tank and the freezing chamber in the plant; and Figure 7 is a detailed view of a transport roller showing surface characteristics of the traction feed type on the outside of the roller and perforations placed cooperatively on the network.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Referring to the figures for a clearer understanding of the invention, it can be seen in Figure 1 that the first module 11 is a hydration unit, which can be used as an autonomous unit but which is specifically designed to be used as a module of the media preparation apparatus. The module 11 includes an outer housing 12 having an inlet opening 13 through which pads or an uncut network may be fed along a slope 14. At the bottom of the slope 14 is a conveyor 16, which runs longitudinally along a tank 17. The conveying machine 16 has a sloping portion, which extends upwards and on a wall of the tank 17 serving as a discharge conveyor. Optionally, a secondary conveyor 18 can be mounted on top of the conveyor 16 at a height inside the tank 17. A motor 19, which can be hydraulic or electric with appropriate speed controls, is mounted to a support frame within the housing 12 and has a pulley or output gear 21, which is connected to a drive roller 22 on a conveyor 16 and a drive roller 23 on the conveyor 18 by means of an appropriate band or chain. Tank 17 serves as a reservoir for the accumulation of a moisturizing fluid. As will be understood, the media is a multicellular layer having a superabsorbent polymer in each cell in an amount sufficient to absorb a fluid for subsequent freezing. The preferred fluid is water, which has been filtered to remove impurities; however, other fluids may be appropriate for certain uses with specific polymers. The moisturizing fluid can be filled to a certain level as shown in Figure 1, so that the conveying machine submerges the media below the fluid surface and pushes the media towards the discharge end of the conveying machine 16. In this In this case, the fluid level is verified by a sensor 24 and the additional hydrating fluid is introduced to the tank to replenish the one that hydrates the superabsorbent polymer. For example, a small unit of this design can consume approximately 10 gallons (37.9 liters) per hour of moisturizing fluid. Alternatively, a series of rolling nozzles 26 can be mounted on top of the tank 17 and the means conveyed by the conveying machine 16 can be sprayed with fluid, the excess fluid is accumulated and sprayed again by means of appropriate pipe mechanisms and pumps. In any case, the conveyor machine is a conveyor machine of the type of stainless steel or plastic mesh that allows the fluid passing through it to still be able to push the media through the tank 17. The moisturizing fluid may need to be heated at approximately 100 ° Fahrenheit (37.8 ° C); in this way, an external reservoir 31 preheated as a source for producing fluid can be employed. The speed of the conveyors can be adjusted with the conventional controls of the motor 19 to ensure that the media is completely hydrated before being removed from the tank 17 on the conveyor 16. After leaving the tank 17 the media is distributed to a conveyor machine of immersion 32, which is also an open band of stainless steel, mounted on top of an immersion tray 33 and having a vibrator assembly associated therewith, so that the moisture of the external surface is removed from the media as they pass through it. conveyor machine The conveyor machine can be driven from a gear wheel on the motor 19, so that its speed is concomitant with the conveyor machines 16 and 18. By way of example, a plurality of concentric rollers 35 can be used as shown in Figure 3 to impart movement to the conveyor machine transverse to the direction of travel to help remove external moisture. The excess fluid can also be removed from the media using a high-pressure air knife. Conversion conveyor 32 has an inlet 39 in a cooling module 40. Module 40 includes an insulated housing 41 within which a plurality of successive conveyors 42 are supported for concomitant movement, each being similar in nature to conveyor machines used in the first module 11. The hydrated media are successively moved from one conveyor machine to another until they are discharged from the outlet 44. The interior of the housing 41 is maintained at a temperature well below the freezing point of the hydrated polymer media . The inlet 39 has a secondary inlet 39 'for the introduction of "dry ice" for cases where dry ice is the preferred method for maintaining the sub-freezing temperature. A lid can be connected over the inlet when a cooling method alternative to that described here above is used. In some cases, conventional mechanical refrigeration technology can be used to maintain the internal temperature. In those situations, the extracted heat can be used in a heat exchanger 50 to preheat the hydration fluid used in the first module. In other situations, a liquefied inert gas such as carbon dioxide, nitrogen or a fluorocarbon can be used as the cooling agent. An appropriate set of nozzles, as shown in 51 can inject the gas at 0 psi (0 kPa), dramatically lowering the temperature. When the gas heats up and its domain increases it can be drawn into the recovery chamber 52 by the inlet fan on a compressor for recompression and recirculation. Again the heat extracted from the recirculated gas can be used to heat the hydration fluid. In any case, it will be preferable to include a deflection system or inlet air curtain system 39 and outlet 44 to minimize the entry or exit of gas in those areas. While the dry ice can be retained in, or other external solids accumulate on the media when frozen, the outlet 44 directs the hydrated frozen media to a mediating screen conveyor 45, so that the particles are removed. The provision of the means for recirculating this material to the entrance 39 'can be easily made. A system also described here can occupy as little space as an area three feet (0.9 m) wide and eleven feet (3.3 m) long if the modules are stacked as shown in Figure 4. The vertical height would be less than eight feet (2.4 m) high. A machine of this size could process up to 1200 pounds (544.3 kg) of hydration fluid per hour, which would be enough to completely hydrate two polymer rolls of three hundred feet (91.4 m) in length and fifteen inches (38.1 cm) ) Wide. This amount of media will be enough to place a layer inside eighty cardboard boxes, each with a capacity of two cubic feet (0.05 m3) every hour; making it ideal for small transport or shipping operations where heat-sensitive perishable products are packaged for cold transport or shipping. Referring to Figures 5 through 7, the second mode will be described. Figure 5 illustrates the hydration-freezing plant 110 with the main elements of the invention. The critical components of the plant 110 are housed within a conventional insulated cooling trailer 111. The trailer includes a standard air conditioning unit 112 under the trailer, which supplies cold, dry air to the interior of the plant. Trailer box 113 includes insulation to protect trailer components from being exposed to high ambient temperatures outside the trailer. An on-board power generator 114 supplies power to all systems in the plant and includes connections 116 for external power connections, so that the external AC (alternating current) power at the consumer's location can be used to power the plant . An external water connection 131 also allows water to be used at the consumer's location. The floor 110 includes three main components A, B and C separated by partition walls 115 above and 120 rear. Each partition screen includes an access door (not shown) so that a worker can walk through the entire floor to service to all behaviors. The front compartment A is used for storage area 125 for rolls of media 117. The ThermaFreeze® medium, suitable for use in this type of plant, is provided in rolls of 15 inches (38.1 cm) or 30 inches (76.2 cm) wide by 40 feet (12.1 m) in length. The rolls consist of a continuous network of non-woven fabric media such as a 2-ounce Polypropylene (56.7 g). The network is comprised of a plurality of "cells" that typically have a dimension of approximately 2 inches by two inches (5.0 x 5.0 cm) with a sealing margin of 1/4 inch (0.6 cm) between each cell. A polypropylene plastic film is laminated onto the non-woven fabric to make 2 x 2 inch (5.0 x 5.0 cm) cells. With a sealing margin of 1/4 inch (0.6 cm) between each cell, a standard 15-inch (38.1 cm) network has 6 cross-cells, producing 9,000 cells in a 300-foot (91.4 m) roll, twice as much a roll of 30 inches (76.2 cm) wide. Each cell contains a superabsorbent polymer such as crosslinked sodium polyacrylate, which meets the requirements of the FDA. The process of laminating the film on the non-woven fabric, and depositing the polymer within each cell has been automated with apparatuses such as that found in U.S. Patent No. 5,628,845, Murray et al., Incorporated herein by reference, by therefore the use of such cheaper means. Although those materials work well with the current invention, other materials having similar physical properties can work equally well with the present invention. The applicant anticipates that over time various types of media will be developed that will be able to accommodate transportation or shipping needs, and the invention described here is designed, therefore, to accommodate various types of media dimensions as they evolve. In preparation for the operation of a plant, a media roller 117 is loaded onto a motorized shaft 118 to be unrolled in the transport rollers 119 placed along the entire length of the plant. A motor on the shaft can facilitate the unwinding of the media roll on a transport shaft 119, and in effect the motor can be electrically integrated to the transport system, so that the movement of the rollers 119 produces a synchronized movement, so corporate, of the shaft motor; however, it was contemplated that the transport rollers 119 themselves would provide sufficient energy to unwind the media roll when the network enters the transport system and the action rollers 121 are activated. Most transport rollers 119 are passive, rotating in response to the input of the network being pulled through the plant by the drive rollers 121. As seen in the Figure, the drive rollers are connected in several critical places in the plant, depending on the length of the transport system installed, which may vary with different consumer applications. In some applications, a single drive roller may be sufficient to pull the network through a plant and the transport system is shortened sufficiently. In addition, although several rolls are shown in the Figures, it was contemplated that the density and placement of the rolls will vary with the different types of media. Referring to Figure 7, it can be seen that each conveyor 119 and drive roller 121 is typically surrounded by stamped, "Highly Sliding" rubber or Teflon ™ alloy, 122 to support and carry the network through the plant. Each roller is rotatably supported in each compartment by conventional means well known in the industry, and since the rotation method is not critical to the operation of the plant and does not incorporate novel aspects of the invention, no further discussion will be made. of the mechanical aspects of the rollers and the transport system. Each roller includes a series of projections 123 positioned on the outside of the roller, and the network has cooperatively placed holes 124 along the 2nd and 4th sealing margins of the network to receive the corresponding projections on the roller as shown. This type of tension feed arrangement increases the holding and supporting capabilities of the rollers when the network is pulled through the plant. Referring now to Figure 6, within compartment B there is a hydration tank 126 and a freezing chamber 127. Hydration tank 126 includes a pump / heater device 128 and floating sensor 129 to control the temperature and water level in tank 126. External water connection 131 allows connection to a water supply at the consumer's site to fill tank 126 via pump 128, and a drain port 132 allows to quickly drain the tank after completing the preparation of the media. A heating element and the temperature sensors in pump 128 maintain the water temperature of the tank between 90 ° -150 ° F (32.2 ° -65.5 ° C) (ie warm). A drive roller 121a adjacent to the partition screen 115 pulls the network 117 through a slot in the partition screen 115 and into the aqueous environment of the closed tank 126 through the opening 134. The rollers 119 inside the tank 126 pull the network 117 below the surface of the water as shown and carry the network 117 through the warm water at a controlled rate to optimize the absorption of water by the polymer inside the cells. Although a tank of the full immersion type is shown, alternative hydration methods may be suitable for hydrating the media. For example, the water nozzle configuration at the top provides constant supply of water being sprayed onto the network as it travels through the tank, providing adequate hydration results. Replacing the water reservoir with a nozzle arrangement at the top simply requires it to alter the distribution tubes of the heating device / pump 128 to recirculate water to the nozzles from a submerged position in the tank (shown in shaded form in Figure 3) ). After hydration, the network 117 emerges above the water level 136 and is pulled through an insulating portal 138 to the freezing chamber 127 by the drive roller 121b. The portal 138 consists of a series of rubberized, non-adhesive, vertical pallets, supported by a hood of adequate size that allows the passage of the network 117 through the insulating panel 139, and the panels 139 also surround the freezing chamber 127 as shown. The transport rollers 119 are positioned within the chamber 127 to increase the vertical displacement of the network and thereby increase the exposure time of the network 117 to the freezing conditions within the freezing chamber. The camera 127 includes a dedicated cooling system. Two cylinders of C02 142 supply gas to expansion nozzles 141 within chamber 127. A mechanical refrigeration unit 143 contributes to cooling by the C02 system. The mechanical unit is conventional, but may have a higher cooling capacity to achieve lower temperatures in the chamber (127). Conventional AC components, condenser 144, evaporator 145, compressor 146, expansion valve 147, refrigerant lines 148, air ducts 149, and blower 150 are shown placed on the chamber 127; however, several types of systems that are well known in the art can be placed in alternative locations to achieve optimal operation and economy. The temperature sensors and the control circuit (not shown) control the interaction and operation of the two cooling units, so that a temperature of less than -10 ° F (-23.33 ° C) is maintained in the chamber. This temperature is not critical to the freezing process as long as temperatures below 20 ° F (-6.7 ° C) are maintained inside the chamber (127). However, tests have shown that rapid freezing of cells is best achieved at temperatures below -10 ° F (-23.33 ° C). additionally, although two types of cooling systems are shown, the applicant contemplates that a single system of one type or the other would be adequate to maintain the freezing temperatures within the chamber. After freezing, the drive roller 121c adjacent to the partition screen 120 pulls the network 117 through the chamber 127 and leads the network through a rear portal 151, similar in construction to the portal 138, through a slot in the dividing screen 120 and towards the cutting area 150 of the compartment C. Although all the means absorb some moisture, the water is concentrated in the middle cells and the network 117 remains relatively flexible. This allows the network 117 to continue to bend around the transport rollers without significantly inhibiting its movement through the plant. Referring again to Figure 5, the cutting area of compartment C is more clearly seen. Table 153 supports a cutting laser 154 and servo-controlled mirrors 156 to direct the cutting beam. The touch screen display device 157 allows an operator to select a preprogrammed cut pattern to suit the packaging needs of a particular consumer. Table 153 also includes a vacuum retention system 158 for anchoring the frozen fabric on cutting table 153 at a predetermined time. In operation, when the leading edge of the frozen network 117 passes through the cutting table 153, the holding rod 159 at the distal end of the table activates the vacuum system 158 to retain the net on the table in a stationary position after the contact with the front edge of the network. The laser 154 then cuts the frozen network into groups of cells of suitable size and shape for packaging according to what is dictated by a fixed or unalterable program maintained by the control logic (not shown) which also coordinates the interaction of the laser, the vacuum system and servoespejos. The fixed or unalterable program allows an operator to quickly select different cutting patterns from the touch screen display device 157. The cutting patterns maintained in the fixed or unchanging program are programmed to cut the media along the sealing margins, so that individual cells are not broken and includes the ability to cut shapes suitable for a multitude of different types of shipping or shipping containers. After completion of the cutting sequence, the vacuum system is automatically uncoupled and an operator cleans the table of the cutting pad by grouping the cells in containers for removal from the rear doors of the trailer to the transport or shipping area of the consumer. The next frozen network length then advances on table 153 to be cut. Any laser of adequate shear capacity can be used; however, the evidence indicates that sealed high power C02 lasers in the range of 75-500 watts are the most effective. A Plexiglas® shield (not shown) surrounds the laser cutting table 153 so that an operator is protected against laser emanations. Although a cutting system based on a laser is shown, other suitable cutting methods, such as rotating blades or high pressure water jets can be used with equally effective results. With optimal hydration and freezing conditions as described above, a selected network portion can be hydrated, frozen, and cut to a size and at a speed of approximately 5 feet per minute (1.5 m per minute) on a continuous basis. This allows the creation of large quantities of frozen media that can be arranged in shipping containers per shipment around perishable materials in an economical manner. Although I have shown the invention in various forms, these are intended to be illustrative of the invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims. It is noted that in relation to this date, the best method known by the applicant to carry out the aforementioned invention, is the conventional one for the manufacture of the objects to which it relates.

Claims (14)

CLAIMS Having described the invention as above, the content of the following claims is claimed as property:

1. An apparatus for preparing cooling means for hydrating and freezing a superabsorbent polymer captured in a network of permeable, flexible material, characterized in that it comprises: a. first module means for hydrating the polymer including means for pushing the network through the first module; and, b. cooling module means for freezing the hydrated polymer when the network is pushed through the cooling module means.

The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the first means of the module includes a conveyor machine for moving the net through a sufficient amount of hydration fluid at an appropriate rate to achieve a substantially complete hydration of the superabsorbent polymer.

The apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that the conveyor machine immerses the network in a reservoir of hydration fluid.

The apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that it further comprises means for maintaining a quantity of hydration fluid in the first module for the substantially continuous hydration of the superabsorbent polymer in a network passing through the first module.

The apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that it also comprises means for adjusting the speed of the conveyor to increase or decrease the time interval in which the superabsorbent polymer is exposed to the hydration fluid.

The apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that it also comprises means for spraying the hydration fluid on the network and the conveyor when the network moves through the first module.

The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the refrigerant module includes a conveyor machine mounted thereon for moving a hydrated network through the module at an appropriate speed to facilitate the freezing of the hydration fluid within the network.

8. The apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that the cooling module has an inlet for receiving the hydrated network and an outlet for discharging the hydrated network after freezing, and includes means for limiting the ingress and egress of gases through the inlet and departure.

The apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that the cooling unit includes mechanical means for maintaining the interior of the chamber at a temperature below the freezing point of the hydrated network.

10. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that it also comprises agitation means operatively positioned to receive the frozen hydrated network of the cooling module to remove the moisture and external solids of the frozen hydrated network.

The apparatus according to claim 10, characterized in that the stirring means comprises an open conveyor machine for supporting and transporting the net thereon along a first direction and means for imparting vibrations to the net.

12. A modular apparatus for the preparation of packages for hydrating and freezing a superabsorbent polymer captured in a network of flexible permeable material, characterized in that it comprises: a. first module means for hydrating the media including the polymer to push the network through the first module including transport means to move the network through a sufficient amount of hydration fluid at an appropriate rate to achieve substantially complete hydration of the superabsorbent polymer, means for maintaining a quantity of the hydration fluid in the first module for the substantially continuous hydration of the superabsorbent polymer in a network passing through the first module, means for adjusting the speed of the transport means to increase or make decrease the period of time in which the superabsorbent polymer is exposed to the hydration fluid; and, b. cooling module means for freezing the hydrated polymer when the network is pushed through the cooling module means including a chamber having an inlet for receiving the hydrated network and an outlet for discharging the hydrated network after freezing, and including means for limiting the ingress and egress of gases through the inlet and outlet, secondary transport means mounted within the chamber to move a hydrated network through the chamber at an appropriate speed to facilitate the freezing of the hydration fluid within the network, means to maintain the interior of the chamber at a temperature below the freezing point of the hydrated network.

The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that it also includes means for cutting the network into individual portions of a pre-selected size and shape after the network is frozen in the freezing means.

14. A mounting plant for hydrating and freezing flexible refrigerant means, characterized in that it comprises: a. means of vehicle to transport the plant so that the plant is mobile and autonomous; b. means to hydrate the media; c. means for dispersing the media in the hydration media; d. means for freezing the media; and, e. means for transporting the means of hydration means to the freezing means.