CIBOLO, Texas — An automated freezing technology called “Channel Ice” will make vertical plate and blast freezing systems “obsolete in most applications,” claims PowerCold Corp., which recently acquired the technology from Sir Woldwide LLC.

Channel Ice systems will be manufactured by Channel Freeze Technologies Inc., a new PowerCold subsidiary incorporated in Nevada but operating at Cibolo. The patented freezing system replaces labor-intensive bulk-freezing technologies and handles everything from block ice to seafood, meats, juices, and offal.

“A number of automated Channel Ice systems are already in successful operation in various countries, including several in the United States,” the parent company says.

Variants called “Snow Cannon” and “BioFreeze” are being developed to produce artificial snow at ski resorts and for water treatment at municipal systems and industrial plants.

PowerCold already has another subsidiary, RealCold Products, Inc., which makes energy-efficient refrigeration equipment using electric and/or gas turbine drives.

For more information, contact Gary Chafee at Channel Freeze Technologies, Inc., P.O. Box 1009, Cibolo, Texas 78108-1009; 210-658-0031; 210-658-2404 (fax); CFTI@powercold.com (e-mail).