The Traulsen TRP-Series Prep Tables are commercial refrigeration units designed for food preparation and storage, built to high-quality standards for durability and performance. These units are specifically engineered to maintain optimal temperatures for food products in both the pan chiller and the lower storage cabinet, making them suitable for busy commercial kitchens.
Function Description:
The primary function of the TRP-Series Prep Tables is to provide a refrigerated workspace for food preparation while keeping ingredients at safe temperatures. The unit features a pan chiller compartment for holding food in insert pans, and a lower storage cabinet for additional refrigerated storage. The pan chiller system is designed to maintain temperatures between 34°F (1.1°C) and 40°F (4.4°C) for refrigerated bases, and specific conditions are recommended to ensure proper food temperatures in exposed insert pans, such as avoiding direct air blowing, maintaining room ambient temperatures below 86°F (30°C), and ensuring food sits at least 1 inch below the top of the insert pan. The lower storage cabinet also maintains temperatures within the 34°F to 40°F range. The unit includes a defrost time clock for the pan chiller system, which must be periodically shut down for proper defrost and functioning.
Important Technical Specifications:
The serial tag, located on the right-hand wall of the lower storage cabinet, provides crucial information about the unit. Key specifications include:
- Model Number: Identifies the specific model of the Traulsen unit.
- Refrigerant System 1 (SYS1): Specifies the refrigerant type used and its charge. For example, System 1 High and Low Pressure.
- Refrigerant System 2 (SYS2): If applicable, specifies the refrigerant type used and its charge for a second system.
- Design Pressure: Indicates the design pressure for both high and low-pressure sides of the refrigeration system.
- Volts, Hz, Cycle: Electrical specifications for the unit (e.g., 120V, 60Hz, Cycle).
- Total Current: Maximum amp draw.
- Min Circuit Amps: Minimum circuit ampacity.
- Agency Labels: Designates agency listings such as UL 471, CSA 120, and NSF 7, indicating compliance with safety and sanitation standards.
- Components: Lists the major components and their ratings.
The unit is designed for 120/60HZ LINE power. It includes a main power switch, door switches, cabinet light, pan chiller fan, defrost timer, ETC control for the pan chiller, solenoid valves, ETC control for the refrigerated base, refrigerated base fan, condensing unit, and a pressure control (suction).
Usage Features:
- Installation: The unit requires careful unpacking and proper location, ensuring adequate clearance for air circulation. Loose parts such as the cutting board, compressor filter, and electric condensate evaporator must be installed according to the instructions. The cutting board is placed on top of the unit, aligning with pre-drilled holes. The compressor filter is installed by sliding it into tracks located below the compressor compartment. The electric condensate evaporator is located under the drain outlets.
- Prestart Checks: Before operation, users must set the defrost time clock for pan chillers. The manual provides guidance on removing food product at night versus leaving it in overnight, and how to adjust temperature control settings. Temperature settings are factory preset but can be adjusted by an authorized service technician.
- Operation: Allow the cabinet and pan chiller to reach normal operating temperature (approximately 1 hour) before loading. Frosting of pan chiller plates is normal. For optimal performance of the pan chiller, recommendations include avoiding direct air blowing, maintaining room ambient temperatures below 86°F, ensuring food sits at least 1 inch below the top of insert pans, insulating shelving above insert pans, occasional stirring of certain foods, and using double pans to prevent over-chilling. The lower storage cabinet is designed for refrigerated or frozen product storage; frequent door/drawer openings will increase temperature and recovery time.
- Shutdown for Extended Periods: For extended periods of non-use, disconnect the electrical power, open doors/drawers, and allow the unit to defrost and warm to room temperature before wiping clean.
Maintenance Features:
- Cleaning: Regular cleaning is essential for maintaining hygiene and performance.
- Lower Storage Cabinet: Use warm, soapy water and a clean soft cloth. Shelves are adjustable and can be removed for cleaning. The drawer frame modules can also be removed for thorough cleaning.
- Pan Chiller: The pan chiller is designed for condensate runoff during defrost. Use a soft cloth or sponge to clean the pan chiller. Avoid hosing down or pouring water/liquid cleaners into the pan chiller compartment, as this can cause damage and void the warranty.
- Condensing Unit: Unit performance and operating efficiency are significantly affected by the amount of air passing through the condenser. Condenser fins should be cleaned regularly to remove dirt and debris. This typically involves removing the louvered panel and using a vacuum cleaner or soft brush. For models with a 120" length, the louvered panel is located in the compressor compartment. For models with a 36" length, the condensing unit is located in the back of the unit.
- Evaporator Coils: Evaporator coils should be cleaned every six months. Unplug the unit, remove four screws, and take off the cover. Clean evaporator coils with a vacuum cleaner or soft brush.
- Troubleshooting: The manual provides a troubleshooting guide to address common issues such as compressor failure, condensing unit operating for prolonged periods, lower storage cabinet not holding temperature, and pan chiller not holding temperature. Possible causes and solutions are listed, including checking power, defrost timer operation, door gasket sealing, dirty condenser/evaporator, and excessive warm food load.
- Tips: Important tips include setting the time clock correctly, ensuring temperature controllers are set correctly, maintaining air intake filters, cleaning drain strainers, covering all pan openings, ensuring compressor area is clean, not storing anything in the compressor area, cleaning rails, never dumping water into the rail, using sharp utensils to clean gaskets, cleaning casters, ensuring proper clearance for the rear mount compressor, and cleaning evaporator coils every six months.
The Traulsen TRP-Series Prep Tables are designed for ease of use and maintenance, ensuring a long service life when properly cared for. Warranty information is provided, covering parts and labor for specified periods, with specific conditions for claims and service.