Stable operation of fluidized-bed heat exchangers during freeze concentration is limited by the rate of ice removal from the cooling surface. Operation remains stable as long as the erosion rate caused by the fluidized particles is equal or greater then the ice growth rate. An empirical model has been devised to estimate the erosion rate at different operating conditions. 4 and 5 mm equilateral cylindrical particles made of stainless steel (SS304) were fluidized in the inside pipe of a vertical double pipe heat exchanger. Bed porosities of 0.94-0.76. and apple juice concentrations of 12, 16, 18, and 20 Brix were tested. The new erosion model was developed based on an analogy between erosion and heat-transfer phenomenon. Experimental values of erosion rate were obtained for different operating conditions and compared with the values estimated by the model. (C) 2008 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 54: 2999-3006, 2008