Machines for the production of ice nowadays are pretty actively used in public catering establishments, restaurants, bars, and various industrial productions because ice is necessary for many things.
The type of ice produced by these units determines their classification. Types of ice include cubes, pellets, and pressed or flake ice. It is ice equipment and supplies that provide various industrial centers with the amount of ice they need.
Before buying, it is essential to familiarize yourself in detail with various models of ice generators that have different technical characteristics, different power indicators, different indicators of electricity consumption, and different types of connection to the water supply source because only by getting acquainted with this information in advance, you will be able to buy a high-quality ice generator by your current needs at an affordable price. You will be able to provide the necessary amount of high-quality ice.
Types of Ice Made by Ice Makers and the Need of Large Productions for High-Quality Ice
Ice generators are universal devices capable of producing hundreds of kilograms of ice per day because, in large factories, there is a need for a large amount of high-quality ice daily.
Ice cube is the most popular format, especially for chain restaurants. This ice type is often used to cool drinks in bars and other entertainment establishments.
This type is available in large or small sizes, depending on your needs. For example, hotels use a large amount of ice for banquets and room service, and ice-making devices are often installed on each floor:
- Granular ice is perfect for smoothies and mixed cocktails. This soft ice makes the drinks tastier and reduces the cooling time of the drinks. It also reduces ice mixing time, allowing bartenders to prepare and serve more drinks;
- Food establishments can use flake or crushed ice to present fresh seafood, meat, or vegetables. Ice is necessary to preserve these products’ freshness and provide a more beautiful visual presentation.
Performance Indicators of Modern Ice Generators to Meet Industrial Needs
In the market of modern ice generators, customers can choose from small, medium, and large devices (with different indicators of power and electricity consumption). These devices continuously produce ice in the shape you need. Compact ice makers typically use less water and electricity than industrial models.
The vast majority of commercial enterprises require a high production capacity of ice generators capable of producing hundreds of kilograms of ice per day. Enterprises also quite often use compact ice generators as additional sources of ice.
Types of Ice Generator Cooling
Customers can choose affordable models of ice machines with different cooling systems. Air-cooled models are pretty small; such devices’ cooling system uses air from the environment through a condenser.
Water-cooled ice makers take water from a separate circuit for efficient cooling of the device. Due to the individual water connection, this type of ice maker is more common in large establishments such as industrial plants.
A third option is for ice maker models where the condenser is an additional or separate unit that sits on top of the ice maker.
With this type, most of the device’s heat comes from the condenser. The fourth type of ice machine cooling system is designed for outdoor use; the compressor and condenser are inside the device, eliminating heat and noise. Smaller models of ice makers are usually self-contained, while larger models use a separate condenser to make ice.
Customers can choose from various sizes and configurations when purchasing an ice maker. Modular units can be used to store ice. Some devices make ice and send it to a special dispenser through a tube. This avoids heat, noise, and mechanical stress in the kitchen and makes it easier to clean the device.
Critical Principles of Operation of Equipment for the Production of High-Quality Ice
The ice maker’s cooling system compresses and cools gas before liquefying it in a condenser, which extracts heat from frozen water and releases it into the environment. The resulting condensate boils or evaporates in a controlled manner and returns to its original state by cooling and freezing the water on the surface of the evaporative heat exchanger.
The Main Components of the Cooling System of Ice Generators
The compressor increases the device’s performance by pumping, compressing, and distributing the refrigerant in a closed circuit at high temperature and pressure. The condenser in the ice maker works as follows: cooling occurs by removing heat from the liquid refrigerant and transferring it to the environment.
Insufficient heat removal from the condenser leads to incomplete condensation of the refrigerant and a decrease in the efficiency of the ice production process.
The temperature control valve divides the refrigerant circuit into two parts: the high-pressure and low-pressure circuits. It controls the flow of liquid refrigerant to evaporation and the rate of ice formation. In the evaporator, the liquid refrigerant boils (turns into a gas), the water gives off heat, and the water turns into ice.
When the ice formation stops, the cooling cycle ends, and the ice is fed into a particular storage container. Ice can be separated from the ice maker and put into the container in several ways.
The mechanical method consists of forcing the ice into the container, and the thermal process consists of separating the ice from the device at a high temperature to the container, where the flow of hot refrigerant goes directly from the compressor to the evaporator.
The ice begins to melt and falls into a particular container under the influence of gravity. Mechanical and thermal effects can be used to speed up the ice-making process. Two key parameters affect the performance of the ice maker:
- Ambient temperature (if the ice maker has air cooling);
- The temperature of the supplied water (affects both the condensation process and the amount of ice formed).
Any slight deviation from these parameters will affect the operation of the ice maker. Pay attention to the correct installation and use of the device, and do not forget about periodic care and maintenance.
The protective grid of the condenser and the air filter must be regularly cleaned of dust and dirt because the air must circulate freely. In places with a high content of mineral substances in the water, it is recommended to use an adequately selected water-softening system.
To Wrap Up
Choosing the right ice maker is critical for businesses needing quality ice. From the versatile types of ice produced to the cooling systems used, modern ice generators cater to various industrial needs.
Remember to consider performance indicators, cooling types, and operational principles to ensure you get a unit that matches your requirements for efficient, high-quality ice production.
