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UNIT

27

Commercial Ice Machines


temperatures between medium- and low-temperature ranges of about 10F with the ice at 32F. Most refrigeration applications use tube and fin evaporators and a defrost cycle to clear the ice buildup from the evaporator. Ice making is accomplished by accumulating the ice on some type of evaporator surface and then catching and saving it after a defrost cycle, commonly called the harvest cycle. Large commercial block ice makers use cans and freeze the ice in the cans. We will discuss only small ice-making equipment, such as found in commercial kitchens, motels, and hotels. These ice makers are usually of the package type. The power is supplied by a power cord, or in some cases wired directly to the electrical circuit, called hardwired. Some ice makers may be of the split system type with the condenser on the outside. Package ice machines store their own ice at 32F in a bin below the ice maker. This bin is refrigerated by the melting ice in the bin (which explains the storage temperature of 32F), so there is some melting; the hotter the day, the more melting. A drain must be provided for the melting ice and any water that may overflow from the ice-making process. Do not confuse an ice-making machine with an ice-holding machine such as those seen on the outside of a convenience store or service station. Ice-holding machines hold ice, usually in bags, at a temperature well below freezing. This ice is made and bagged at one location, and then stored and dispensed at the retail location. Most package ice makers are air cooled and must be located where the correct airflow across the condenser is maintained. Some package ice makers are water cooled and use wastewater systems in which the water is used to cool the condenser and then passes down the drain. Keep the installation of a package machine simple by following these steps: 1. Set and level the machine, much like a refrigerator. 2. Supply power, plug, or hard wire. 3. Provide a water supply. 4. Provide a drain for the ice bin. Package ice machines make two types of ice, flake ice and several forms of cube (solid) ice.

OBJECTIVES
After studying this unit, you should be able to describe the basic refrigeration cycle for ice flake machines. discuss basic troubleshooting for ice flake machines. state the purpose of the water fill system in an ice flake machine. explain the purpose of a flush cycle in an ice flake machine. state the purpose of a bin control in an ice flake machine. read and interpret ice production and performance charts for ice machines. describe how crescent-shaped ice is made. describe how cell-type ice cubes are made. explain the sequence of operation of an ice machine. describe the purpose of a harvest cycle in an ice machine. state the purpose of microprocessor controls in ice machines. explain what is meant by input/output troubleshooting for microprocessors. discuss the importance of water and ice quality in ice making. discuss the difference between cleaning and sanitizing an ice machine. define water filtration and treatment.

SAFETY CHECKLIST
Follow manufacturers instructions when using cleaning and sanitizing chemicals. Wear protective clothing and eyewear when handling cleaning and sanitizing chemicals. Be careful not to get your hands or clothes caught in any moving parts involving ice makers. A wet environment exists around ice machines. When servicing these machines, extra precautions must be taken to protect against electrical shock and slipping. Observe all electrical safety precautions. Be careful at all times and use common sense.

27.1 ICE-MAKING EQUIPMENT, PACKAGED TYPE


Ice making is accomplished in a temperature range that is somewhat different from the low-, medium-, or hightemperature refrigeration. The ice is made with evaporator
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27.2 MAKING FLAKE ICE


Flake ice is normally made in a vertical refrigerated cylinder surrounded by the evaporator on the outside. Flake ice is the very thin pieces of ice often seen in restaurants and vending machine cups. Some people prefer flake ice to solid forms of

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