Commercial Ice Machines

The ice making process is rather straight forward. A series of tubes and coils are used in the process. Refrigerant is moved through this network while being exposed to a continuous cycle of condensation.

As a result of this condensation expansion takes place. The condensation is a result of refrigerant being forced through narrow tubes. Expansion occurs when the condensation in the smaller tubes is forced through larger tubes. When the temperature of the refrigerant increases the condensation is compressed.

The continuous compression of the refrigerant causes it to lose heat to the cooler outside air as it cycles through the narrow tubes and coils. Liquid is formed as a result of the cooling process.

Gas becomes the by-product as the compressed liquid passes through the expansion valve. The tubing cools as the evaporation process takes heat energy from the copper tubing and the air surrounding the refrigerant.

The cool temperature from the tubing, which is sandwiched between stainless steel plates, is transferred to the evaporator. During the freeze cycle, once the evaporator cools, water runs over the evaporator surface and begins to freeze. The impurities are removed since the pure water freezes first and a crystal clear cube of ice is formed.

The reservoir regulates the ice making process. Upon reaching a certain level it shuts off and the harvest cycle begins. The path of the refrigerant is changed once the valve opens allowing hot refrigerant gas from the compressor to bypass the narrow condensing tubes. It's then routed to the evaporator.

The evaporator absorbs the heat from the tubing, causing the ice cubes to fall away. When the bin control senses enough ice has been released it shuts off the harvesting and freezing cycle.

The animation above provides additional details about the ease of ice making and the products that can help you design the perfect ice making environment.