A Comprehensive Guide to Managing granular Ice Machines
The appearance of granular ice is characterized by being small and uniform. Moreover, due to its good fluidity, fast cooling speed and large contact area, it has been valued in many fields such as medical care, fresh food, chemical industry, and catering. The machine that produces granular ice is called a granular ice maker. In the following article, we will introduce the advantages and application characteristics of the granular ice maker.
1.What is a granular ice machine ?
The granular ice machine is a commercial ice machine that can produce ice with an irregular shape similar to rice grains, with a diameter of about 2-4mm and a length of about 5-12mm. Its main features are as follows:
Ice particle shape: small and uniform in size, dry and loose ice granulars, and very good fluidity, with an appearance similar to rice grains.
Core advantages: good fluidity, fast cooling speed, large contact area, easy to transport, can be easily filled into any device, temperature can be controlled at -8℃ to -12℃ , and can provide low temperature for a long time.
Application positioning : Due to its special properties, it is mainly used in scenarios that require rapid cooling, non-damaging contact, and strict sterility requirements, such as: medical cold chain, high-end fresh food preservation, food processing, chemical reaction cooling, laboratory machines, and some catering kitchens.
2.How are micro ice particles produced ?
The formation of granular ice adopts the unique “vertical scraping + cutting molding” principle , combined with running water freezing and mechanical processing.
Pre-cooling and water distribution of ice cylinder : First, we need to replenish water and pre-cool the ice cylinder. The refrigeration system cools the inner wall of the ice cylinder to about -15℃ to -25℃ , and then the water pump sends water to the water distributor to start evenly spreading the water on the inner wall of the ice cylinder.
Ice film formation : After the water distributor replenishes water to the inner wall of the ice making cylinder, a thin ice film will form on the inner wall.
Rotating scraper to shave ice : Once the ice film is formed, we can start the ice drill to use high-speed spiral scraper to scrape the ice film off the inner wall to form thin ice flakes/ice belts .
Ice cutters cut into particles : The scraped ice flakes/ice strips will fall into an ice cutter device, which can cut the continuously falling ice flakes/ice strips into small granular ice.
Ice particle drying and collection : The cut ice particles will pass through a low-temperature cold area, and the water that has not frozen into ice will drip or evaporate, so that the remaining ice particles will be drier. Finally, these ice particles will fall into the ice storage box.
Continuous and repeated operation : Continuously repeat the above steps, with water distribution, freezing, scraping, cutting, drying and collection processes synchronized, so that the ice maker can continuously produce ice.
Key controls : We can control the size and wetness of the ice particles through some settings, such as adjusting the water temperature, the temperature of the ice cylinder, the speed of the scraper, the speed of the ice cutter, and the number of blades.
3.The main application scenarios of granular ice making machines
The unique properties of nugget ice allow its use in many fields of application and make it irreplaceable.
Healthcare and Life Sciences:
This is a very special usage scenario. In medical and life science environments, it can be used to transport biological samples and organ transplants . It can also be used to transport blood products, vaccines, stem cells, and living organs . Due to its unique properties, granular ice can protect these biological samples very well.
Surgical stage: can be used for hypothermia anesthesia and postoperative ice compress.
Laboratory: Temperature control experiments and cooling experiment equipment.
High-end fresh food supply chain:
Seafood and aquatic products: There is a great demand for granular ice in the transportation of seafood, because granular ice has good fluidity and can cover well. Therefore, granular ice is chosen when transporting live seafood ( fish, shrimp, crab, shellfish) . granular ice provides a high humidity, low temperature, and low oxygen environment to prolong the survival rate of live seafood.
Fine fruits, vegetables and flowers: granular ice can protect them from frostbite, maintain moisture and freshness, and is usually used in the processes of pre-cooling, transportation and display.
Food processing and central kitchen:
Quick cooling of dough: Granular ice can also be used to cool the dough without affecting the fermentation of the dough.
Meat/poultry processing: Use pellet ice to cool meat during the grinding process to prevent it from spoiling.
Cooling baked fillings: Cooling is similar to some jams and other sauces.
Chemical and Industrial Process Cooling:
Particle ice is also used in chemical and industrial fields for cooling, such as reactor jacket cooling, powder material cooling, and process water cooling.
Specific catering kitchen:
Sushi/Sashimi table: Sushi and sashimi need some better display tables, and granulated ice is a better cooling material .
Salad Bar/Cold Meat Station: Keeps the stone fresh .
Some pre-mixed drinks/sauces need to be cooled quickly.
4.conditions of granular ice machine
Before we start using the ice maker to make ice, we need to choose a suitable location for it. Let’s talk about the installation process and precautions.
Site selection requirements:
Solid and flat ground: The first thing to do when installing the ice machine is to use a flat and stable location.
Ventilation and heat dissipation: The ice maker requires a good heat dissipation space during operation, so we need to reserve enough space in the installation environment. At the same time, the working environment temperature must be guaranteed to be between 5°C-38°C so that the machine can work better.
Water source: Water source is the most basic guarantee condition for ice making machine. We need clean and pure water source, and the location of water inlet can be well installed.
Drainage: The ice maker has cleaning waste water and condensed water that need to be discharged. We need a drain pipe or floor drain.
Power supply: Power supply is also the core to ensure the normal operation of the ice maker. We need a power supply with stable voltage.
Water treatment system installation (strongly recommended):
We hope that the water entering the ice machine is pure water, so we recommend installing a filter at the water inlet pipe to produce cleaner and purer granulated ice. Especially for ice used in medical and laboratory applications, the requirements are even higher.
Ice maker installation :
Main unit (ice-making head): The core part of the ice-making machine, usually installed in a designated location or a convenient location for ice removal.
Compressor/condenser unit: This part requires a good heat dissipation and ventilation environment, so it is usually installed in an equipment room or outdoors, and then the refrigerant copper pipe is connected according to the instructions.
Ice storage bucket/conveying system: The ice produced can be placed directly under the main unit or in a designated location through a pipeline connection.
Pipe connection: Use food-grade water pipes to connect the water inlet .
At the same time, you also need to connect the drain pipe to the sewer pipe.
Initial startup:
We must first check whether all pipe connections are normal and whether there is any leakage, then connect the power supply and water source, turn on the system self-test, pre-cooling and ice-making buttons to make ice for the first time.
Inspection: Observe the ice making process to see if there are any abnormalities, such as abnormal noise, vibration, or water leakage. Also check whether the temperature and dryness of the produced ice granulars are normal, and whether the drainage is smooth.
5.How to clean a granularice maker
The use scenarios for granular ice have relatively high requirements for ice, so we must do a good job of maintaining and servicing the ice maker, clean the ice maker in time, and ensure that the ice produced can meet the use requirements.
5.1 One-click cleaning:
Principle: The working principle of one-button cleaning is basically to automatically clean the water channel and ice contact surface of the machine.
Operation: Empty the ice storage bucket -> add detergent to the water tank -> start the cleaning program -> the machine automatically performs the cleaning process -> performs multiple thorough rinse cycles -> resumes normal ice making.
Advantages: Fully automatic cleaning of the core components of the ice maker, no manual disassembly required.
5.2 Deep manual cleaning of key components:
Ice storage bucket/delivery pipe: It is the place where bacteria are most likely to grow and needs to be cleaned frequently.
Daily: After each ice making session, remove excess ice and use detergent to wipe the inner wall, ice outlet, valve and other locations.
Weekly/After each major task: We need to perform a thorough cleaning every week. We remove removable parts and use detergent to clean the interior walls, corners, valves, and pipe connections . Then rinse with clean water and allow to dry before reinstalling. We use a dedicated disinfectant to clean the piping system.
Ice bucket and scraper assembly:
We have to remove these components with the power off.
Scraper: The scraper will produce some dirt after being used for a long time. We need to use a special soft brush to remove it. We need to clean each scraper and gap, and then rinse it with clean water .
Ice cutter: Ice cutter is extremely sharp, so please pay attention to safety during the disassembly process. After disassembly, soak it in disinfectant and then rinse with water.
Inner wall of the ice cylinder: Use a soft brush dipped in disinfectant to scrub, then rinse with clean water.
Water tank: After making ice every day, it needs to be cleaned and emptied. Disinfect and clean the inner wall, bottom and water level sensor every week.
Water distributor: Disassemble it, clean it with special tools, soak it in disinfectant and then rinse it with clean water.
Water tray: The water tray also needs to be cleaned and disinfected every day.
Exterior and panel: After daily use, use wet wipes to clean the outer shell, control panel, door seals , etc.
Filter:
Clean or replace the water inlet filter regularly; clean the dust on the condenser fins 1-2 times a month .
Cleaning and disinfection frequency:
One-button cleaning/internal water channel: We recommend one-button cleaning once or twice a week. The cleaning frequency can be increased in special usage environments .
Ice storage bucket/pipeline: It is recommended to disinfect the inner wall of the ice storage bucket every day, and it is more appropriate to disinfect the entire ice storage bucket once a week.
Scraper/ice cutter/ice maker: It is best to disassemble and clean it once a week .
Water tank/water distributor: Clean and disinfect weekly.
Drain tray/Exterior: Clean daily or after use .
Condenser: 1-2 times a month.
Water filter: Generally, it should be replaced every 3-6 months, and the replacement time can be adjusted according to actual usage.
6.Daily maintenance precautions for granular ice machines
In order to ensure that the ice maker can produce the ice we need in a sustainable and high-quality manner, we need to pay attention to the daily maintenance of the ice maker.
Water source requirements : Water source is the basic guarantee for ice making, so we need to ensure the safety and purity of the water source. Therefore, we need to regularly check the water quality of the water source, the color of the ice produced by the ice maker, and regularly replace the filter.
Operating specifications:
Please note that only pure water can be added to the ice maker, and fruit juice, sugary drinks, etc. must not be added.
Keep the ice in the ice storage box removed in time to prevent ice from overflowing from the ice storage box.
After ice making is completed, clean the remaining ice in the ice storage box in time.
During the disassembly and cleaning process, pay attention to the damage of precision instrument parts.
Environmental monitoring : The ice machine requires good ventilation and suitable temperature, so we must protect the environment around the machine.
Regular inspections:
Check the machine regularly for any noises, such as scraper friction, ice cutter noise, compressor roar , etc.
Observe the shape and color changes of the ice particles, including whether there are impurities in the ice.
Observe the ice output of the machine.
Check the machine for water leaks and seepage .
Check the refrigeration system pressure of the machine , which requires professional technicians .
Maintenance of key components:
Regular lubrication : The ice machine should not only pay attention to basic cleaning, but also regularly lubricate the parts with lubricating oil, such as scraper bearings, ice cutter bearings and other moving parts . Of course, these operations should be performed by professionals.
Edge inspection: Scrapers and ice cutters are also parts that we need to pay attention to. When they are damaged, we need to replace them in time.
Seasonal outage : When seasonal outage occurs, we need to thoroughly disinfect and clean all removable parts, empty all remaining water, ice storage boxes and other locations to ensure thorough drying, disconnect the power supply and store the parts in a ventilated environment.
Professional maintenance: In addition to our daily maintenance, we also need to perform professional-level maintenance on the machine on a regular basis. Of course, this requires our professional maintenance personnel to carry out.
Comprehensive performance testing is carried out, including issues such as refrigerant pressure and ice production.
Deep cleaning of areas that we cannot reach during normal maintenance.
Check and calibrate the water level sensor.
Check electrical connections and internal electrical operation .
Evaluate the wear of consumable parts such as scrapers, ice cutters, and the inner wall of the ice making cylinder , and consider whether they need to be replaced.
Check whether lubricated parts need lubrication .
