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IndonesiaDirect Cooling Block Ice Machine and Ice Block Making Machine are the two core machines in the field of industrial ice making. Their performance differences directly affect equipment selection and operational efficiency. The following is an analysis from three aspects: technical principles, scene adaptation and cost structure.
Technical Characteristics Of Direct Cooling Block Ice Machine
The core design of direct cooling block ice machine is based on the principle of direct evaporative refrigeration. It uses refrigerant (such as R404A, NH₃) to directly absorb the heat of ice mold in the evaporator, omitting the refrigerant circulation link, and improving the heat transfer efficiency by 25%-30%. Its core performance indicators include:
- Ice making speed: 25kg block ice takes 3.5 hours to form, 40% faster than Ice Block Making Machine
- Temperature control: ice core temperature is stable at -25℃~-30℃, ice density reaches 920-950kg/m³ (ASTM C518 standard)
- Energy efficiency level: 1 ton of ice consumes 35-40kWh of electricity, which can be reduced to 30kWh by optimizing the heat recovery system
In offshore fishing, the cooling cycle of direct cooling block ice is 7-10 days, which significantly reduces the cargo damage rate compared to 3-5 days of salt water block ice.
Performance Comparison Between Direct Cooling Block Ice Machine And Ice Block Making Machine
1. Working principle
The ice block making machine requires manual placement of the ice-making mold into brine, and the refrigerant cools the brine (-18°C to -25°C). The frozen brine then touches the mold and cools the water in the mold into ice cubes. This process of heat exchange will waste 15% to 20% of energy. The automatic direct cooling block ice machine omits this step and directly uses refrigerant to cool the mold, which can greatly reduce energy loss and improve ice making efficiency.
2. Comparison of ice quality
The temperature of brine can be as low as -35°C, so the ice produced by the ice block machine will be harder. But its density is lower (880-900kg/m³), so it melts faster. The density of direct cooling block ice is as high as 920-950 kg/m3, and its crystal clear block ice can be used to carve ice sculptures or display goods
3. Cost difference
Ice block making machine has a lower purchase cost. In addition to manual filling, it is also necessary to consider the corrosion of salt water on the mold, so the maintenance cost in the later operation may be slightly higher. Direct cooling models can avoid these headaches, and do not require too much post-maintenance, which can reduce maintenance costs by 30-40%.
How To Choose The Right Machine: Buyers Must Read
1. Key factors of block ice machine
Compressor: Ice machine manufacturers can be required to use Bitzer or Copeland compressors to easily cope with low temperatures of -30°C while saving energy.
Mold quality: 316L stainless steel or titanium coating can withstand coastal salt spray for more than 10 years. And it will also provide you with a free warranty for non-human damage to major parts for one year.
Intelligent function: Real-time monitoring of the machine’s operating status, immediate power cut-off and alarm when a problem occurs, and timely stop loss
2. Relevant quality standards and certifications
North America: UL 60335-2-89 safety certification and ASHRAE 15 refrigerant regulations.
Europe: CE mark and EN 378 compliance ensure that its direct cooling block ice machine meets local regulatory requirements.
3. Budget details
Small direct cooling block ice machine (8000-30000 USD): suitable for small seafood stores or local cold storage (daily output 1-3 tons).
Large direct cooling block ice machine (over $50,000): A machine specially prepared for large-scale industrial ice making, customized according to the needs of buyers, equipped with dual compressors and variable frequency control, with a maximum output of 40 tons
Professional Tips For Maintaining Smooth Operation
1. Daily inspection
- Pressure check: Keep the compressor R404A system at 0.35-0.45MPa. If the pressure is abnormal, it is necessary to consider whether the compressor is damaged and replace the compressor in time to avoid affecting the efficiency.
- Clean the block ice machine condenser: Cleaning the fins monthly can reduce dust accumulation and improve efficiency by 15-20%. It is preliminarily estimated that it can save about $1,200 in electricity bills each year.
- Regularly replace the filter: It can reduce the accumulation of impurities in the water in the pipeline, improve ice production efficiency and ice quality.
2. Abnormal quick inspection
- Ice cube formation abnormality: Check whether the evaporator is frosted. If frosting occurs, remove it in time-if the temperature fluctuates by more than 2°C, please recalibrate the sensor.
- Sudden increase in energy consumption: Check whether there is refrigerant leakage or abnormality in the condenser fan (often occurs in high temperature and high heat seasons.
- Compressor abnormal noise: stop the machine immediately to check the bearing wear to avoid collateral damage to the block ice evaporator
Finally, we recommend Pecold, a professional industrial ice machine manufacturer. Whether it is a direct cooling block ice machine or an ice block making machine, we can provide you with the best ice making machine and customize it according to your requirements to help you start your ice making business.