Today, due to the increase in population and rising temperatures, the use of ice machines has become a necessity. Ice machines are named according to the type and shape of ice they produce. A flake ice machine is one of the most widely used types of ice machines that produce ice in the form of flakes. The ice produced by this ice machine, due to its dryness and large contact surface, are used in many industries.
These ice machines is made in different sizes and you can use machines in different sizes depending on the amount of ice you need. Flake ice machines have advantages over many other ice machines due to the type of ice they produce. In the following, we will provide you with more complete information about this popular product.
What is a Flake Ice Machine?
A flake ice machine is a type of ice machine that is mostly used in industrial applications. These ice machines produce thin, sheet-like ice that can have good contact with the outside environment. Due to the sheet-like nature of this ice, the cooling rate is increased. These ices are very soft and due to their appearance, they can be spread well and quickly freeze products.
This type of ice machine, unlike cube and block ice machines, does not need a mold to shape the ice. Instead, it creates ice by cutting the ice using blades and other internal components.
Types of Flake Ice Machines
Flake ice machines are divided into two main types based on their shape and internal structure, which we will explain in more detail below.
First, it is better to get acquainted with the way ice is formed in this type of ice machine. The incoming water is converted into ice inside the evaporator using refrigerant gas. When the thickness of the ice increases and reaches a level where flake ice can be made from it, a blade cuts the ice, creating ice in the form of thin sheets and flakes.
These ices can be stored for up to 24 hours because they are at a low temperature of around -8 degrees. Now that you are familiar with how the flake ice machine works, you can also understand its type.
- Type 1: In this type of ice machine, the drum remains stationary and the moving blade creates cuts on the surface of the ice, producing flake ice in the process.
- Type 2: This type of ice machine works opposite to the first type, i.e. in this type the drum is moving while the blade remains stationary. Flake ice is produced as the drum and ice approach the blade.
Operations Performed in a Flake Ice Machine
To summarize how this industrial ice machine works, we must say that this device, like other ice machines, has a compressor and condenser. In addition to these items, this ice machine consists of a drum.
The ice forms around the drum and is shaved off by a metal blade and the flake ice is produced. In general, it is the drum and blade section that distinguishes this ice machine and its ice from others.
These ices are made at a temperature of -20 degrees and are stored in a designated part of the machine after production. Due to the high quality of the ice produced, it can be stored for up to 24 hours.
Advantages of Flake Ice Machine
This ice machine has many features, and in this section, we will examine the advantages of this device.
- Thin Ice: Flake ice is very thin and is used in various applications to prevent damage to products and speed up the cooling of liquids.
- Low Temperature: The ice produced by this ice machine is produced instantly and does not have a time-consuming ice making process. For this reason, flake ice has undergone a temperature shock, and in many sectors and industries, this ice machine is used for quick and easy heat transfer.
- High Contact Surface: Due to its shape and structure, this ice has the most contact surface with the surrounding products. These ices can have the highest heat transfer with the surrounding products, hence they are widely used in food storage and distribution.
- High Production Volume: As we mentioned, flake ice machines can produce flake ice in different sizes and volumes. Among the various types of ice machines available on the market, the flake ice machine produces the highest volume of ice.
Applications of Flake Ice Machine
Due to the many features and advantages that we mentioned previously, this ice machine is used in various sectors and fields, some of which are mentioned below:
- Slaughterhouses: Slaughterhouses are environments that always need ice after slaughtering livestock and poultry to prevent them from spoiling. Due to the contact surface of these ices, they are the most suitable choice for use in slaughterhouses.
- Industrial Concrete Production: During concrete construction, industrial machines and equipment as well as materials produce a lot of heat, and heat reduces the quality of concrete. Therefore, cooling machines and materials are a necessity in the concrete-making processes, and the best option is to use a flake ice machine.
- Medical Sector: Another use of flake ice machines is in medical centers. These types of ice are soft and thin and come in different shapes. Therefore, in medical centers, flake ice can be poured into a bag and used to treat muscle and joint pain.
- Meat Products: Flake ice machines are used in various parts of meat processing companies. First, the sausage dough must be prepared at a temperature below 12 degrees, so it is cooled by ice at various stages to prevent damage to its texture. In addition, meat products such as sausage and salami must be at a suitable temperature during distribution and transportation. Therefore, during the transfer from the production unit to the sales centers, the ice produced by the flake ice machine is used to keep the products at a suitable temperature.
- Fishing: Seafood is highly sensitive to heat, so if it is not kept at a suitable temperature after being caught, it may quickly spoil and cause poisoning and other diseases. Therefore, to prevent the quality of these products from decreasing, flake ice machines are used so that the products can be placed inside the ice at all times and kept safe.
- Bread and Pastry Production: Ice is used to speed up the dough preparation process.
- Vegetable Preservation: The ice produced by the flake ice machine is also used in the transportation of vegetables and fruits. Due to their large contact surface, these ices prevent spoilage and damage to parts of vegetables. This type of ice is used in cargo vehicles when transporting and distributing vegetables. Broccoli and corn are especially reactive to weather changes and it is better to use this device to store these types of produce.
Factors Affecting the Price of Flake Ice Machines
The price of a flake ice machine is one of the most important factors that affects the customer’s decision when buying. If you are one of those who are looking to buy a flake ice machine at a reasonable price, you should know the factors that affect the price and proceed accordingly.
- The material of the body (especially the drum) and the brand of the parts and materials used affect the final price of the product.
- The power of the blade and its operation speed are among the factors that can affect the price of the flake ice machine.
- The ice production capacity per day is another factor that affects the price.
- The manufacturer and brand are some of the most important factors that affect not only the price but also the quality and lifespan of the product.
Conclusion
If you are thinking of buying this product after getting acquainted with the flake ice machine and its features, you can purchase the product you need from Farasard. This company is one of the most experienced companies in the field of manufacturing refrigeration equipment. It is recommended that you contact our experts before placing an order and finalizing the purchase, and ask them any questions you may have about the technical specs as well as how to buy and place an order. Note that Farasard’s products are of high quality and continue to function for a long time without failure.
