After ice production, the second crucial stage is ice storage. Typically, due to the high volume of ice produced, not all ice is used immediately, or sometimes ice is sold after production.
In both cases, it’s essential to store the ice in a suitable place so that you can use or sell ice that is in good condition at the time of consumption or sale. Nowadays, ice has become one of the most important consumable products in many industries, both large and small.
For this reason, its construction, production, distribution, and storage are matters that attract considerable attention.
Methods of Ice Storage
As you may know, ice is produced in various types, and due to this diversity, the method of storing them will also vary.
The ice produced is preserved in specialized cold rooms. Usually, the temperature in these cold rooms is maintained between 1 to 0 degrees Celsius, which does not cause any damage to the appearance of the ice.
Considering the type of ice and its intended use, different storage methods have been proposed, which we will further explain below.
- Ice Storage in Storage Rooms
One of the methods of ice storage is storing it in dedicated storage rooms. Typically, these storage rooms are suitable for storing block ice.
The characteristic feature of these storage rooms is that there are insulated hatches in the corners and at the ends of the rooms. These hatches can be used for ice removal. After production, the ice is regularly and systematically placed in these storage rooms. When it’s time to retrieve the ice, instead of entering through the main door, which can cause hygiene issues and ice melting, the hatches are utilized.
The required amount of ice is taken out from these hatches. It’s even possible to insert ice through these hatches. This allows one person to be inside the room while another person is outside, facilitating the transfer of ice between them. This method significantly increases the speed and improves the quality and hygiene of the ice. (Learn more about the stages of ice production by an ice factory.)
Now, it is necessary to provide you with information about the cooling method of these rooms. In the storage rooms, there are no fans for cooling the air; instead, ceiling coils are used to maintain the ice at a specific temperature through a fan coil cooling method. Additionally, these rooms employ the method of storage accompanied by brine water.
In this storage method, ice can remain intact and without melting for up to 48 hours. Additionally, this system is equipped with a drain, meaning it can divert melted water from the room environment and transport it to the sewage system. To maintain the quality of the ice and prevent refreezing, proper drainage is essential.
- Ice Storage in Ice Cabins
These cabins are custom-made to order. Customers can order a cabin for storing their ice based on the capacity of their ice-making machine. For example, if your crushed ice machine can produce 500 kilograms of ice, a 300-kilogram cabin would be suitable for you.
For storing large volumes of ice, such as 2 tons or more, insulated cabins are used. It’s important to note that ice cabins are suitable for crushed ice and flake ice.
- Ice Storage in Ice Transport Trolleys
This method is suitable for storing crushed ice and flake ice. The system includes wheels, handles, and a drainage valve and is commonly used in stores.
In this method, the required ice is stored inside these trolleys and then transported to the areas where it is needed. Ice can be stored in this way for up to 24 hours without changing its state.
How to Buy Ice Storage Equipment
In this article, you’ve become familiar with ice storage and its various methods. Depending on your ice maker device and the amount of ice produced, you can choose one of the methods for storing your produced ice.
To purchase and order these products, you can contact the consultants at Farasard Co to specify your desired product, and make your purchase.