How do commercial ice-makers work?
A typical ice-making cycle consists of the following: Step 1 Water fills the sump. The sump usually contains 10-40 percent more water than required to make a given batch of ice. Step 2 The refrigeration system is activated and sump water is circulated over the evaporator plate. During the freeze cycle, the compressor, condenser fan (for air-cooled machines) and the water circulating pump are activated. Step 3 The water is cooled and gradually freezes on the evaporator plate. Step 4 Ice builds up on the plate to the proper ice batch weight. Step 5 Upon reaching the prescribed ice weight, the machine switches to the harvest mode. Most machines use hot-gas harvest, in which hot refrigerant vapor warms the evaporator and melts the ice, freeing it on the plate. Once free, the ice falls into the storage bin below. Step 6 During the harvest process, water remaining in the sump is purged from the system and fresh, potable water is flushed through the system to remove impurities. Step 7 Water f
