Ice is 100% water, and as much as 70% of service calls on ice machines are water quality related. The three main water quality issues plaguing ice machines are lime scale accumulation, chlorine, and sediment. Both cubed and flaked ice machines suffer from the following water related problems:
- Scale accumulation on evaporator plate or auger reduces efficiency by slowing the freezing process requiring the compressors to run longer.
- Scale accumulation causes ice to “hang up” and “bridge” in the bin.
- Sediment and scale deposits clog distributor tubes reducing ice harvest.
- Sediment and scale deposits affect the operation of the float valve, circulating pump, and purge valve.
- Chlorine present in municipal supplies can cause corrosion in ice bin, evaporator plate, auger, and cabinet.
Through proper filtration, the efficiency and life expectancy of the ice machine can be dramatically increased. Benefits include:
- A reduction in maintenance requirements and service related costs.
- Prolonged equipment life.
- Increased ice production.
- Decreased energy use.
- Higher quality of ice produced.