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The Siemens PLC tube ice machine makes cylindrical ice products and operates based on a tube design. There are other variations depending on the needs of particular consumers.
Water Spray Ice Machines:
The spray method is to utilize a vigorous water spray to coat refrigerant plates. The water is atomized with pressurized air through nozzles scattered along the length of the plates. The water forms a thin film on the plates, which is then frozen through the circulating refrigerant within the plates. Once frozen, the ice is harvested by scraping or cutting it from the plates into flakes.
Drum-Type Ice Machines:
The workings of the drum machine are as follows: the refrigerant is pumped into the drum, and the water is fed into the drum and spread over its inner surface, forming ice. When the drum rotates, the water will be frozen into ice after a few cycles. After one or two rotations, the drum will stop rotating; then, the frozen ice will be cut or scraped off from the inner surface of the drum. Then, it will drop into the collection bin.
Vacuum Ice Machines:
In a vacuum ice machine, the water is boiled under a vacuum, and the steam condenses, forming ice crystals in a cold chamber.
Plate Ice Machines:
The working principle of plate ice is quite the same as that of water spray ice machines. First, a refrigerant is circulated through the flat horizontal plates. Then, the water is spread over them, which will freeze into ice after a while. Finally, the ice is harvested through cutting or scraping. The plate ice machines are further divided into direct and indirect cooling designs.
Flake Ice Machines:
In flake ice machines, the water is sprayed onto a large horizontally revolving drum. After that, the water will freeze. Then, the frozen ice will be scraped off the drum into flakes.
Producing Capacity:
Siemens plc tube ice machines produce ice tubes varying in size and capacity. The rate at which the machine creates ice is directly related to the machine's size and design. Larger machines generally produce more ice within a 24-hour timeframe.
Ice Tube Size:
Ice tubes created by the Siemens PLC tube ice generator may vary in diameter, and length. The tubes can be as thick as 25mm to 50mm and as long as 100mm to 250mm, depending on the machine model. The ice tube's size affects how quickly they freeze and how many the machine can produce.
Water Consumption:
The amount of water the machine uses to produce ice tubes is connected to the machine's production capacity and efficiency. Machines that produce a larger volume of ice tubes may use more water per hour. However, water recycling systems in the machines can help reduce overall water consumption.
Cooling System:
The machine's method for freezing the ice tubes—whether it uses an air-cooled, water-cooled, or evaporative cooling system—will influence how it operates and how much energy it uses.
Energy Efficiency:
The energy the machine uses for ice tube production is crucial. It can be shown in kilowatt-hours (kWh) per ton of ice or in cooling capacity (BTU) and the power needed to achieve that capacity. This will determine the operational cost and environmental impact.
Dimension and Weight:
Machine size and weight influence installation and system integration. As businesses demand larger production capacities and more compact equipment, developing machines that are both productive and space-efficient has become essential.
Regular maintenance is required to ensure optimum performance and lifespan.
Daily Inspection:
Check the water supply system to ensure that the water inlet valve is open and the water flow is normal. Regularly monitor the ice-making temperature and pressure, ensure the refrigerating machine works properly and the temperature is lower than the freezing point, check the noise and vibration of the ice-making machine; if issues are found, they should be dealt with immediately.
Regular Cleaning:
Clean the ice-making machine's interior and exterior surfaces, including the ice-making molds and water pipes, to prevent scale and bacterial growth. Apply cleaning agents to clean the ice machine, then rinse it off to ensure no residual cleaning agents on the ice. Regularly change the water in the water reservoir to prevent water quality degradation.
Maintain the Water System:
Check the water inlet valve and connection pipes for leaks and ensure the water flow is stable. Regularly clean the water filters to ensure clean water.
Refrigeration Maintenance:
Check the refrigerant level to ensure it stays within the specified ranges, and check the refrigerant circuit for leaks. Clean the condenser and radiator fan of the refrigerating unit to prevent dust blocking the heat exchange surfaces, thus ensuring good heat exchange.
Siemens PLC control system ice machines produce tube ice that entrepreneurs can use in various industries. Below are some of the industries that utilize tube ice and tube ice machines.
Food and Beverage Industry
Tube ice keeps food fresh and cold during storage and transportation. Tube ice also chills beverages such as soft drinks, bottled water, beer, and cocktails. Some companies use tube ice in food processing to expedite freezing processes and maintain product quality.
Hospitality Industry
Hotels, restaurants, and bars use tube ice for different purposes. Tube ice is blended into frozen drinks, which are hotel guests' and bar patrons' favorites. It is also used to chill food items like seafood and perishable goods.
Fishing Industry
The fishing industry uses tube ice to preserve the catch and maintain its freshness. Ice is particularly essential in the seafood industry, where the quality and freshness of the product are non-negotiable requirements.
Healthcare Industry
Pharmaceutical companies, hospitals, and laboratories use tube ice to maintain the required temperature during critical medical procedures like surgery. Medical facilities also use tube ice in emergency rooms and trauma centers to prepare ice packs for patients.
Meat and Poultry Processing
Companies in the meat and poultry industries use tube ice during processing to maintain low temperatures, enhance product quality, and minimize microbial growth.
Construction Industry
Construction companies use tube ice to control dust when constructing in dry and windy environments and keep concrete cool during hydration.
Events and Outdoor Activities
Organizers of outdoor sports, festivals, and concerts use tube ice to set up hydration stations for participating athletes and event attendees. The organizers also use tube ice to keep perishable food and drinks cold.
Logistics and Transport
In transit companies, tube ice machines create refrigerated containers and trailers for transporting temperature-sensitive goods like pharmaceuticals, perishable food, and chemicals.
When choosing a Siemens PLC tube ice machine for retail, consider these key features.
Production capacity
The first step is to estimate the required ice output based on business needs. Consider factors like total daily footfall, average customer ice demand per sale, and operating hours. Select a machine that can meet the tube ice demand without constant interruptions.
Toughness and reliability
Choose a sturdy build, resistant to the impacts of constant usage in a commercial setting. The outer casing, storage bin, and door should use durable materials with robust craftsmanship. Opt for machines with ice-making components, doors, and bins that have easy-to-clean surfaces to assist with frequent sanitation duties.
Energy efficiency
Select an energy-efficient model to keep operational expenses low. Look for certifications proving optimal ice production with minimal energy use. Consider additional costs like those incurred from ice storage delays during refrigeration emergencies.
Water filtration
The machine's water supply will have a huge impact on the filtration system it needs. In areas with very hard water, advanced filtration is essential to prevent scale buildup. Select a high-quality filtration system based on local water conditions to ensure efficient machine operation.
Cost, warranty, and service
When evaluating machine options, remember to consider the total ownership cost over a commercial lifespan. Initial purchase price, routine maintenance, energy consumption, water filtration, and ice production delays during repairs need to be added up. Also, check Siemens PLC tube ice machine price lists.
Q1: How long will the PLC Siemens control ice Tube-making machines last?
A1: When maintained regularly, tube ice machines can last 10-15 years without needing to replace major parts.
Q2: Do PLC Siemens Controls improve the durability of ice tubes in tube ice machines?
A2: Yes, PLC controls help enhance durability by managing temperature precisely, resistant materials, proper airflow, robust water management systems, and durable components.
Q3: Are there adaptations in tube ice machines for areas with soft water?
A3: Yes, tube ice machines can have water purification systems, like reverse osmosis units, to adapt to soft water and produce high-quality ice.
Q4: What are the energy-efficient features of a Siemens tube ice machine?
A4: The machine has a condenser that can be air-cooled or water-cooled and insulated storage bins to minimize heat transfer and maintain ice cold.
