Filter
Top Products
EdgeStar Full Size Ice Maker 8
How the machine Makes Ice
Turn the power switch to the ON position. The machine will automatically
start the ice making stage. There are two distinct cycles: freeze and
harvest. During the freeze cycle, water is sprayed against the evaporator
surface. In the harvest cycle, the ice is released and water enters the
machine. A complete cycle can take 20 to 40 minutes, depending on
temperature and operating conditions.
Freeze: During the freeze cycle the compressor is pumping refrigerant,
the fan motor is blowing air, and the water pump is circulating water.
When the batch of ice has been fully formed, the ice maker stops the
freeze cycle and begins the harvest cycle.
Harvest: During the harvest cycle the compressor is still operating, but
the water pump has stopped. Two other components have been
energized: the hot gas valve and the water inlet valve. These two valves
open and warm up the freezing surface, allowing the cubes to fall into the
bin. The freeze cycle will restart when all the cubes have been harvested.
How the machine uses the water
The ice maker begins with a fixed charge of water that is contained in the
water sump. As the water is sprayed against the freezing evaporator
surface, the portion of water that does not contain mineral impurities will
freeze and stick to the ice cube molds. The water containing impurities
falls back into the water sump. Gradually, during the freezing portion of
the ice-making cycle, the water in the sump will become highly
concentrated with mineral impurities. During the harvest cycle, fresh
water flows into the machine to dilute the bin water and rinse the
concentrated minerals down the drain.