Filter
Top Products
Flake Ice Machines Refrigeration System
Page F6
To properly cool the condenser, there must be adequate airflow around the machine. The
ambient air temperature should not exceed 100°F (38°C). See Installation Guideline on
Page A6. The condenser coil and fan blades must be kept clean. The condenser can be
cleaned with compressed air or by using a brush.
If a brush is used, brush in the direction of the fins taking care not to bend or distort the
condenser fins. If the condenser fins are bent, this will also restrict the airflow through the
condenser and the fins will need to be straightened with a fin comb.
Water Cooled Condenser
If the machine has been installed properly, the water flow through the condenser will be
opposite the refrigerant flow. For proper water flow, the water for the condenser must be
piped through the water valve first. The water condenser must have a minimum of 20 PSI
(1.4 Bar) of flowing water pressure to the condenser. The water temperature to the
condenser must not exceed 100°F (38°C). A water regulating valve is used to control to flow
of water to the condenser. In areas that have poor water quality, the condenser may
eventually become coated with mineral deposits. This will decrease the efficiency of the
condenser resulting in high head pressure and high water usage. Water cooled condensers
replaced because of failure due to excessive mineral build up will not be covered under
warranty.
Water Regulating Valve
The water regulating valve controls the head pressure by regulating the
amount of water flow through the condenser. The bellows of the water
regulating valve are connected to the high side of the refrigeration system.
As the discharge pressure rises, the bellows expand, increasing the water
flow through the condenser. Adjusting the spring pressure screw at the top
of the valve can change the rate of water flow.
The unit should be run for 10 minutes, then the valve should be adjusted
as needed to maintain a refrigerant discharge pressure of 250 PSI (18.3
Bar). Water exiting the condenser should be between 100°F (38°C)
and110°F (43°C). When the machine is off, either on full bin or when the
selector switch is in the off position, the regulating valve will close
completely, stopping the flow of water through the condenser. If the water
flow does not stop when the machine is not running, the valve should be
replaced.
Air Cooled Condenser (Remote)
See Pages F10 or go to Page A10 for remote condenser installation.
High Pressure Safety
The high pressure safety control is a normally closed control. If the discharge pressure
becomes too high, the high pressure safety control will open and shut the machine off. The
high pressure safety control is an automatic reset type and will close and restart the machine
when the pressure drops. The high pressure safety control is used on all water cooled and
remote machines and some air cooled machines.