Freezing Technology

2.3.1.2. Flake Ice

            A thin sheet of ice, 2 to 3 mm thick, is formed by spraying water on to a refrigerated drum; it is scraped off to form dry sub-cooled flakes. In some models, the drum is rotated; in others, the scraper or knife is rotated; in most designs, the drum is vertical. Flake ice production is continuous and automatic; ice is formed within a few minutes of starting up the machine, which can be adjusted so that the thickness of the ice produced can be varied. 

            The ice leaving the drum is cooled below 0^oC (sub-cooled) and is stored in a refrigerated silo, usually immediately below the ice-making machine. Flake ice is ready for use immediately it leaves the refrigerated surface. It is important that the ice shall be kept sub cooled condition, if it is not, then regelation can occur so that the ice forms a solid mass which is very difficult to handle.