6.1.Introduction

Unit 6 - Ice Plant

6.1.Ice plant
Ice is an ideal cooling medium. It has a very large cooling capacity for a given weight or volume, it is harmless, comparatively cheap and can cool the fish quickly through immediate contact with the fish. For effective chilling, the ice must be allowed to melt and furthermore, the melting ice also keeps the fish moist and glossy. The general rule in ordering ice point is that the buyer should supply as much information as possible. The more facts the buyer supplies, the easier it will be for ice plant manufacturer to submit competitive tenders which can be compared on a common basis. At this stage of planning, some decisions should have been made and specific instructions given on certain things such as type of ice required, site location, building layout and services available. The following is a check list of the information the buyer should provide when ordering an ice plant.
  • Main purpose for which ice is intended
  • Type of ice required (block ice, flake ice, tube ice etc.)
  • Ice production capacity (tons ice/24hour)
  • Local maximum ambient temperature and humidity
  • Exact location of plant
  • Information on water (purity hygienic temperature ranges etc.)
  • Information on electricity supply (Reliability, voltage frequency, phase etc)
  • Details of separate power source if required
  • Refrigerant preferred
  • Ice storage capacity
  • Method of discharging ice, rate of discharge required
  • Details of local skill available for installing and servicing the plant
  • Spare parts and refrigerant supply requirement
  • Ice weighing equipment-preferred
  • Technical installations, specification drawing etc for installation and minuteness required and in what language
There are two types of ice one is natural ice and other one is artificial ice, the artificial ice have two types one is called raw ice and other one is transparent ice. The raw ice is white and gives as a milky appearance but it is harmful for health. It is extensively used to pre-chill the cold drinks by placing the bottles in ice boxes. The good quality ice is a transparent and smooth. The raw ice freezer in short time and air co2 is entrapped in ice during freezing operation. For making good quality ice the water is to agitate in order to eliminate air and impurities.
Last modified: Tuesday, 23 August 2011, 9:40 AM