JP2003279206A - Coil of efficient evaporator of flake ice making machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a new flake ice making machine in which a problem in a conventional ice making machine is solved, in particular, much space is not required, and operation is easily, with less cost, and with a simple design for easy manufacture and operation, whereby the overall operation efficiency is improved, its productivity is raised, and it is sanitary and durable. <P>SOLUTION: The flake ice making machine for making flake ice is disclosed. The machine comprises: a cylinder-like evaporator 1; a water flow dispensation means 2 which is a thin sheet on an inner wall 14 of the evaporator 1 and introduces water to be frozen in order to flow downward; and a means 4 for discarding extended ice installed concentrically inside the evaporator 1. Unlike the conventional ice making machine, the flake ice making machine of this invention has the evaporator 1 equipped with an extended coil 3. In order to improve operational efficiency, the extended coil 3 is further equipped with a plural of partitions 53. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to ice machines, and more particularly to flake ice machines.

[0002]

Flake ice is used extensively in the marine food industry to freeze catch to preserve freshness, especially during shipping to consumers. Flake ice is produced using a common technique, the flake ice maker. However, existing flake ice makers have some drawbacks, which are described below.

I. The conventional flooded-type fresh water flake ice machine has a large liquid separator (actually, a function of separating vaporized liquid and vapor, which ensures that no backflow of liquid to the compressor occurs). It is too bulky and heavy to be operated with. Moreover, conventional flooded type evaporator cylinders having inner and outer walls are actually pressure tubes. In pressure tubes, both the inner and outer walls must be made of metal of considerable thickness to withstand high pressures.
The larger the diameter of the tube (large-capacity cylinder), the normal temperature (when the compressor is not operating), and the expansion (at high temperature) and contraction (at low temperature) of metal of insufficient thickness.
The thicker the metal needed to withstand the high pressure of the refrigerant, at operating temperatures of approximately -25 ° C, which causes significant pressure changes in the tube morphology. The thermal conductivity is greatly reduced because the walls must be made of very thick metal to withstand the high pressures. Therefore, the materials chosen for the walls must have very good thermal conductivity, such as aluminum or copper, but such materials are flexible and withstand the high pressures that leave carbon steel as the best alternative. Not strong enough for. However, carbon steel easily affects durability and rusts as a result of long-term lack of control. If carbon steel is replaced by a more durable and less rust resistant material such as stainless steel, the icing efficiency is greatly reduced because stainless steel is a conductor that is much more brittle than carbon steel. The inefficiency in freezing is further exacerbated by the stainless steel thickness required in conventional models associated with the pressurized tube concept.

Ii. In order to prevent carbon steel from rusting, the carbon steel surface of the inner wall of the cylinder of conventional direct expansion internal type fresh water flake ice machine and conventional flooded type fresh water flake ice machine is Plated with a thin layer of chrome. However, this not only increases manufacturing costs, but also wastes time, as the thin layer of chromium wears away due to the continuous discarding power of the ice on the icing surface, so its service life is not long and carbon steel is exposed. And is vulnerable to rust.

Iii. When seawater is frozen to flake ice using conventional methods, the manufacturer has no alternative, but only the first grade stainless steel is rust resistant, so the evaporator Stainless steel should be used as the cylinder wall. In such an environment, large capacity compressors should be employed to compensate for the low icing efficiency, which increases manufacturing costs.

Iv, Oil returning from a conventional flooded evaporator to the compressor also causes problems, especially when the liquid level is not properly maintained due to lack of refrigerant due to liquid level control or leakage.

V, Liquid Hammer-In a conventional flake ice machine with a direct expansion inside the top inlet and bottom outlet, the shutdown operation ensures that the refrigerant does not survive the evaporator when the operation is resumed. Use the liquid pump down system. However, in case of a power failure, without the attention of the non-evaporated refrigerant, abruptly interrupting the operation of the machine, a short circuit or other obstruction will settle in the bottom outlet area by gravity and collect, and the expansion valve of the thermostat. In an operation where an excessive amount of refrigerant is being restarted in the reaction, the accumulator handling capacity will fluctuate back to the compressor while causing significant damage to the gas compressor valve and piston.

Vi, the centrifugal force of the cooling mixture flowing in the direct expansion evaporator coil, against the outer wall of the expansion coil (3), leaving the inner wall (14) of the coil with the refrigerant mixture barely making many contacts. , Further contact. This in turn causes sub-standard heat exchange and evaporation of the inner wall of the cylinder (the more contacting icing surface). This, in turn, contacts the inner wall of the evaporator coil, causing substandard heat exchange and evaporation of the inner wall of the cylinder (freezing surface for ice formation), thus reducing the productivity and efficiency of ice formation. Let

Due to these problems, fresh water flake ice machines are not fully functional, inefficient, expensive, and not durable, especially in the case of sudden stop and restart operations. Not hygienic.

[0010]

The present invention seeks to eliminate or minimize the aforementioned disadvantages of conventional machines. Some proposed solutions are outlined below.

An important feature of the present invention is that the bottom refrigerant inlet expansion system (that is, that the exhaust gas at the top outlet is completely evaporated and there is no liquid hammer problem that would damage the valve and piston). It is possible to reach the evaporation efficiency of the evaporator coil as achieved with a semi-flooded evaporation system). Such a type of machine is able to overcome the problem of abrupt stops, as detailed above.

[0012] ii. The present invention allows the use of stainless steel cylinders as a long lasting icing surface without compromising the icing efficiency as achieved with conventional machines, and thus rusting. And eliminates hygiene related issues and increases durability in addition to being a more effective cost. Compared with carbon steel, this is overcome by the use of bulkheads fixed directly to the square passages of the expansion coil, which helps direct the flow of the refrigerant to the parts needed for more efficient evaporation. The fact that stainless steel is a substandard heat conductor is not important.

Iii, which is the most important feature of the present invention,
The bulkhead serves to divert the flow of refrigerant in certain parts of the direct expansion evaporator coil, thus leading to a direct flow of refrigerant towards the inner wall of the direct expansion evaporator to freeze the internal cylinder (11) immediately. . This in turn is due to ice formation,
It synthesizes a more effective freezing surface, thereby freezing the inner wall of the evaporator (14). The change in direction of flow further assists in pushing away the evaporating bubbles of refrigerant forming on the inner wall of the expanded evaporator coil, thus enhancing heat exchange efficiency and faster evaporation.

Iv, as an alternative, the flake ice maker of the present invention also has a septum fixed surface (in a conventional direct-expansion internal-type fresh water flake ice maker) that achieves better freezing efficiency. It is possible to use carbon steel plated with a thin layer of chrome. Since the present invention is not based on the concept of pressure tubing as a conventional machine, the walls of the cylinder can be made from thinner carbon steel instead of the thin walls required by conventional flooded type machines to withstand high pressures. . In addition, the thin walls increase good heat exchange rates, thus providing better evaporation and providing more efficient ice formation in addition to being able to achieve smaller, lighter weight and less costly flake ice machines. .

The introduction of this solution increases hygiene, increases the service life of the machine and the evaporator coil cylinders of direct expansion, and significantly increases the overall operating efficiency of the flake ice machine, while increasing the bulkiness of the machine. Significantly reduce costs.
It is desired by the present invention that such machines become more durable, operate with greater efficiency, and thus be more useful and effective for the user.

Accordingly, a primary object of the present invention is to provide a new flake ice maker that does not have the problems encountered with conventional machines.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a low cost flake ice maker which is less bulky and easier to operate.

Another further object of the present invention is to provide a flake ice maker which is of simple design for easy manufacture and operation.

[0019] Another further object of the present invention is to provide a flake ice maker that improves overall operating efficiency and increases productivity.

Another further object of the present invention is to provide a flake ice maker that is hygienic and durable.

[0021]

The above objects of the present invention are as follows:
A cylindrical evaporator (1) comprising an inner wall (14) concentrically mounted with an inner cylinder (11) and an outer cylinder (12) to define between chambers (13);
A water flow distribution means (2) for admitting water to be frozen flowing from the top to the bottom, and a water distributor having a function of distributing water from the bottom and a pump for injecting water to the inner wall (14) of the evaporator were fixed. Water flow distribution means for admitting water to be frozen towards the top of a circular water pan, and means (4) for disposing of extended ice concentrically installed inside the evaporator (1). Flake ice machine comprising such an evaporator (1) safely welded around the inner wall of a cylinder (11) with many circular metal plates, the end product of which is the cylinder (12). Formed by individually welding the opposite ends of the plate with a number of square paths (63) in the metal sheet and chamber (13) that cover the outer wall, all damaging gaps around the cylinder from top to bottom. , Characterized in that it is provided with direct expansion evaporator coil (3) is achieved by flake ice machine.

Furthermore, in order to enhance the cooling effect, the refrigerant path (square path) of the direct expansion evaporation coil (3) is provided with a plurality of partition walls (which deflect the direction of the solvent flow with respect to the inner wall of the direct expansion evaporation coil). 53) and provided internally. The inner wall of the evaporation coil (3) is also the inner wall of the cylinder (14), which acts as an ice surface on which flake ice is formed.

[0023]

Other aspects and advantages of the invention will be appreciated by the detailed description in conjunction with the drawings.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, there are shown side and top cross-sectional views of a flake ice maker according to an embodiment of the present invention. In a broad aspect of the invention, a flake ice machine comprises a cylindrical evaporator (1), a water flow distribution means (2), and means for discarding the extended ice (4).

The cylindrical evaporator (1) comprises a chamber (1
3) has an inner cylinder (11) and an outer cylinder (12) mounted concentrically to establish. The inner wall of the cylinder will be the inner wall of the evaporator (14), which is circular to define the freezing chamber (15), which serves as an freezing surface. Advantageously, the evaporator (1) is insulated on the outside using a well-known insulating material (16), such as polyurethane, in order to conserve heat losses. Unlike the conventional flake ice maker, the flake ice maker of the present invention comprises a bulkhead fixed to the square path of a direct expansion evaporator coil (3) concentrically installed inside the chamber (13). It has an equipped evaporator (1).

On the upper part of the freezing chamber (15), the water flow distribution means (2) is installed. Water flow distribution means (2)
Has a main shaft (21) and a distribution pipe (23) which is angled and evenly spaced from the circular water pan (22). In such a method, the iced water is uniformly introduced and the inner wall (14) of the evaporator (1) for good heat exchange.
Countercurrent with downward cooling with increasing refrigerant in the upper thin sheet, and thus freezing more effectively.

Means for discarding the stretched ice (4)
Is a shaft (41) concentrically installed inside the freezing chamber (15) of the evaporator (1) and a holder (42).
And a blade (43) for discarding the hardened stainless steel ice. To facilitate maintenance and replacement, the blade (43) is removably mounted on a holder (42), which is mounted on a rotatable shaft (41). For such purposes and hygiene, and for longer service life with less maintenance,
Hardened stainless steel is selected for the means for discarding ice (4).

Reference is now made to FIG. 2 which illustrates the septum within the square path of the expansion evaporation coil. One of the more notable drawbacks of conventional flake ice makers that provide less efficient cooling is the evaporator. The conventional evaporator is
It has an inner cylinder and an outer cylinder that define an evaporation chamber. Inlet means and outlet means are provided for introducing and discharging the refrigerant. Thicker metal walls, a larger size and bulker type evaporation chamber that resists heat exchange, causes low refrigerant evaporation.
In addition, the action of centrifugal forces further causes the refrigerant to come into contact with the outer wall of the evaporator which is more directly expanded than the inner wall which provides less efficient cooling. In the present invention, the direct expansion type is preferred. In order to improve the steam flow in the present invention, an evaporator (6)
Is the inlet means (51) at the bottom of the freezing chamber (65)
Expansion coil (3) having an upper outlet means (52)
It is provided with. The expansion evaporation coil (5) coaxially fixes and welds the formation of the square path (63) of the cylindrical evaporator (6).

To further improve the cooling efficiency, a plurality of partitions (53) are provided in the expansion coil (3). The plurality of partitions (53) are evenly spaced in a specific portion and at a specific predetermined angle to direct the flow of refrigerant towards the icing surface, ie the inner wall (64) of the evaporator (6). Leaning. Primarily, in the present invention, the expanded evaporation coil (3) of square cross section is preferred for easy insulation of the partition.

Stainless steel is chosen as the material for the inner cylindrical wall (3) and the partition (53) due to its inherent resistance to rust, thereby ensuring safe hygiene and long lasting durability.

Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 2, the entry of refrigerant at the bottom into the inlet means (51) will flow upward to the outlet means (52) at the top. As the refrigerant flows upwards, it is deflected by the partition wall (53) along the direction towards the inner wall (14) of the evaporator (1). This has approximately two effects. Firstly, the semi-flooded evaporation effect of direct expansion, in addition to having better heat exchange efficiency and easier operation, is achieved by control by a thermostatic expansion valve, whereby the refrigerant exiting the upper outlet means (52). Is completely evaporated,
Therefore, removing the liquid hammer, which may damage the compressor valves and pistons in the case of machine operation, is immediately stopped. Secondly, due to the deflection of the flow of the refrigerant with respect to the inner wall (64), good contact and evaporation are achieved and there is a further improved cooling effect, namely the further formation of ice (7). Alternatively, the refrigerant can introduce a flow from top to bottom, but is less efficient because it is drier inside, where it is less cooled by gravity. Use a stainless steel cylinder without a partition 1
The flake ice machine of the 5HP compressor unit is 230
Another similar machine that produces 0 kg / 24 hr, while having the same power fitted with a bulkhead, has 3000 kg / 2
Field tests have shown to produce 4 hrs.
A conventional 15 HP machine fitted with a carbon steel chrome plated cylinder is also 3000k
It produces g / 24 hr, but not long lasting. While preferred embodiments and advantages of the present invention have been disclosed in the above detailed description, the present invention is not limited to such preferred embodiments, but only by the spirit and scope of the claims.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a side sectional view of a flake ice maker according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view from above of a partition of a flake ice maker in a square path through which a refrigerant evaporates and flows.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 evaporator 2 Water flow distribution means 3 Direct expansion evaporation coil 4 Means to discard the stretched ice 5 Expansion evaporation coil 6 Cylindrical evaporator 7 ice 11 Inner wall of cylinder 12 Cylinder outer wall 13 chambers 14 Inner wall 15 Freezing chamber 16 Insulating material 21 Spindle 22 circular water pot 23 minutes piping 41 axis 42 holder 43 blade 51 entrance means 52 exit means 53 partitions 64 Evaporator inner wall 65 Freezing chamber

Continued front page    (72) Inventor Rokeki Voon             Kudah Darlaman, Malaysia,             05150 Alor Star, Sevalan Yarra             N Putra, Melgon Industria             Le Estate, 98-E

Claims (7)

[Claims] 1. An inner wall (14) having a stainless steel inner cylinder wall (11) and a carbon or soft steel outer cylinder (12) mounted concentrically to define between chambers (13). A cylindrical evaporator (1) containing water, and a water flow distribution means (2) for introducing water that is frozen to flow downward in a thin sheet on the inner wall (14) of the evaporator (1). ) And a means (4) concentrically installed inside the evaporator (1) for discarding the stretched ice, the flake ice machine comprising the evaporator (1) Is provided with a direct expansion evaporation coil (3) spirally mounted inside the chamber (13), wherein the expansion evaporation coil (3) is included in the freezing chamber (6).
5) A flake ice-making machine, characterized in that it has an inlet means (51) at the bottom of 5) and an outlet means (52) at the top of the freezing chamber (65). 2. Flake ice maker according to claim 1, characterized in that the expansion evaporation coil (3) has a square cross section. 3. Flake ice maker according to claim 2, characterized in that the expansion evaporation coil (3) is provided with a plurality of partition walls (53) at specific predetermined parts of the coil. 4. The flake ice maker of claim 2, wherein the plurality of bulkheads (53) are equally spaced. 5. Flake ice maker according to claim 3, characterized in that the plurality of partitions (53) are inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the wall of the evaporative coil (3) of the expansion. 6. The expansion coil (3) and the partition wall (5)
The flake ice maker according to claim 2 or 3, wherein 3) is made of stainless steel. 7. The expansion coil (3) and the partition wall (5)
3) can also be made from carbon steel, but in the bulk flake improvement of the flake ice maker, reducing the cost and space effectively as a small and light machine is not as bulky as conventional. A flake ice machine according to claim 3, characterized in that it can be achieved in addition to having efficiency comparable to higher cost machines.