New Technology Factory Supply 1T 2T 3T 5T Seawater Flake Ice Making Machine

How a Seawater Flake Ice Machine Works

The core principle is similar to a freshwater flake ice machine but uses seawater as the feedstock. The general process involves:

1. Supply: Seawater is pumped directly from the ocean into the ice maker.

2. Filtration: The seawater typically passes through a filtration system to remove large particulates, sand, and debris, protecting the machinery.

3. Freezing: The filtered seawater is sprayed or flowed over a refrigerated surface, usually a vertical cylindrical drum or a horizontal plate. The inside of this drum is cooled by a refrigerant (like ammonia or Freon) to very low temperatures (typically below -20°C / -4°F).

4. Ice Formation: A thin layer of ice freezes onto the cold surface.

5. Harvesting: A rotating blade or auger scrapes the thin layer of ice off the drum, causing it to break into small, dry flakes.

6. Storage and Discharge: The flake ice is then conveyed to an insulated storage bin for later use.

Using seawater presents unique challenges that these machines are built to handle:· Corrosion .Resistance: This is the most critical feature. Components in contact with seawater, such as the evaporator drum, blades, and piping, are made from highly corrosion-resistant materials like titanium, stainless steel (304,316L or higher grade), or special coated alloys.

· Specialized Refrigeration Cycle: The system is designed to handle the lower freezing point of seawater. Due to its salt content, seawater freezes at around -2°C (28°F) instead of 0°C (32°F).

· Robust Filtration: Effective pre-filtration is essential to prevent clogging and damage from marine organisms and sediments.

The primary use of seawater flake ice is in the fishing and commercial seafood industry:

· On-board Fishing Vessels: It is the ideal cooling medium for preserving the catch at sea. It quickly chills fish, minimizing bacterial growth and maintaining freshness, texture, and quality during the journey back to port.

· Aquaculture: Used in fish farms for transporting live fish and for processing harvested seafood.

· Seafood Processing Plants: Located near coasts, these plants can use seawater ice for processing, washing, and packaging seafood, reducing their reliance on municipal freshwater supplies.