Flake Ice Machines | Refrigeration System |
Evaporator
When water fills the evaporator, liquid refrigerant is circulated through the tubing wrapped around the evaporator. As the liquid refrigerant in the tubing vaporizes, it absorbs heat from the water, causing it to freeze. The evaporator should be completely flooded with refrigerant while the machine is making ice.
A flooded evaporator will build ice evenly in the evaporator. A starved evaporator will produce less ice and the ice will be wetter than normal. Most problems with ice quality or “freeze ups” are not related to a defective evaporator. Use the Troubleshooting Trees in Section C for additional help.
If the evaporator is flooded but the suction pressure is lower than normal and the ice production is slow, it is possible that the evaporator has a restriction. If the evaporator is flooded but the suction pressure is higher than normal and ice production is slow, it is possible that the evaporator has coil separation. Evaporator coil separation is the separation of the refrigerant tubing from the evaporator barrel. This is rare but may occur from time to time. Usually all of the following symptoms will be present.
•Higher than normal suction pressure.
•Cold or frosted compressor suction line.
•Slow ice production and/or wet ice.
If the coil is separated, the evaporator must be replaced. If the outlet of the evaporator is not frosted, the problem is not with coil separation.
(Refer to the Troubleshooting Trees in Section C
As liquid refrigerant leaves the evaporator, it changes to a low pressure vapor before returning to the compressor.
Important!
Liquid refrigerant must not return to the compressor or damage may result. Frost on the suction line at the inlet of the compressor indicates liquid may be returning to the compressor. Check for frost during the freeze cycle. If liquid refrigerant is returning to the compressor, the problem must be located and corrected.
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