Ice-O-Matic ICE0250 Series Harvest Cycle, Hot Gas Valve, Remote System, Remote Condenser

Air

Flow

ICE Series Refrigeration System

Note: Permanent discoloration of the evaporator plating is normal and will cause no problems with harvesting the ice or sanitary conditions. Before condemning the evaporator for plating problems, be certain it is not just discoloration. Good evaporators will not be covered under warranty. If the spillway (plastic evaporator top) becomes damaged, it can be replaced. It is not necessary to replace the entire evaporator.

As liquid refrigerant leaves the evaporator, it changes to a low-pressure gas before returning to the compressor. Liquid refrigerant must not return to the compressor or damage will result. Frost on the suction line at the inlet of the compressor indicates liquid returning to the compressor. Check for frost at the end of the freeze cycle. If liquid is returning to the compressor, the problem must be located and corrected. See Refrigerant Charge, Thermostatic Valve and Evaporator.

Harvest Cycle

Once the freeze cycle is complete, the machine enters the harvest cycle. The hot gas valve opens to allow hot discharge gas to enter the evaporator.

Hot Gas Valve

When the machine enters harvest the hot gas valve coil is energized opening the hot gas valve. Discharge gas is pumped through the hot gas valve directly into the evaporator. The evaporator temperature will reach approximately 40°F (4.5°C). The suction pressure during harvest should be a minimum of 70 psi (4.8 bar) for R404a units or 50psi (3.4 bar) for R134a units. The discharge pressure will drop during harvest.

If the hot gas valve does not completely open during harvest, there will not be enough hot gas in the evaporator to defrost the ice. If there is not enough hot gas entering the evaporator, the suction pressure will be lower than the above stated pressures. It is important when making this check that the machine has the proper refrigerant charge, normal head pressure and the compressor is functioning properly. If the hot gas valve leaks during the freeze cycle, ice will not form on the top of the evaporator and suction pressure will be higher than normal. To check if the hot gas valve is leaking, let the machine run in the freeze cycle for approximately 5 minutes. Now feel the temperature between the inlet and outlet of the valve. A definite temperature difference should be felt. If the lines are the same temperature and the suction pressure is higher than normal; the valve is leaking and should be replaced. Use Troubleshooting Trees in section C.

Remote System

Machines that use remote condensers have several components that are not used in self contained machines. A mixing valve controls the head pressure when the ambient temperature at the condenser drops below 70°F (21°C). When the bin fills with ice or is turned off at the selector switch, the machine will pump all the refrigerant into the receiver before shutting off.

Remote Condenser

For proper operation, the remote condenser must be installed properly. Improper installation will void the warranty. See remote guidelines on page A18. The location of the remote condenser should be such that the ambient air temperature does not exceed 120°F (48.9°C). If ambient temperature exceeds 120°F (48.9°C) ice production will decrease until the ambient temperature decreases.

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