Ice-O-Matic ICE0250 Series - Manual (Page 22)

ICE Series General Information
Page A20
How the ICE Machine Works
A general description of how the ICE Series cubers work is given below. The remainder of the
manual provides more detail about the components and systems.
With the ICE/OFF/WASH switch in the ICE position, the compressor, water pump and condenser
fan motor (when applicable) will energize starting the freeze cycle.
During the freeze cycle, water is circulated over the evaporator(s) where the ice cubes are formed.
When the suction pressure has pulled down to the proper cut-in pressure of the timer initiate
(pressure control), the contacts will close and energize the time delay module (timer). See Page
F3 for proper cut-in pressures. At this time the cubes will close to completion.
The remaining portion of the freeze cycle is determined by the timer setting. The timer is pre-set at
the factory to achieve the proper ice bridge thickness but may need to be adjusted upon initial
start-up, see Page F4 for initial timer settings.
Once the amount of time on the timer has passed, the control relay will be energized and the
machine will enter harvest. Power is now supplied to the water purge valve, hot gas valve, and the
harvest motor. The water purge valve opens, and allows the water pump to purge the water
remaining in the water, removing impurities and sediment. This allows the machine to produce
clear ice cubes and keep mineral build up at a minimum. The hot gas solenoid opens allowing hot
gas to go directly to the evaporator, heating the evaporator and breaking the bond between the
evaporator and the ice slab.
The harvest assist motor, which is also energized during harvest, turns a slip clutch, which pushes
a probe against the back of the ice slab. Once the evaporator has reached approximately 40
°F
(4.5
°F) in temperature, the slip clutch overcomes the bonding of the ice to the evaporator and
pushes the slab of ice off of the evaporator and into the storage bin. The clutch also actuates a
switch that rides on the outer edge of the clutch. When the clutch completes one revolution, the
switch is tripped and the machine enters the next freeze cycle.
When ice drops into a full bin during harvest, the splash curtain is held open which activates a bin
switch shutting the machine off. When ice is removed from the bin, the splash curtain will close
and the machine will come back on.