IDE's Vacuum Ice Machines (VIM) uses the phenomenon of the triple point of water, where vapor, liquid and ice coexist. Inside the VIM, water is subjected to triple point conditions in a tank under vacuum. The flashing forces part of the water to evaporate while the remaining liquid freezes. Within this closed cycle, the latent heat of crystallization causes evaporation.

For every kilogram of vapor flashed off, about 7.5 kg of ice crystals are formed. Under controlled conditions, the VIM produces pumpable slurry ranging from 17% up to a transportable semi-solid ice of 75%

Using a unique centrifugal compressor, the water vapor created in the evaporation tank is compressed and injected into the condenser. The VIM employs an environmentally friendly ammonia refrigeration system. The condensate returns to the slurry discharge line. The waste heat from the process is rejected via a cooling tower or other heat sink.

l

k

SIMPLIFIED VIM PROCESS DIAGRAM

 

For more info visit: