The evaporator is an integral part of the ice machine's operation. It produces ice by absorbing both sensible and latent heat from the water as it passes over its outer surface. The sensible heat absorbed by the evaporator will reduce the water from its initial inlet temperature to its freezing point. The higher the inlet water temperature, the more sensible heat must be removed from the water and the longer the freeze cycle. The latent heat removed causes the water to change state, thus producing ice.The amount of latent heat removed from the water on each batch of ice is relatively constant. It is related to the mass of the water used to produce the ice. Each ice machine manufacturer has its own distinctive evaporator design, from its basic construction to how water flows over its surface to the shape of the ice produced. Understanding the various designs of evaporators and how the ice is formed will aid any technician in troubleshooting these machines.
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