DELEITE IM-15A Desktop Flake Ice Maker

Overview

The DELEITE IM-15A Desktop Flake Ice Maker is a compact, air-cooled laboratory and light-commercial grade ice generation system engineered for consistent, on-demand production of cylindrical flake ice. Unlike traditional cube or nugget ice makers, the IM-15A employs a dual-spiral extrusion mechanism—where chilled refrigerant circulates through a stainless-steel evaporator drum, freezing incoming tap water into a thin film that is continuously scraped and compressed into uniform cylindrical flakes (20 mm diameter × 30 mm length). This process ensures high surface-area-to-volume ratio ice ideal for rapid thermal exchange, sample cooling, biological specimen preservation, and temperature-sensitive reagent storage in benchtop workflows. Designed for integration into controlled environments—including QC labs, clinical support areas, and research preparation zones—the unit operates autonomously via microprocessor-based control logic, requiring only standard municipal tap water supply and standard 230 V AC power.

Key Features

• Compact desktop footprint (360 × 398 × 420 mm) with brushed stainless-steel housing for corrosion resistance and ease of cleaning under GLP-compliant lab hygiene protocols.
• Dual-spiral extrusion system delivers mechanically stable, low-density cylindrical flake ice with reproducible geometry—critical for uniform packing and predictable melt kinetics in cold-chain validation studies.
• Intelligent auto-cycle control: integrated water-level sensor halts operation during low-supply conditions; full-bucket detection triggers automatic shutdown to prevent motor overload and ice compaction.
• R134a-based refrigeration circuit with imported non-ozone-depleting compressor—meets EU F-Gas Regulation (EU No. 517/2014) and aligns with ISO 5149-1:2014 safety standards for hermetic refrigeration systems.
• Full-programmable operation: self-contained controller manages freeze–scrape–eject timing sequences without external software dependency; no firmware updates required for routine use.
• Low power draw (180 W nominal) and optimized heat dissipation enable continuous 24/7 operation in temperature-controlled rooms (10–32°C ambient).

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The IM-15A generates ice exclusively from potable tap water—no pre-treatment or deionization required—making it compatible with ISO 3696 Grade 3 water specifications commonly used in non-critical lab cooling applications. Its CE marking confirms conformity with the EU Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC and Low Voltage Directive 2014/35/EU. While not designed for sterile or USP cleanroom-grade ice production, the unit satisfies general-purpose cooling needs in ISO/IEC 17025-accredited testing laboratories where documented temperature stability and mechanical reliability are prioritized over microbiological certification. All wetted surfaces are food-grade 304 stainless steel, compliant with EC 1935/2004 for materials intended to contact foodstuffs.

Software & Data Management

The IM-15A operates as a standalone electromechanical system with no embedded connectivity (no Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or Ethernet interface). All operational parameters—including cycle status, ice-full signal, and fault diagnostics—are conveyed via LED indicators and audible alerts. No data logging, remote monitoring, or audit trail functionality is provided; therefore, it does not comply with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements for electronic records. For laboratories requiring traceable ice production logs, integration with external environmental monitoring systems (via dry-contact relay outputs, optional upon request) may be implemented at the facility level.

Applications

• Cooling centrifuge rotors and electrophoresis apparatus during extended runs.
• Maintaining low-temperature staging for PCR master mixes, enzyme stocks, and antibody solutions prior to aliquoting.
• Thermal management in histology tissue processing stations and cryostat sample chambers.
• On-site ice supply for field-deployable analytical kits (e.g., portable HPLC mobile phase chilling, handheld XRF calibration checks).
• Supporting ISO 17025 clause 6.4.3 environmental condition controls where localized, transient cooling is required without central chilled-water infrastructure.

FAQ

Does the IM-15A require a dedicated water line or plumbing installation?

No—only a standard faucet adapter and gravity-fed water supply are needed. The unit features an integrated float valve and auto-fill function.
Can this unit produce ice suitable for direct contact with biological samples?

It produces food-grade ice meeting EC 1935/2004 requirements; however, for direct contact with primary cell cultures or diagnostic specimens, users must validate water source purity and implement post-production UV or filtration per institutional biosafety policy.
What maintenance intervals are recommended for sustained performance?

Monthly descaling using citric acid solution (10% w/v) is advised when operating with hard water (>150 ppm CaCO₃); compressor and condenser coil inspection every 6 months.
Is the R134a refrigerant charge serviceable in the field?

Refrigerant circuits are hermetically sealed and factory-charged; servicing requires certified HVAC-R technicians and EPA Section 608 certification (or equivalent national regulation).
How does ambient temperature affect daily ice output?

Rated 15 kg/24h assumes 21°C ambient and 15°C inlet water. Output decreases approximately 1.2 kg per 5°C rise above 25°C ambient due to reduced condenser efficiency.