DELEITE IMF-400 Fully Automatic Split-Type Square Ice Maker

Overview

The DELEITE IMF-400 Fully Automatic Split-Type Square Ice Maker is an industrial-grade, laboratory- and commercial-grade ice production system engineered for consistent, high-purity square ice cube output under controlled ambient conditions (25 °C ambient, 20 °C inlet water). Unlike flake or tube ice machines, the IMF-400 employs a dual-screw extrusion freezing mechanism—where potable water is metered, pre-cooled in a copper evaporator coil, and then compressed through precision-machined stainless steel die plates to form uniform, dense, low-surface-area square cubes (273 cavities per cycle). This process ensures minimal melt rate, enhanced handling stability, and reduced microbial adhesion risk—critical for applications requiring prolonged ice contact with sensitive samples or consumables. The split-type architecture physically separates the condensing unit (water-cooled) from the ice-making chamber, enabling flexible installation in space-constrained or heat-sensitive environments such as analytical labs, cold-chain validation rooms, or QC preparation areas.

Key Features

• Full 304 stainless steel enclosure and food-grade internal components compliant with NSF/ANSI 12 standards for ice equipment hygiene and corrosion resistance.
• Copper evaporator core with high thermal conductivity and long-term refrigerant compatibility, optimized for R22 refrigerant efficiency and stable sub-zero surface temperatures (−18 °C to −22 °C).
• Dual-screw extrusion system delivering mechanically compacted, low-porosity square ice cubes (typically 22 mm × 22 mm × 22 mm), minimizing surface moisture and maximizing thermal inertia.
• Integrated microprocessor controller with automatic harvest cycle detection, self-diagnostic fault logging, and adjustable ice thickness calibration via parameterized setpoints.
• Water-cooled condenser module designed for continuous operation in ambient temperatures up to 35 °C; requires stable municipal water supply at 0.2–0.6 MPa pressure and ≤32 °C inlet temperature.
• Split-system configuration allows remote mounting of condenser up to 10 meters from the ice maker head—ideal for noise-sensitive or ventilation-limited lab zones.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The IMF-400 produces ice suitable for direct contact with pharmaceutical intermediates, biological specimens, chilled reagents, and temperature-sensitive calibration standards. Its square geometry provides predictable thermal mass transfer and mechanical stability during transport or storage—unlike irregular flake or nugget ice. While not certified for GMP manufacturing use out-of-the-box, the unit meets baseline requirements for ISO 13485-aligned cold chain support infrastructure and can be integrated into GLP-compliant workflows when paired with documented maintenance logs, water quality monitoring (e.g., USP purified water), and periodic performance verification (e.g., ice melt rate, cube dimensional consistency, and microbiological swab testing per ISO 11133). Note: R22 refrigerant usage complies with current Chinese regulatory allowances but is subject to phase-out timelines under Montreal Protocol Annex A, Group I; users planning long-term deployment should consult local environmental authorities regarding retrofitting options.

Software & Data Management

The IMF-400 operates via embedded firmware without external PC connectivity; however, its control board supports optional RS-485 Modbus RTU interface (available upon request) for integration into centralized building management systems (BMS) or lab infrastructure monitoring platforms. Event-based logging includes compressor run time, harvest frequency, high-pressure cutout occurrences, and water flow interruption alerts—retained for ≥30 days in non-volatile memory. Audit-ready operational records may be exported manually via USB port (firmware v2.3+) for inclusion in FDA 21 CFR Part 11–aligned validation protocols, provided supplementary electronic signature and access control layers are implemented at the host system level.

Applications

• Pre-chilling of HPLC mobile phases, GC sample vials, and enzymatic assay buffers in analytical laboratories.
• Temperature stabilization during cryopreservation workflow staging, including cell suspension cooling prior to freezing.
• Supporting ISO/IEC 17025-accredited calibration labs requiring traceable, low-melt-rate thermal mass for thermometer and probe validation baths.
• On-site ice generation for clinical trial sample collection kits where dry ice logistics are impractical or cost-prohibitive.
• Backup cold reserve in pharmaceutical stability chambers during power or chiller failure scenarios.

FAQ

What is the expected service life of the copper evaporator under continuous laboratory use?
With regular descaling (recommended every 3–6 months depending on feed water hardness) and adherence to manufacturer-specified water filtration (5 µm particulate + activated carbon), the copper evaporator typically sustains nominal performance for ≥8 years.
Can the IMF-400 operate on deionized or distilled water?
No—deionized or distilled water lacks essential mineral content required for proper scale formation control and electrical conductivity in the water-level sensing circuit; use filtered municipal or softened potable water only.
Is remote monitoring capability available as a factory-installed option?
Yes—RS-485 Modbus RTU communication module and associated firmware upgrade are available as a configurable factory option; contact DELEITE Technical Support for OEM integration specifications.
Does the unit comply with European CE marking requirements?
The IMF-400 meets CE safety directives (2014/35/EU Low Voltage Directive and 2014/30/EU EMC Directive) when installed with certified water-cooling accessories and grounded per IEC 61000-6-2/6-4; full CE conformity documentation is supplied upon request for EU-based distributors.
What maintenance intervals are recommended for GLP-compliant operation?
Daily visual inspection of ice clarity and harvest consistency; weekly cleaning of water distribution nozzles and drain pan; quarterly verification of refrigerant charge pressure and condenser water flow rate; annual full system sanitation per ISO 8573-1 Class 3 air purity guidelines for ancillary compressed air circuits (if equipped).