IMS-20 Automatic Flake Ice Maker by Jihepu
| Key | Brand: Jihepu |
|---|---|
| Origin | Shandong, China |
| Model | IMS-20 |
| Ice Production Capacity | 20 kg/24h |
| Storage Capacity | 10 kg |
| Water Consumption | ≤0.8 L/h |
| Cooling Method | Air-cooled |
| Refrigerant | R134a (CFC-free) |
| Compressor | High-efficiency imported R134a compressor |
| Evaporator Type | Patented cavity-divider evaporator |
| Ice Form | Irregular, fine flake ice (particle size <1.5 mm) |
| Power Input | 180 W |
| Dimensions (L×W×H) | 300 × 493 × 547 mm |
| Net Weight | 32 kg |
| Certifications | RoHS-compliant components, TUV/VDE-certified electrical parts |
Overview
The IMS-20 Automatic Flake Ice Maker is an engineered solution for laboratories and research facilities requiring consistent, high-purity, rapid-cooling flake ice. Unlike cubed or cylindrical ice forms, flake ice is produced via a continuous spiral extrusion process—where refrigerated water freezes onto a rotating, internally cooled drum surface and is scraped off by precision-ground helical cutters. This method yields irregular, thin, dry flakes with high surface-area-to-volume ratio, enabling rapid thermal transfer and deep penetration into narrow sample containers or reaction vessels. Designed specifically for scientific environments, the IMS-20 delivers reproducible ice morphology without residual meltwater, eliminating thermal stratification in ice baths and supporting temperature-sensitive protocols such as enzyme kinetics, PCR setup, tissue preservation, and cold-chain sample handling.
Key Features
- Stainless steel 304 cabinet construction ensures corrosion resistance, cleanability, and compliance with ISO 14644-1 Class 8 (ISO Class 100,000) laboratory hygiene standards.
- Zero-residual water feed system using float-controlled inlet valve prevents standing water accumulation, eliminating bacterial growth niches and reducing maintenance intervals.
- Patented cavity-divider evaporator architecture improves heat exchange efficiency by up to 22% compared to conventional flat-plate designs, verified under controlled ambient conditions (25°C, 60% RH).
- Imported Haitec two-stage planetary gearbox reduces operational noise to ≤48 dB(A) at 1 m distance—critical for quiet laboratory zones and shared core facilities.
- Microprocessor-based control system with embedded EEPROM retains operational history and supports automatic restart after power interruption, including memory of last ice production cycle phase.
- R134a refrigeration circuit complies with EU Regulation (EC) No 842/2006 and meets RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU requirements for restricted hazardous substances.
- Comprehensive safety monitoring includes overheat protection (evaporator surface >15°C), low-water-level shutdown, full-bin detection, and compressor current anomaly sensing.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The IMS-20 generates flake ice with median particle thickness of 0.8–1.2 mm and lateral dimensions ranging from 2–8 mm—optimized for immersion cooling of centrifuge tubes (1.5–50 mL), cuvettes, microplates, and glassware with narrow necks. Ice morphology remains stable across ambient temperatures from 10–32°C and relative humidity up to 80%. All wetted surfaces are electropolished stainless steel or food-grade FDA 21 CFR §177.2600 compliant polymers. Electrical components carry TUV and VDE certification per IEC 61000-6-3 (EMC) and IEC 60335-1 (safety). The unit is suitable for GLP-compliant labs where documented traceability of cooling media is required; optional serial-number-logged ice production reports can be exported via USB interface.
Software & Data Management
While the IMS-20 operates via embedded firmware without cloud connectivity, its controller logs timestamped events—including start/stop cycles, fault codes (e.g., E03 = low water, E07 = evaporator frost lock), and cumulative runtime—for up to 12 months. A dedicated diagnostic mode enables service technicians to retrieve real-time sensor values (evaporator temp, condenser fan RPM, compressor current) through a 4-digit LED display interface. Audit trails meet basic FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements for electronic records when paired with lab-specific SOP documentation. Firmware updates are performed locally via encrypted USB key, ensuring data integrity and network isolation.
Applications
- Biological sample preparation: DNA/RNA extraction, protein purification, cell lysis on ice.
- Clinical diagnostics: Hematology analyzers requiring chilled reagent storage; blood bank specimen stabilization.
- Pharmaceutical QA/QC: Dissolution testing bath temperature control; lyophilization pre-cooling.
- Chemistry labs: Exothermic reaction quenching, Grignard reagent handling, cryo-weighing of hygroscopic compounds.
- Food safety testing: Microbiological enrichment at reduced temperatures per ISO 6579-1:2017 Annex D.
- Environmental analysis: Field sample preservation during transport per EPA Method 1664B.
FAQ
What is the typical ice particle size distribution?
Flake ice output exhibits a modal thickness of 1.0 ± 0.2 mm and planar dimensions between 3–6 mm, measured per ASTM D4292-18 standard sieve analysis protocol.
Does the unit require a dedicated drainage system?
No—condensate is fully evaporated via integrated air-cooled condenser; only potable water supply is required.
Can it operate continuously in a 30°C ambient environment?
Yes, validated performance maintains ≥18 kg/24h output at 30°C/70% RH per internal test report TR-IMS20-2023-08.
Is the ice suitable for direct contact with biological samples?
Yes—ice is formed from purified water (user-supplied), with no chemical additives; all contact surfaces meet NSF/ANSI 12-2022 for food equipment.
What maintenance intervals are recommended?
Quarterly descaling of evaporator drum using citric acid solution (0.5% w/v); annual inspection of fan motor bearings and refrigerant charge verification.
