XUEKE IM-50 Flake Ice Machine

Overview

The XUEKE IM-50 Flake Ice Machine is a compact, air-cooled laboratory-grade ice generator engineered for consistent, on-demand production of cylindrical flake ice. Unlike traditional cube or nugget ice machines, the IM-50 employs a rotating evaporator drum with controlled water film distribution and rapid freezing kinetics to produce thin, dry, high-surface-area cylindrical flakes (typically 10–15 mm in diameter and 1–2 mm thick). This morphology ensures rapid thermal transfer, minimal meltwater retention, and uniform packing—critical attributes for sample cooling, biological specimen preservation, chromatography cold traps, and temperature-sensitive reagent handling in analytical and clinical laboratories. The unit integrates an R290 hydrocarbon refrigerant compressor, selected for its zero ozone depletion potential (ODP) and low global warming potential (GWP), aligning with EU F-Gas Regulation (EU No. 517/2014) and ISO 5149-2:2014 safety standards for refrigeration systems. Its stainless steel 304 enclosure provides corrosion resistance in humid environments and meets IPX4-rated splash protection requirements for laboratory periphery use.

Key Features

• Fully automatic microprocessor-based control system with real-time status display (ice level, operating mode, error codes)
• Air-cooled condensing system eliminating need for external water drainage or chiller integration
• Stainless steel 304 evaporator drum and ice bin—designed for repeated thermal cycling and compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 material contact requirements for non-sterile cold chain applications
• Self-cleaning cycle activated after each harvest cycle to inhibit biofilm formation and maintain hygienic ice quality
• Low-noise operation (<58 dB(A) at 1 m) suitable for shared lab spaces and QC environments
• Energy-efficient design certified to IEC 60335-2-74:2012 for household and similar electrical appliances — adapted for continuous-duty laboratory deployment

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The IM-50 produces non-sterile, potable-grade cylindrical flake ice intended for indirect cooling applications only—not for direct human consumption or as a food additive. Ice output meets WHO Guidelines for Drinking-water Quality (4th ed.) for physical and microbiological parameters when fed with deionized or reverse-osmosis treated water. The unit complies with CE marking directives (2014/35/EU Low Voltage Directive and 2014/30/EU EMC Directive) and RoHS 2011/65/EU restrictions on hazardous substances. Its construction adheres to ISO 13485:2016 principles for medical device-related ancillary equipment, making it suitable for GxP-aligned labs where documented environmental controls are required.

Software & Data Management

While the IM-50 operates via embedded firmware without cloud connectivity, its controller logs operational history—including cumulative run time, number of harvest cycles, and fault event timestamps—for local audit review. All settings and diagnostics are accessible through a tactile membrane keypad with LED status indicators. The system supports GLP-compliant recordkeeping when paired with external lab information management systems (LIMS) via optional RS-485 Modbus RTU interface (available upon request). Firmware updates are performed offline using USB flash drive, ensuring data integrity and regulatory compliance in validated environments.

Applications

• Cooling centrifuge rotors and electrophoresis apparatus during extended runs
• Maintaining low-temperature stability for enzyme assays, PCR prep, and RNA extraction workflows
• Thermal buffering of HPLC autosampler trays and GC inlet zones
• Preserving tissue biopsies and blood samples during transport between collection and processing stations
• Providing rapid, localized cooling for laser ablation and mass spectrometry sample introduction stages
• Supporting ASTM D4006-21 and ISO 11348-2 protocols requiring standardized cold exposure conditions

FAQ

What type of water supply is recommended for optimal ice clarity and system longevity?
Deionized or reverse-osmosis water (conductivity <5 µS/cm) is strongly recommended to prevent scale buildup on the evaporator drum and ensure optically transparent ice formation.
Can the IM-50 be installed under a laboratory counter?
Yes—the unit is front-venting and requires only 100 mm clearance on all sides for adequate airflow; no rear or top clearance is mandated.
Is routine maintenance required beyond daily bin cleaning?
Yes—quarterly descaling using citric acid solution (5% w/v) is advised, and annual inspection of condenser coil cleanliness and refrigerant charge verification is recommended per ISO 5149-3:2014 maintenance guidelines.
Does the machine support remote monitoring or alarm notification?
Not natively; however, digital dry-contact outputs (optional accessory) can interface with building management systems (BMS) or lab-wide alarm panels for power failure or high-temperature alerts.