ZiQi IMS-150 Flake Ice Machine

Overview

The ZiQi IMS-150 Flake Ice Machine is an air-cooled, laboratory-optimized ice generation system engineered for consistent, high-purity flake ice production under controlled environmental conditions. Unlike cubed or nugget ice machines, the IMS-150 employs a twin-screw extrusion principle—where water is frozen on a vertically oriented, chamber-partitioned evaporator surface and continuously scraped by precision-ground stainless steel augers—yielding irregular, thin (0.5–1.2 mm thick), high-surface-area flake ice. This morphology enables rapid thermal transfer, deep interstitial penetration into sample containers or reaction vessels, and uniform temperature stabilization in ice baths—critical for enzymatic assays, electrophoresis cooling, tissue preservation, and low-temperature chromatography sample conditioning. Designed specifically for ISO 17025-accredited labs and GLP-compliant research environments, the IMS-150 operates without refrigerant ozone-depleting substances (CFCs/HCFCs), features full stainless steel 304 construction, and maintains stable output across ambient temperatures up to 32°C.

Key Features

• Stainless steel 304 exterior and interior liner—resistant to corrosion, chemical splashes, and repeated cleaning with ethanol or sodium hypochlorite solutions
• CFC-free polyurethane foam insulation (≥45 mm thickness) with antimicrobial inner liner formulation, minimizing condensation and microbial growth in humid lab settings
• High-efficiency hermetic compressor (imported from Embraco or Panasonic, depending on production batch) paired with a low-RPM planetary gear reducer—ensuring 25,000 operational hours)
• Microprocessor-based digital controller with real-time diagnostics: displays operational status (RUN/ICE FULL/WATER LOW/FAULT), stores error codes (e.g., E03 = evaporator thermistor failure; E07 = water level sensor timeout), and retains last-run parameters after power interruption
• Twin-screw extrusion evaporator with optimized blade geometry—enabling automatic ice–water separation, eliminating manual defrost cycles and reducing water waste to <0.8% of total consumption
• Float-controlled, self-cleaning water inlet system with integrated sediment trap—prevents scale buildup and ensures uninterrupted operation during continuous 24/7 use
• Front-panel tactile switch and LED status indicators—designed for gloved-hand operation and compliance with IEC 61000-4-2 ESD immunity standards
• Top-mounted axial cooling fan with thermostatically regulated speed—maintains motor and gearbox temperature below 75°C even at 35°C ambient and 80% RH

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The IMS-150 produces non-porous, low-melting-point flake ice (melting onset ~−0.5°C) suitable for direct contact with biological samples, reagent vials, centrifuge buckets, and electrophoresis tanks. Ice particles conform to ASTM D4178-22 “Standard Specification for Flake Ice Used in Food and Laboratory Applications” for particle size distribution and residual chlorine limits (<0.1 ppm). All wetted surfaces comply with FDA 21 CFR 177.1520 (food-contact polymers) and EU Regulation (EC) No. 1935/2004. Electrical design conforms to IEC 61010-1:2010 for laboratory equipment safety, including reinforced insulation, double-pole switching, and earth leakage protection (<0.75 mA). Optional IQ/OQ documentation packages available upon request for GMP-regulated QC laboratories.

Software & Data Management

While the IMS-150 operates as a standalone unit without network connectivity, its embedded controller logs time-stamped operational events—including compressor run time, ice harvest cycles, fault occurrences, and cumulative ice output—in non-volatile memory (retention >10 years). Data export is supported via optional RS-485 Modbus RTU interface (add-on module), enabling integration into LabVantage, STARLIMS, or custom SCADA systems for automated calibration recordkeeping and preventive maintenance scheduling. Audit trails meet FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements when paired with validated third-party middleware supporting electronic signatures and user-level access control.

Applications

• Cooling of PCR thermal cyclers and DNA synthesizers during prolonged amplification protocols
• Temperature stabilization of HPLC autosampler trays and LC-MS source compartments
• Pre-chilling of centrifuge rotors prior to high-speed runs (e.g., 100,000 × g ultracentrifugation)
• Cell lysis and protein extraction workflows requiring sub-4°C maintenance without cryogen hazards
• Calibration of infrared thermometers and thermocouple probes using NIST-traceable ice-point reference baths
• On-site ice supply for field-deployable environmental testing kits (e.g., water quality analysis in mobile labs)

FAQ

What is the typical ice particle thickness and density range produced by the IMS-150?
Flake ice thickness averages 0.7–1.0 mm with bulk density of 380–420 kg/m³, optimized for rapid heat absorption and minimal mechanical stress on fragile samples.
Does the IMS-150 require periodic descaling or water filtration?
Yes—use of municipal water with hardness >120 ppm CaCO₃ requires inline 5-micron sediment + activated carbon + scale-inhibiting resin filtration; annual descaling with citric acid solution (2% w/v, 60°C, 30 min dwell) is recommended.
Can the IMS-150 be installed in a temperature-controlled cold room?
No—it is rated for ambient operation between 5°C and 35°C; installation below 10°C risks refrigerant oil viscosity issues and evaporator frosting.
Is remote monitoring or Ethernet connectivity available?
Not natively—but RS-485 Modbus RTU output supports connection to building management systems (BMS) or industrial PLCs via standard protocol gateways.
What certifications does the IMS-150 carry for international shipment?
CE (EMC Directive 2014/30/EU, LVD Directive 2014/35/EU), RoHS 2011/65/EU, and REACH SVHC compliance documentation provided with each unit; UL/cUL listing available upon special order with modified electrical architecture.