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Ice blocks are large cubes of ice that are usually used to keep food and drinks cold in absence of electricity or to dilute drinks without affecting their flavor.
The following types of ice blocks exist:
Air Freeze Ice
Air-freeze ice is made by freezing water in controlled temperature- regulated rooms. Commercial air-freeze ice is made in machines that blow cold air onto the water. The water then freezes into ice crystals, which are blown out to create large ice blocks. Air-freeze ice is usually transparent and is used for large ice sculptures and generally in cold environments.
Ice Block Machines
An ice block machine makes ice blocks by freezing water in steel molds. Ice block machines are divided into the following types:
Ice Flake Machines
Ice flake machines are used to make ice blocks in the shape of flat flakes. To make ice flakes, fresh water is sprayed onto a stainless steel cylinder with a refrigerant in its interior. The refrigerant absorbs heat from the water, and then the water freezes to form ice flakes. Ice flake machines produce ice quickly and are generally suitable for seafood and food processing applications.
Ice Cube Machines
Ice cube machines are used to produce ice blocks in the shape of cubes. Water is frozen in aluminum or stainless steel molds in the machine. Ice cube machines produce ice cubes more quickly than commercial machines or air-freeze ice, and they are suitable for restaurants, grocery stores, and pubs.
Pop-Down Ice Block Machines
Pop-down ice block machines are designed so that the ice blocks fall down after a certain freeze time. The water is pumped up within the machine. It then freezes in vertical cylinders that are placed horizontally; when it is finished freezing, the ice pops down. These machines are compact and highly efficient. They are suitable for beverage production.
Tube Ice Machines
Tube ice machines create ice blocks in tubular shapes. They operate by supercooling water within vertical molds. Refrigerant gases are pumped around the water-filled molds, extracting heat from the water, which then crystallizes into ice. Once the freezing cycle is complete, warm air is circulated within the molds to release the ice tubes. Tube ice machines have rapid freezing cycles in their vertical molds. They also take up less space compared to air-freeze ice machines, and they are appropriate for cinemas and roadside stalls.
Agricultural Ice Blocks
Agricultural ice blocks are usually used to support livestock and maintain the freshness of food products. Ice block manufacturing companies collaborate with agriculture authorities to provide ice blocks for farmer use. Agriculture ice blocks are usually established in ice banks to offer farmers readily available ice blocks to use any time for their agriculture practice. The exact ice block machine molds and quantities are determined based on the region served's needs and requests.
Snow Ice Machines
Snow ice machines make ice blocks that have an ice-cream-like texture. The water is dumped onto a very cold cylinder. The water quickly freezes and turns into snow ice. The machine creates a lot of ice quickly and doesn't require a lot of energy; it is usually suitable for carnivals and amusement parks.
The specifications of ice blocks depend on their production methods, purposes, and sizes. Generally, they have transparent or bluish-clear ice, and their shapes and dimensions are as follows:
Another essential specification of ice blocks is the production capacity. Different ice block making machines can produce various quantities of ice blocks in a certain period.
The following table lists some typical ice block machine production capacities.
| Machine Types | Production Capacity |
|---|---|
| Ice Block Machine | 20-120 blocks/24h |
| Ice Block Machine with Automatic Feeding | 60-480 blocks/24h |
| Ice Maker + Ice Block Freezer | 300-1200 blocks/24h |
It is necessary to maintain ice blocks because they can deteriorate rapidly if not taken care of properly. Unmaintained ice blocks may cause health risks and get people into trouble. Here are some tips about how to maintain ice blocks correctly and preserve ice blocks for sale.
For individual use:
For commercial purposes:
Ice blocks are versatile products in various industries and applications. Below are some common usage scenarios and applications of ice blocks.
Food Preservation and Storage
Ice blocks are widely used in refrigerators and ice cream makers to maintain low temperatures. They are placed inside refrigeration units to absorb heat and keep food products, such as fish, meat, fruits, and vegetables, at safe temperatures. By using ice blocks, businesses can extend the shelf life of perishable food items and ensure their customers receive fresh products.
Food and Beverage Cooling
Events such as weddings, parties, and corporate gatherings; ice blocks are a must-have for cocktails and drinks. Ice cubes and ice buckets are essential for keeping refreshments chilled for as long as possible. Food trucks, convenience stores, and restaurants sometimes use frozen blocks of ice instead of conventional refrigeration equipment.
Meat Processing
Meat processing plants often employ ice blocks in the form of slurries to facilitate the processing and preservation of meat products. During the slaughter and processing operations, ice slurry, which is formed when ice blocks are crushed and mixed with a small amount of water, is used for quick chilling of meat to maintain quality and curb bacterial growth.
Agriculture and Horticulture
Ice blocks play a pivotal role in agriculture and horticulture by serving as effective cooling agents for crates of fresh produce. When transporting temperature-sensitive crops and fruits over extended periods or under elevated heat conditions, the implementation of ice blocks can significantly mitigate the risks of spoilage and maintain the quality of the harvested goods.
Fishing and Seafood Preservation
Ice blocks are widely used to preserve the catch in the fishing industry, ensuring that fish and other seafood remain fresh and of high quality until further processing or distribution occurs. Fishing vessels, as well as harbors and processing facilities, employ ice blocks to provide the necessary refrigeration for the seafood. Utilizing ice blocks helps maintain the optimal temperature, preventing deterioration and preserving the inherent flavor and texture of the seafood.
Medical Transportation and Storage
Ice blocks are critical for maintaining temperature-sensitive medical supplies like vaccines and pharmaceuticals. They are essential during medical emergencies, accidents, and natural disasters for transporting and preserving critical supplies. Ice blocks are indispensable in the healthcare sector, ensuring the safe transportation and preservation of vital medical supplies.
Construction and Concrete Cooling
Ice blocks are widely used in the construction industry for cooling concrete. When the temperature of freshly mixed concrete needs to be maintained to ensure the desired strength and durability, while also protecting it from temperature-induced cracking, ice blocks are utilized. This process is referred to as concrete cooling.
When purchasing ice blocks for sale, buyers should get the right-sized ice block-making machine for their target market. Buyer should first gather data on the preferred ice block sizes in their target market and the number of ice blocks people buy at a time. If the majority of the target market prefers the 300 kg ice block because it satisfies their needs and most of them purchase at least 10 ice blocks daily, then a high-capacity machine that makes 300 kg blocks would suffice. The same reasoning applies to machines that produce smaller ice block sizes.
Additionally, consider the energy efficiency of an ice block-making machine before purchasing it. Energy costs can be astronomical, especially if a machine runs at high capacities. To minimize energy costs, buyers should get machines with energy-efficient components, such as high-performance compressors, efficient condensers, cooling systems, and insulation.
Since many people will come into contact with the ice blocks, food safety is an important concern for business buyers. Therefore, buyers should get ice block-making machines constructed with materials that conform to food safety regulations. Such machines are made with food-grade stainless steel because this material does not leach harmful chemicals into the ice.
Buyers should also get ice-making machines that are easy to clean and maintain. If a machine has hard-to-reach parts, irregular surfaces, complicated components, or convoluted assembly, it will be difficult to clean and maintain. An easy-to-clean and maintain machine prevents the buildup of dirt and bacteria, thereby promoting hygiene. Moreover, regular maintenance prolongs the machine's lifespan.
Q: What are ice blocks called?
A: Ice blocks are also known as Ice Cubes or Ice Bricks.
Q: Where do they put ice blocks?
A: Ice blocks are put into coolers, ice chests, or insulated containers to keep perishable food and beverages cold. Aslo, ice blocks can be put in medical refrigerators to preserve critical medicine.
Q: How long does an ice block last?
A: A block of ice in a freezer will remain frozen until the freezer runs out of power or shuts down for some reason. However, ice blocks outside or in coolers will eventually melt. The time taken for an ice block to melt varies depending on the size, surface area, temperature of the surrounding environment, and insulation. In a regular cooler, an ice block can last for two to three days.
Q: Can ice blocks be made without a freezer?
A: Yes, It is possible to make ice blocks without a freezer by taking advantage of the natural freezing process of water. In cold climatic regions, people can dig a pond and collect water. When temperature drops below freezing point, water will freeze and form ice. The ice blocks can be harvested and stored in insulated structures.
Q: Can ice blocks be used without a refrigerator?
A: Yes, ice blocks can be used without a refrigerator. In fact, people all over the world use ice blocks without a refrigerator. It's common in rural areas where people don't have access to modern appliances Like refrigerators. During hot weather or heat waves, many people use ice blocks to cool down drinks and make refreshments.
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