KR970004725B1 - Ice storage, distribution unit and its method - Google Patents

Abstract

An ice storage and distribution unit includes an ice storage and separation vessel (12) for storing a slurry of ice and solution and separating the ice from the solution. An inlet slurry of ice and solution is introduced into the ice storage and separation vessel (12) through an ice slurry inlet (14). The slurry separates into a bed of ice (17) and a liquid bath of solution (19) in the vessel (12). An agitator (30) is disposed within the vessel (12) for agitating the bed of ice (17) to obtain substantially free-flowing ice. Ice is then discharged from the vessel (12) through an ice outlet (40).

Description

[Name of invention]

Ice storage and distribution device and method

[Brief Description of Drawings]

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

1 is a schematic representation of an ice storage and distribution device.

2 is a schematic representation of another embodiment of the FIG. 1 ice suit and dispenser.

3 is a schematic representation of another embodiment of the FIG. 1 ice storage and dispensing apparatus.

4 is a schematic representation of another embodiment of the FIG. 1 ice storage and dispensing apparatus.

5 is a schematic representation of an apparatus for storing and transporting ice and brine slurries.

6 is a schematic representation of another embodiment of the apparatus of FIG. 5 for storing and transporting ice and water slurries.

7 is a schematic representation of another embodiment of the apparatus of FIG. 5 for storing and transporting ice, brine and water slurries.

8 is a schematic representation of another embodiment of the apparatus of FIG. 5 for storing and transporting ice, brine and water slurries.

9 is a partial side cross-sectional view of the blade assembly used in the device of FIGS. 1-8.

FIG. 10 is a bottom view of the blade assembly of FIG.

11 is a side view of another embodiment of a blade assembly for use with the apparatus of FIGS. 1-8.

12 is another embodiment of an ice storage and dispensing apparatus.

13 is another embodiment of an ice storage and dispensing apparatus.

Detailed description of the invention

[Technical Field]

The present invention relates to an ice storage and dispensing apparatus and a method thereof.

Background Technology

Conventionally, ice is blown with air through a pipe and transported in the form of dry particles. It is essential that such particles have a water content that is low enough that the weight of the particles can be reduced so that conglomeration can be prevented. It is difficult to obtain complete dry ice particles, so ice particles tend to be heavy and agglomerate to form large ice particles. Therefore, the energy demand at the time of particle transportation becomes high and a transportation pipe may be clogged.

Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to eliminate and alleviate the above drawbacks.

Thus, the device of the present invention providing an ice storage and dispensing device comprises an ice device and a separating vessel for storing a solution and a slurry of ice and separating the ice from the solution. Inflow slurry of solution and ice is introduced into the ice storage and separation vessel through the ice slurry inlet. The slurry is separated in a vessel into a bed of ice and a liquid bath of solution. An agitator is installed in the chamber to shave the bed surface of ice to obtain ice that flows substantially freely. Ice is discharged from the vessel through the ice outlet.

Another feature of the present invention, which provides a method of storing and dispensing ice, includes introducing a slurry of solution and ice into the storage and separation zone. The slurry is separated into an ice bed and a liquid bath.

The ice is stirred in the stirring zone and flows substantially freely. Ice is then released from the stirring zone.

In the present invention, a slurry of brine and ice may be separated so that ice may be stored and easily transported when necessary. In addition, ice is not only storeable without having to store large amounts of water, but still transportable. In addition, the ice storage and dispensing method of the present invention makes it possible to transport ice using less energy and has a lower tendency for the ice transport pipes to become clogged than the prior art methods.

It is also preferred to have a storage container in which the ice inlet of the storage container is connected to the ice outlet of the separation container. The stirred ice and brine enter the storage vessel through the ice inlet of the storage vessel. The stirred ice forms a bed of ice in the storage vessel, and the brine contained is partially drained from the bed of ice. A second storage vessel liquid inlet is provided for introducing liquid into the storage vessel. In addition, stirring means are provided in the reservoir for stirring the bed of ice. A drain is provided in the base of the reservoir for draining the liquid. In it a second ice outlet on which the ice transport means is located is located adjacent to the stirring means.

The method of the present invention is to be used with the ice making apparatus described in U.S. Patent No. 4,551,159 (Goldstein) of 5 November 1985 and U.S. Patent No. 739,225 (Goldstein) of May 30, 1985. It may be advantageous and the contents of both patents are incorporated herein by reference. This ice making device produces an ice slurry of particulates in the brine.

[Optimum Mode]

Referring first to FIG. 1, it can be seen that the ice storage device 10 includes a storage and separation vessel 12. A slurry inlet 14 is located near the base 16 of the vessel 12 and connects an ice maker or ice generator 18 to the vessel 12. There is also a pair of liquid outlet lines 20 at the base 16 of the vessel 12, one outlet line 21 of which leads to a drain, and the other outlet line 22 is a brine inlet ( It is connected to 23 and reaches the inlet 24 of the ice generator 18. Above the slurry inlet 14 is a replenishment inlet 25 to allow the replenished water to flow into the vessel 12.

At the upper end 26 of the vessel 12 there is a leveling device 28, adjacent to the leveling device 28, which has a blade assembly 30, which is mounted on three axes of rotation 34. It consists of a blade (32). This axis of rotation 34 extends through the top 36 of the vessel 12 and is connected to the motor 38.

Adjacent to the blade 32 is an ice outlet 40.

One end of the salt water supply pipe 42 is connected to the container 12, and the other end thereof is connected to the ice outlet 40. The ice outlet leads to a pump 44 connected to the distribution pipe 46. The recirculation pipe 48 has one end connected to the distribution pipe 46 and the other end connected to the container 12.

The operation of the device will now be described with reference to FIG. Slurry of ice particles and brine solution is generated in the ice generator 18 and introduced into the storage and separation vessel 12 through the slurry inlet 14. Such an ice generator 18 is described in US patent application 739,225.

Ice and solution are separated into ice bed 17 and liquid bath 19 in the vessel. Liquid from the liquid bath is recycled to the ice generator 18 to generate or drain additional slurry. As ice is continuously generated and fed into the container, an ice bed is created in the container. A level detector is used to measure the level of ice in the vessel and sufficient replenishment is applied to the replenishment inlet 25 to maintain the ice bed at the level of the blade 32.

The blade 32 is rotated by the motor 38 to scrape off the surface of the ice bed.

The crushed, substantially liquid and freed ice is discharged through the ice outlet 40 and mixed with the liquid from the liquid bath through the brine feed pipe 42. The resulting slurry passes through a pump 44 and is recycled to the vessel 12 via a circulation pipe 48. The recycled ice condenses with the larger ice particles remaining in the container, resulting in larger, more easily drained ice particles. If ice is required, the ice is not recycled to the vessel via the recirculation pipe 48 but instead is sent directly to the desired location via the distribution pipe 46.

FIG. 2 shows another embodiment of the ice storage and dispensing apparatus shown in FIG. Components similar to those in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same letter A. FIG. In this embodiment, the apparatus and method of operation are the same as in FIG. 1 except that fresh water is properly added to the ice in the ice outlet 40A via the fresh water pipe 50 instead of the brine. Optionally, fresh water is also sprayed through the nozzle onto the surface of the ice bed in the vessel to wash off any brine contained in the ice bed.

FIG. 3 shows yet another embodiment of the ice storage and dispensing apparatus shown in FIG. Components similar to those in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 are clearly marked with the same numerals. In the present embodiment, the apparatus and method of operation are shown in FIGS. 1 and 3 except that brine and fresh water are added to the ice in the ice outlet 40 ', respectively, via the brine supply pipe 42' and the fresh water pipe 50 '. Similar to FIG. Although not shown, the fresh water pipe 50 'and the brine supply pipe 42' are preferably connected so as to be discharged from the pump 44 'to the ice outlet 40 oppositely.

4 shows another embodiment of the device. Components similar to those in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 are indicated by the same reference numeral B. FIG. In the present embodiment, the apparatus and method of operation are similar to those of FIG. 1 except that the outlet 40B is not pumped as a slurry but is discharged directly into the container 52 by gravity.

In FIG. 5, the ice generating device 111 is composed of a separating vessel 110 in a circular cross section and a storage vessel 112 in a longitudinal cross section.

The drain 114 is located at the base 113 of the separation vessel 110 and a pair of make-up liquid inlets 116 opposed in diameter are located above the drain. This inlet 116 is relatively tangentially directed to the vessel 110. A refill water line 115 is connected to the inlet 116 and a precooling member 117 is located in the refill water line to precool the refill.

Below the replenishment liquid inlet 116 a first ice and brine inlet 118 having a horizontal pipe 120 extending across the vessel 110 and a pair of risers 122 extending therefrom is provided. 110) located on the inner surface. These risers have an opening 124 in the top 126 through which the ice and salt balls enter the container 110. A level control device 128 is coupled to the inlet so that the level of ice and liquid in the vessel 110 is maintained at a preset height. The timer control device 119 can be used to adjust the level.

Above the riser 122 is a blade assembly 130, which is composed of three cutting blades 131 mounted on a rotating shaft 132, which is the upper portion of the container 110. It extends through 133 and is rotatable by a motor 134 located outside the container 110.

A first ice outlet 136 is located adjacent the blade, which outlet 136 is connected to the top 138 of the storage container 112. A plurality of agitators 142 are installed in the base 140 of the storage container 112. These stirrers 142 are each rotatable by respective motors 144 located outside the storage vessel. Torque measuring device 149 is used to measure the torque on stirrer 142, and if the torque is above a predetermined level, additional replenishment is added via line 152 to raise the level of the ice bed. Below the stirrer 142 is a second ice outlet 143 with an auger 145 located inside. The level detector 146 is located near the bottom 140 of the storage container 112 to detect the liquid level in the storage container 112. This level detector is coupled with the drain pipe 147. Adjacent to the level detector 146 in the base 140 of the reservoir 112 is a drain 148. The recirculation line 150 has one end connected to the drain 148 and the other end connected to the upper portion 158 of the storage container 112. Pump 151 is located in recirculation line 151 to pump liquid from drain 148 to the top of reservoir 112.

The operation of the device is as follows. The replenishment liquid is continuously supplied into the separation vessel 110 through the replenishment liquid inlet 116. Since the inlet is tangentially oriented, the replenishment liquid swirls as it enters the tank. Slurry of fine ice particles and brine generated by the ice generator as described in US Pat. No. 737,225 is continuously fed into the separation vessel through the first ice and brine inlet 118. The ice forms a dense homogeneous layer in the separation vessel 110 and can be drained through only a small amount of brine. The ice layer thus forms a piston held on the supplemented water because of the pressure exerted on the ice layer by the supplement.

Supplemental water and ice and brine slurry are continuously added to the separation vessel 110 to maintain the ice layer at the level of the blade 131. The blade 131 is combustively operated to shave the upper surface of the ice layer. The crushed ice and chlorine are supplied to the storage tank 110 through the first ice outlet 136.

The crystal structure of the ice is changed by the cutting action of the blade so that larger, ie more easily drained ice crystals are obtained in the storage container 112. Since the shaved ice particles fall into the reservoir 112, the contained brine is drained therefrom. In storage containers, the shaved ice particles freeze with other ice particles to form larger ice particles. The brine drained from the ice falls into the drain 148 and the ice is stored in the storage container 112.

If desired to transport ice, the drained brine is recycled to the top of vessel 112 via recycle line 150. Additional brine is also supplied to the vessel 112 through the brine inlet 152. A stirrer is then acted on, where recycled brine and supplemented brine are added to the ice at the level of the stirrer 142 to aid in stirring the ice and maintain the ice slurry. The auger 145 is then acted so that ice is transported to the outlet 143 and FIG. 6 pumped to the desired position shows another embodiment of the ice storage and dispensing device 11, in which the ice And fresh water slurry are provided. Components similar to those in the embodiment shown in FIG. 5 are denoted by the letter A. FIG.

6 shows the apparatus and process of the embodiment except that the recycle lie 150A from the drain 148A is connected to the first ice and liquid inlet line 120A, not the top 138A of the magnetic field container 112A. This is the same as in FIG. In addition, the supplementary fresh water flows into the first container 110A through the line 154 previously cooled by the precooling member 156. In the second vessel 112A, fresh water is cooled in advance by the precooling member 157 and flows into the vessel through the line 158.

The apparatus of FIG. 6 operates as follows. In the storage vessel, the brine is drained from the ice and recycled to the separation vessel via recycle line 150A. The ice in the storage vessel is then washed by spraying fresh water from the liquid inlet 158, whereby the remaining brine is removed, drained and recycled to the separation vessel. If ice is required, the stirrer is activated. Slurry of fresh water and ice is then removed from the storage tank through auger 145A.

7 shows another embodiment of an ice storage and dispensing apparatus 11 'provided with ice, brine and fresh water slurries. Components similar to those of the embodiment of FIG. 5 are denoted by the same numerals.

The apparatus and process of the FIG. 7 embodiment are similar to those of FIG. 5 except that fresh water flows into the second ice outlet 143 'through a pre-cooled line 151 to a precooling member (not shown). It is the same. Instead, the fresh water pipe 151 is preferably connected to the auger 145 'so as to be discharged as opposed to the outlet 143'. Thus this example provides ice, brine and water slurries. The embodiment of FIG. 6 may also be modified as shown in FIG. 8 to provide a brine feed pipe 153 to outlet 143A 'such that ice, water, and brine slurries are obtained. As in the embodiment of FIG. 7, the brine supply pipe 153 is preferably connected to the auger 145A 'so as to be discharged as opposed to the outlet 143A'.

9 and 10 show another embodiment of the blade assembly of FIGS. 1-8. Components similar to those of FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals. In this embodiment, assembly 30C floats on the ice surface. Assembly 30C is similar to that shown in FIGS. 1-8, except that shaft 30C is slidably positioned in bearing 54 of motor 38C. The shaft 34C has a groove 56 extending in the longitudinal direction beyond a portion thereof so that a key 58 connected to the drive shaft 60 is slidably locked into the groove. A horizontally extending ski 66 is attached to the moving end 62 of each blade 32C directly above the cutting edge 64.

In operation, skis 66 are placed on the surface of the ice bed, and the cutting edge 64 of blade 32C extends into the bed to cut the bed. When the bed is raised or lowered, the blade assembly 30C is raised or lowered within the limits defined by the grooves 56 and the keys 58. If the container is full of ice and liquid, assembly 30C is at its maximum height and limit switch 68 is activated by shaft 32C to drain the container.

FIG. 11 shows an example of another design of blades in a blade assembly suitable for use in the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIGS. Components similar to those of FIG. 1 are denoted by the same numerals as D. FIG. As shown in FIG. 11, the blade 32D has a sawtooth edge 70 in the shape of a saw tooth. These blades 32D dig into the bed and break the capillary in the ice bed. The action of the blade leaves peaks and traces on the ice bed surface and allows water to drain out of the ice bed more quickly.

12 is another embodiment of the present invention. Components similar to those of FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numeral E. FIG.

In this embodiment, replenishment is slowly added to vessel 12E via central inlet 72. By slowly adding the replenishment to the vessel, the solution remaining in the vessel remains stationary. So the concentration is set in the container. Since the brine is denser than water, the salt concentration is lower at the bottom of the vessel than near the top. At the top of the vessel 12E is a liquid distributor. Fresh water is sprayed on the surface of the bed by this dispenser.

With this configuration, ice of fresh water and salt glass are obtained quickly, respectively.

This embodiment also shows an auger 76. Single or multiple augers may be substituted for the blade assembly when the long tank is used instead of the cylindrical tank. Such agitator can replace the blade component used in the embodiment of FIGS. 1-8 if the tank in the embodiment is rectangular.

13 shows an embodiment of the invention suitable for use in a ship.

As shown in the figure, the storage and dispensing apparatus 210 includes a longitudinal container 212. A slurry outlet 214 introduced from an ice generator 216 as described in US Patent Application 739,225 is connected near the top 218 of this vessel 212. Below this slurry inlet 214 is a level detector 220, which measures the liquid level in the vessel 212.

At the base 222 of the vessel 212, a plurality of agitators 224 extending across the longitudinal direction of the base 222 are located. These stirrers 224 are each operated by a motor 226 located outside of the vessel 212. Torque measuring device 225 is coupled with agitator 224.

A sump 228 is attached to the base 222 of the container. Replenishment water inlet 230 and two liquid outlets 232, 234 are connected to this sump 228. The liquid outlet 232 is connected to the drain 236 and to the liquid recirculation pipe 238 connected to the top 218 of the vessel 212. The other liquid outlet 234 is connected to the ice generator 216. An ice outlet 240 in which the pump 242 is located is located adjacent to the sump 228.

The operation of the device is as follows. Slurry is first generated in the ice generator and this slurry is introduced into the vessel 212. The water level in the vessel may be kept constant, or brine may be removed from the vessel, and supplemental water may be added via inlet 230 if the brine concentration becomes too high. The brine concentration can be monitored by a temperature gauge. The liquid to be removed may be drained into drain 228 and recycled to the ice generator through liquid outlet 234. Additional slurry from the ice generator 216 is supplied to the vessel 212 until an ice bed is made in the vessel 212.

If ice is needed, the stirrer 224 acts to agitate the ice and the ice is discharged through the ice outlet 240 and pumped to the desired location.

The torque measuring device 225 measures the torque applied by the stirrer, and the supplement is added through the line 230 when the torque is increased beyond the predetermined amount.

If fresh water ice is desired instead of brine ice, the recycle pipe 234 is removed and fresh water is sprayed to the top of the vessel to flush any brine contained in the ice. Fresh water is then added via supplemental liquid inlet 230 if necessary. If ice, brine and fresh water slurries are desired, a fresh water supply pipe may be connected to the outlet 240 or to the auger 242.

This embodiment is particularly suitable for use on ships, since the upper end of the tank is mostly empty, which prevents water from spilling or splashing. Instead, the tanks of FIGS. 1-8 are sealed when used on ships, but the ice expands. Should be supplemented according to circumstances.

Claims (18)

An ice making apparatus for producing a slurry of ice operations in a solution; An ice storage and separation vessel for storing the slurry of ice operations in the solution and separating the ice from the solution; An ice slurry inlet for directing the slurry of ice operations in the solution from the ice making device into the vessel where the slurry is separated into an ice bed and a liquid bath of solution; A stirrer installed in the vessel to stir the ice bed; An ice outlet for discharging the stirred ice from the vessel; A replenishment liquid inlet in communication with the vessel; Level detection means connected with the vessel to monitor the level of the ice bed in the vessel; A valve connected to the replenishment liquid inlet and responsive to the level detecting means to control the liquid flow from the replenishment liquid inlet into the vessel such that the ice bed is maintained at a predetermined level in the vessel adjacent the stirrer. Ice storage and dispensing apparatus comprising means. 2. The ice storage and dispensing apparatus of claim 1 wherein the stirrer is located at the top of the vessel and is in the form of a blade assembly. The second storage container according to claim 1, wherein the ice outlet is connected to the ice storage and separation vessel, and the second storage container is formed with an ice bed inside the stirred ice and the contained brine through the ice outlet. ; A second reservoir liquid inlet for directing liquid into the second reservoir; Stirring means disposed adjacent the base of the second reservoir to stir the ice bed; And a second storage container ice outlet located adjacent to the stirring means. The ice storage and dispensing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a torque measuring means is coupled to the stirrer, and the torque measuring means controls the amount of liquid introduced into the vessel through the replenishment liquid inlet. 4. An ice storage and dispensing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein a torque measuring means is coupled to the stirring means, and the torque measuring means controls a valve in the second storage container liquid inlet. 2. The ice storage and dispensing apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a liquid inlet for directing liquid into said stirred ice adjacent said ice outlet to provide an outflow ice slurry. 7. The ice storage and dispensing apparatus of claim 6 wherein the liquid is brine or fresh water. 7. The ice storage and dispensing apparatus of claim 6 further comprising a second liquid inlet for directing a second liquid into the stirred ice in the ice outlet to provide an outflow ice slurry. 9. The ice storage and dispensing apparatus of claim 8 wherein one of said liquids is brine and the other is fresh water. The ice storage and dispensing apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a recycling line for recycling at least a portion of the effluent ice slurry to the vessel. The ice storage and dispensing apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a recirculation line connected to a liquid drain in the vessel for recycling the liquid to the ice making apparatus. 2. The ice storage and dispensing apparatus of claim 1 wherein said replenishment liquid inlet comprises a pair of tangentially oriented inlets. Directing the incoming slurry of particulate ice in solution to the separation zone; Separating the slurry into a liquid bath and an ice bed in the separation zone; Stirring the ice bed in a stirring zone; Discharging the stirred ice from the stirring zone; Monitoring the level of the ice bed in the stirring zone; Introducing a replenishment liquid into one of the separation zone and the stirring zone in response to the detected level of the ice bed to maintain the level of the ice bed at a predetermined level in the stirring zone. Storage and Distribution Method. 14. The method of claim 13, further comprising adding liquid to the stirred ice to form an effluent ice slurry. 15. The method of claim 14, further comprising returning and recycling at least a portion of the effluent ice slurry to the separation zone. 16. The method of claim 15 wherein the replenishment liquid is directed to the separation zone. 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the liquid added to the stirred ice is one or both of fresh water and brine. 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the brine is obtained from a bath in the separation zone.

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