A device and ice-making system for preventing ice crystal propagation
By installing a heating sleeve on the outside of the ice-making pipe to exchange heat with the subcooled water in the subcooled water channel, the problem of poor ice crystal propagation in the existing technology is solved, and an effective blocking effect is achieved under a large degree of subcooling.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- FOSHAN BINGLING ENERGY TECH CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-07-03
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-30
AI Technical Summary
Existing devices for preventing ice crystal propagation are ineffective at preventing ice crystals from propagating upstream when there is significant supercooling.
By installing a heating sleeve on the outside of the ice-making pipe, heat exchange is carried out between the hot water and the subcooled water in the subcooled water channel to prevent ice crystals from taking root on the inner wall, thereby preventing the ice crystals from flowing upward.
It effectively prevents ice crystals from taking root on the pipe wall and blocks their upstream propagation, thus improving the ice crystal blocking effect under greater supercooling conditions.
Smart Images
Figure CN224434774U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of subcooled water dynamic ice-making slurry, specifically to a device and ice-making system for preventing the propagation of ice crystals. Background Technology
[0002] In the process of making ice using the supercooling method, the supercooled water generated by the supercooler flows through the anti-propagation device to the crystallizer. The supercooling is relieved by ultrasonic crystallization and ice slurry is generated. Then, it is transported through pipelines to the ice storage tank or other places.
[0003] A crucial function of the anti-propagation device is to prevent ice crystals from spreading upstream from the crystallizer to the subcooler. Existing anti-propagation devices typically have a hot water jacket externally used to heat the walls of the ice-making channel. The heated walls prevent ice crystals from adhering to their surface and taking root, thus preventing the ice crystals from spreading upstream.
[0004] The original method for preventing ice crystal propagation by the anti-propagator involved reducing the diameter of the outlet after the subcooler to increase the flow rate of the subcooled water, and then adding a hot water flow channel outside the reduced straight pipe section to block the upstream propagation of ice crystals. However, the original anti-propagator was not very effective in blocking the propagation of ice crystals at higher subcooling temperatures (such as -2°C). Summary of the Invention
[0005] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and provide a device and ice-making system to prevent the spread of ice crystals. The heating sleeve introduces hot water and exchanges heat with the subcooled water in the subcooled water channel through the pipe wall of the ice-making pipe, so that ice crystals cannot take root on the inner wall and achieve the effect of preventing ice crystals from flowing upward.
[0006] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides the following technical solution:
[0007] A device for preventing the propagation of ice crystals includes an ice-making pipe and a heating sleeve;
[0008] One end of the ice-making pipe is connected to a subcooler, and the other end is connected to a crystallizer. The inner wall of the ice-making pipe has a subcooled water flow channel.
[0009] The heating sleeve is disposed on the outside of the ice-making pipe. The inner cavity of the heating sleeve and the outer wall of the ice-making pipe form a hot water flow channel. The heating sleeve is provided with a hot water inlet and a hot water outlet. The hot water inlet is located on the side closer to the crystal promoter, and the hot water outlet is located on the side closer to the subcooler.
[0010] Furthermore, it also includes multiple reinforcing rings, which are spaced apart on the outside of the ice-making pipe and located inside the hot water flow channel.
[0011] Furthermore, it also includes a guide plate, which is spiral-shaped and disposed on the inner wall of the heating tube sleeve.
[0012] Furthermore, the top of the heating tube sleeve is provided with an inspection port, and a tube cap is provided on the inspection port; the bottom of the heating tube sleeve is provided with a drain port, and a drain valve is provided on the drain port.
[0013] Furthermore, the top of the ice-making pipe is connected to a vertically upward extending pipe, the inspection port is formed at the top of the extending pipe, and the pipe cap is installed on the extending pipe.
[0014] Furthermore, it also includes a pressure plate, the shape of which is adapted to the opening of the ice-making pipe connecting to the upper extension pipe, and the pressure plate is detachably installed on the opening.
[0015] Furthermore, it also includes a connecting rod, which is pivotally connected to the top of the pressure plate, and has through holes at both ends; the inner wall of the upper extension tube has two fixing blocks opposite each other, and the fixing blocks have threaded holes, through which bolts pass and engage with the corresponding threaded holes.
[0016] Furthermore, it also includes an exhaust valve, which is disposed on the pipe cover.
[0017] Furthermore, it also includes a temperature sensor, which is disposed on the ice-making pipe and located on the side of the heating sleeve near the subcooler.
[0018] An ice-making system, the aforementioned device, further includes a subcooler, a refrigeration unit, a crystallizer, and an ice storage tank; the refrigeration unit, the subcooler, the subcooled water channel of the device, the crystallizer, and the ice storage tank are sequentially connected to form a circuit;
[0019] It also includes a cooling tower, which forms a loop with the refrigeration unit; and the cooling tower and the hot water flow channel of the device form a loop.
[0020] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:
[0021] The heating sleeve introduces hot water, which exchanges heat with the subcooled water in the subcooled water channel through the pipe wall of the ice-making pipe, preventing ice crystals from taking root on the inner wall and achieving the effect of preventing ice crystals from flowing upward. Attached Figure Description
[0022] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the structures shown in these drawings without creative effort.
[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the device in this utility model;
[0024] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the device in this utility model;
[0025] Figure 3 This is a three-dimensional view of the device in this utility model after cross-section;
[0026] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A magnified view of a section at point A in the middle;
[0027] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the installation of the pressure plate in this utility model;
[0028] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the ice-making system in this utility model;
[0029] Explanation of icon numbers:
[0030] 100 - Ice-making pipe; 101 - Subcooled water flow channel;
[0031] 200-Heating tube sleeve; 201-Hot water flow channel; 202-Hot water inlet; 203-Hot water outlet; 210-Reinforcing ring; 220-Guide plate; 230-Upper extension pipe; 231-Flange; 232-Fixing block; 240-Lower extension pipe; 250-Pressure plate; 251-Connecting rod;
[0032] 260 - Pipe cap; 270 - Drain valve; 280 - Exhaust valve; 290 - Temperature sensor;
[0033] 300 - Subcooler; 400 - Refrigeration unit; 500 - Crystallizer; 600 - Ice storage tank; 700 - Cooling tower. Detailed Implementation
[0034] To facilitate a better understanding of the purpose, structure, features, and effects of this utility model, it will now be further described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. It should be noted that the features shown in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. Furthermore, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this utility model. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the described embodiments of this utility model without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of this utility model.
[0035] Unless otherwise defined, the technical or scientific terms used in this disclosure shall have the ordinary meaning understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. The terms "first," "second," and similar terms used in this disclosure do not indicate any order, quantity, or importance, but are merely used to distinguish different components. Terms such as "connected" or "linked" are not limited to physical or mechanical connections, but can include electrical connections, whether direct or indirect. Terms such as "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "front," and "back" are used only to indicate relative positional relationships, and these relative positional relationships may change accordingly when the absolute position of the described objects changes. Furthermore, in the description of this utility model, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.
[0036] like Figure 1-2 As shown, this embodiment provides a device for preventing the propagation of ice crystals, including an ice-making pipe 100 and a heating sleeve 200;
[0037] One end of the ice-making pipe 100 is connected to the subcooler 300, and the other end is connected to the crystal promoter 500. The inner wall of the ice-making pipe 100 has a subcooled water flow channel 101, through which the subcooled water generated from the subcooler 300 flows to the crystal promoter 500.
[0038] The heating sleeve 200 is disposed on the outside of the ice-making pipe 100. The inner cavity of the heating sleeve 200 and the outer wall of the ice-making pipe 100 form a hot water flow channel 201. The heating sleeve 200 is provided with a hot water inlet 202 and a hot water outlet 203. The hot water inlet 202 is located on the side closer to the crystal promoter 500, and the hot water outlet 203 is located on the side closer to the subcooler 300. The heating sleeve 200 introduces hot water (water with a temperature higher than 0 degrees Celsius) and exchanges heat with the subcooled water in the subcooled water flow channel 101 through the pipe wall of the ice-making pipe 100, so that ice crystals cannot take root on the inner wall, achieving the effect of preventing ice crystals from flowing upward.
[0039] like Figure 2-4As shown, as a preferred embodiment, the device further includes multiple reinforcing rings 210, which are spaced apart on the outside of the ice-making pipe 100 and located within the hot water flow channel 201. Since heat exchange is required through the pipe wall of the ice-making pipe 100, a thin-walled stainless steel pipe (e.g., with a thickness of less than 1.8 mm) is selected. By setting the reinforcing rings 210, the rigidity of the ice-making pipe 100 is enhanced, and the heat exchange area is increased, thereby improving the heat exchange efficiency.
[0040] Preferably, the inner wall of the ice-making pipe 100 is polished and then coated with a hydrophobic coating (such as Teflon coating).
[0041] like Figure 2-4 As shown, as a preferred embodiment, the device further includes a guide plate 220, which is spiral in shape and is disposed on the inner wall of the heating sleeve 200. The guide plate 220 guides the hot water to flow along the spiral path in the hot water channel 201 to ensure the uniformity of heat exchange in the ice-making pipe 100.
[0042] It should be noted that the sum of the widths of the guide plate 220 and the reinforcing ring 210 is less than the width of the hot water flow channel 201 to avoid interference; preferably, the width of the guide plate 220 is greater than the width of the reinforcing ring 210.
[0043] like Figure 1-3 As shown, in a preferred embodiment, the top of the heating tube sleeve 200 is provided with an inspection port, and a tube cap 260 is provided on the inspection port to seal the inspection port; the bottom of the heating tube sleeve 200 is provided with a drain port, and a drain valve 270 is provided on the drain port to drain the water accumulated in the hot water channel 201; since the water introduced into the hot water channel 201 is not necessarily pure water, the hot water may form scale or leave impurities in the hot water channel 201, so the hot water channel 201 needs to be inspected and cleaned regularly.
[0044] like Figure 2-4 As shown, the top of the ice-making pipe 100 is connected to a vertically upward extending pipe 230, the inspection port is formed at the top of the extending pipe 230, and the pipe cover 260 is installed on the extending pipe 230, which facilitates the structural design and installation of the pipe cover 260.
[0045] Similarly, the bottom of the ice-making pipe 100 is connected to a vertically downward extension pipe 240, the drain outlet is formed at the bottom end of the extension pipe 240, and the drain valve 270 is installed on the extension pipe 240.
[0046] like Figure 2-4As shown, specifically, the upper extension tube 230 is provided with a flange 231, which is connected to the tube cover 260 by a bolt assembly; and the tube cover 260 is provided with a corresponding sealing strip.
[0047] like Figure 2 , 3 As shown in Figure 5, the device further includes a pressure plate 250, the shape of which is adapted to the opening of the ice-making pipe 100 connecting to the upper extension pipe 230. The pressure plate 250 is detachably installed on the opening to ensure that hot water can flow spirally around the refrigeration pipe.
[0048] It is worth noting that the volume and area of the ice-making pipe 100 connected to the lower extension pipe 240 are small, and the impact on the water flow of the hot water channel 201 is negligible. Therefore, no corresponding pressure plate is provided.
[0049] In addition, the guide plate 220 is welded to the inner wall of the heating tube sleeve 200. The guide plate 220 has no other connection with the opening of the ice-making pipe 100 that connects the upper extension pipe 230 and the lower extension pipe 240. The strength of the weld between the guide plate 220 and the heating tube sleeve 200 and the strength of the guide plate 220 itself are sufficient to support it.
[0050] like Figure 2 , 3 As shown in Figure 5, specifically, it also includes a connecting rod 251, which is pivotally connected to the top of the pressure plate 250. Through holes are provided at both ends of the connecting rod 251. Two fixing blocks 232 are provided opposite each other on the inner wall of the upper extension tube 230. Threaded holes are provided on the fixing blocks 232. Bolts pass through the through holes and engage with the corresponding threaded holes to install the pressure plate 250. The function of the pressure plate 250 is only to guide water flow; therefore, it only needs to be fixed securely. Other factors need not be considered, such as water overflow from the gaps on the outer side of the pressure plate 250. Figure 1-3 As shown, it further includes an exhaust valve 280, which is installed on the pipe cover 260 and is used to adjust the air pressure difference between the hot water flow channel 201 and the outside due to changes in temperature; if the air pressure in the hot water flow channel 201 is low, it will suck the pipe cover 260 in place, making it difficult to remove.
[0051] like Figure 1-2 As shown, it further includes a temperature sensor 290, which is disposed on the ice-making pipe 100 and located on the side of the heating sleeve 200 near the subcooler 300, for monitoring the temperature of the upstream subcooled water.
[0052] like Figure 6As shown, this embodiment also provides an ice-making system. The above-mentioned device further includes a subcooler 300, a refrigeration unit 400, a crystallizer 500, and an ice storage tank 600. The refrigeration unit 400, the subcooler 300, the subcooled water channel 101 of the device, the crystallizer 500, and the ice storage tank 600 are sequentially connected to form a loop to form an ice-making circulation system (also including a corresponding power pump) to produce ice blocks.
[0053] It also includes a cooling tower 700, which forms a loop with the refrigeration unit 400 to provide cooling for the refrigeration unit 400; the cooling tower 700 also forms a loop with the hot water flow channel 201 of the device to exchange heat with the hot water flow channel 201 to improve energy utilization efficiency.
[0054] Finally, it should be noted that the above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this utility model and is not intended to limit the utility model. Although the utility model has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art can still modify the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments or make equivalent substitutions for some of the technical features. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this utility model should be included within the protection scope of this utility model.
Claims
1. A device for preventing the propagation of ice crystals, characterized in that Includes ice-making pipes (100) and heating sleeves (200); One end of the ice-making pipe (100) is connected to the subcooler (300), and the other end is connected to the crystallizer (500). The inner wall of the ice-making pipe (100) has a subcooled water channel (101). The heating sleeve (200) is disposed on the outside of the ice-making pipe (100). The inner cavity of the heating sleeve (200) and the outer wall of the ice-making pipe (100) form a hot water flow channel (201). The heating sleeve (200) is provided with a hot water inlet (202) and a hot water outlet (203). The hot water inlet (202) is located on the side closer to the crystal promoter (500), and the hot water outlet (203) is located on the side closer to the subcooler (300).
2. The device for preventing ice crystal propagation according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes multiple reinforcing rings (210), which are spaced apart on the outside of the ice-making pipe (100) and located inside the hot water flow channel (201).
3. The device for preventing ice crystal propagation according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a guide plate (220), which is spiral in shape and is disposed on the inner wall of the heating sleeve (200).
4. The device for preventing ice crystal propagation according to claim 1, characterized in that, The top of the heating tube sleeve (200) is provided with an inspection port, and a tube cap (260) is provided on the inspection port; the bottom of the heating tube sleeve (200) is provided with a drain port, and a drain valve (270) is provided on the drain port.
5. The device for preventing ice crystal propagation according to claim 4, characterized in that, The top of the ice-making pipe (100) is connected to a vertically upward extension pipe (230), the inspection port is formed at the top of the extension pipe (230), and the pipe cap (260) is installed on the extension pipe (230).
6. The device for preventing ice crystal propagation according to claim 5, characterized in that, It also includes a pressure plate (250) whose shape is adapted to the opening of the ice-making pipe (100) connecting to the upper extension pipe (230), and the pressure plate (250) is detachably mounted on the opening.
7. The device for preventing ice crystal propagation according to claim 6, characterized in that, It also includes a connecting rod (251), which is pivotally connected to the top of the pressure plate (250), and through holes are provided at both ends of the connecting rod (251); the inner wall of the upper extension tube (230) is provided with two fixing blocks (232) opposite each other, and the fixing blocks (232) are provided with threaded holes, and bolts are passed through the through holes to cooperate with the corresponding threaded holes.
8. The device for preventing ice crystal propagation according to claim 4, characterized in that, It also includes an exhaust valve (280) disposed on the pipe cover (260).
9. The device for preventing ice crystal propagation according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a temperature sensor (290) disposed on the ice-making pipe (100) and located on the side of the heating sleeve (200) near the supercooler (300).
10. An ice-making system, characterized in that, The device according to any one of claims 1-9 further includes a supercooler (300), a refrigeration unit (400), a crystal promoter (500), and an ice storage tank (600); the refrigeration unit (400), the supercooler (300), the supercooled water channel (101) of the device, the crystal promoter (500), and the ice storage tank (600) are sequentially connected to form a circuit; It also includes a cooling tower (700), which forms a loop with the refrigeration unit (400); the cooling tower (700) and the hot water flow channel (201) of the device form a loop.