Beer coolers – Ice-bank chiller machines
Ice-bank chillers use a liquid cooling system that circulates through a coil-shaped heat exchanger submerged in a tank of ice-cold water. This system maintains a constant, cold temperature for beer and other beverages dispensed through taps.
1. The compressor is the main motor of the refrigeration system and is responsible for compressing the refrigerant to generate the required cooling. Compressors are usually hermetic and energy efficient.
2. The condenser is a key component in heat transfer. It dissipates the heat generated during refrigerant compression, allowing the refrigerant to cool and condense into a liquid state.
3. The evaporator is the component where the liquid refrigerant evaporates and absorbs heat from the water in the tank, thus creating the ice bank. The evaporator is usually a coil type and is submerged in the water tank.
4. The water tank stores the ice-cold water and houses the coil-shaped evaporator. The cold water circulates through the heat exchanger to chill the beverages.
5. The heat exchanger is a stainless steel or aluminum coil that is in contact with the ice-cold water and through which the beverage flows. The heat exchanger transfers the cold from the water to the product, ensuring the right serving temperature.
6. The taps and lines carry the beverages from the keg to the tap, passing through the chiller. These components must be made of food-grade materials and be resistant to corrosion, pressure and low temperatures.
1. Ice-bank chillers are usually more energy efficient than other refrigeration systems, as they take advantage of the thermal capacity of water to maintain a constant temperature.
2. These machines have a compact design, making them ideal for small spaces or temporary events.
3. The liquid cooling system ensures a constant, appropriate temperature for beverages, guaranteeing optimal quality when serving them.
4. Ice-bank chillers generally require less maintenance than other refrigeration systems, as they have fewer moving parts and do not need defrosting.
5. Thanks to their liquid cooling system, these machines can quickly recover their operating temperature after taps are opened and closed, ensuring the right temperature even at times of high demand.
Ice-bank chillers are ideal for use in bars, restaurants, outdoor events, fairs and any venue that requires a compact, efficient beverage dispensing system. They can also be used to dispense a wide variety of drinks, such as beer, wine, cider and soft drinks.
The capacity and performance of ice-bank chillers can vary depending on the model and the manufacturer’s specifications. Some factors that can affect capacity and performance include compressor power, tank size, the length and diameter of the heat exchanger and the number of taps available, as well as the ambient temperature where the machine is installed.
Installing an ice-bank chiller generally involves connecting the refrigeration system to a power source, connecting the lines and taps to the beverage kegs and filling the water tank. To ensure optimal operation, it is important to carry out regular maintenance, such as cleaning and disinfecting the water tank, checking fittings and seals and making sure the refrigeration system is working properly.
An ice‑bank cooler is a compact, efficient device used to chill and dispense beer and other kegged drinks to tap. It uses a liquid refrigeration system and a heat exchanger to maintain a constant, suitable temperature for the beverages served.
The main components of an ice‑bank cooler include the compressor, condenser, evaporator, water tank, heat exchanger, and taps and tubing.
Ice‑bank coolers are suitable for dispensing a wide variety of drinks, including water, coffee, beer, cocktails, mead, kombucha, vermouth, wine, cider and soft drinks.
Yes, ice‑bank coolers are usually more energy‑efficient than other refrigeration systems, as they take advantage of the thermal capacity of water to maintain a constant temperature.
The capacity and performance of ice‑bank coolers can vary depending on the model and the manufacturer’s specifications. Factors such as compressor power, water tank size, the length and diameter of the heat exchanger, and the number of taps available can affect capacity and performance. There are generally standard models such as the vertical “V” and horizontal “H” versions in 35, 50, 100 and 200, referring to the maximum litres per hour served.
To ensure optimal operation, it is important to carry out regular maintenance, such as cleaning and disinfecting the water tank, checking connections and seals, and making sure the refrigeration system is working properly. Always keep the area around the machine open and ventilated, and regularly clean the evaporator grille to allow maximum, constant airflow.
Although an ice‑bank cooler can be installed by the user by following the manufacturer’s or distributor’s instructions, it is advisable to hire a professional if you are not familiar with this type of equipment. A professional will ensure proper installation and correct commissioning of the system.