Beer coolers – Ice-bank refrigeration machines
Ice-bank chillers use a liquid cooling system that circulates through a coil-shaped heat exchanger submerged in a tank of ice 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 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 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 tubing carry the beverages from the keg to the tap, passing through the chiller. These components must be made from 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, suitable temperature for beverages, guaranteeing optimal quality when served.
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 peak demand times.
Ice-bank chillers are ideal for use in bars, restaurants, outdoor events, fairs, and any place where a compact, efficient beverage dispensing system is required. 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 manufacturer specifications. Factors that can affect capacity and performance include compressor power, tank size, the length and diameter of the heat exchanger, the number of available taps, and 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 tubing and taps to the beverage kegs, and filling the water tank. To ensure optimal operation, regular maintenance is important, such as cleaning and disinfecting the water tank, checking fittings and seals, and making sure the refrigeration system is working correctly.
An ice‑bank chiller is a compact, efficient device used to chill and dispense beer and other kegged beverages on tap. It uses a liquid refrigeration system and a heat exchanger to maintain a constant, suitable temperature for the drinks being served.
The main components of an ice‑bank chiller include the compressor, condenser, evaporator, water tank, heat exchanger, and taps and tubing.
Ice‑bank chillers are suitable for dispensing a wide variety of beverages, including water, coffee, beer, cocktails, mead, kombucha, vermouth, wine, cider and soft drinks.
Yes, ice‑bank chillers are usually more energy‑efficient than other cooling systems, as they take advantage of the thermal capacity of water to maintain a constant temperature.
The capacity and performance of ice‑bank chillers 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 available taps can affect capacity and performance. There are generally standard models such as the vertical “V” versions and horizontal “H” versions in 35, 50, 100 and 200 models, referring to the maximum liters 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 the installation of an ice‑bank chiller can be carried out 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.