JPH03500806A - Ice storage and distribution equipment and its storage and distribution method - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] This bulletin contains application data before electronic filing, so abstract data is not recorded.

Description

[Detailed description of the invention] ice storage and distribution equipment (Technical field) ICE STORAGE AND DISTRIBUTION APPARATUS FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to ice storage and distribution devices.

(technology of technology) Traditionally, ice is transported "dry" by blowing air through pipes. .

This small piece of ice can reduce the weight of the small piece and prevent it from becoming a solid lump. It is important to ensure that the liquid content is reduced as much as possible.

However, it is difficult to obtain complete dry ice pieces, and these ice pieces are not heavy. It tends to harden and solidify into large blocks of ice.

The energy required to transport this small piece of ice is high and there are no obstructions in the transport pipe. It will also happen.

It is therefore an object of the invention to obviate or alleviate the above-mentioned disadvantages.

C) Summary of invention) Accordingly, the present invention includes an ice storage and distribution device. This device is used for ice storage. It has a storage and distribution container to store the ice and solution mixture and to separate the ice from the solution. ice A mixture of ice and solution is directed to a storage and separation vessel.

The ice mixture separates within the container into an ice sheet and a solution bath. There is a stirrer inside the container. The surface of the ice sheet has been scratched, resulting in essentially free-flowing ice. There is.

Ice is discharged from the container through a water outlet.

Another feature of the invention is to provide a method for storing and separating ice. Ru. The method includes directing the ice and container mixture to a storage and separation zone. Ru.

The mixed liquid is separated into an ice bed and a liquid bath. The ice is stirred in a stirring zone to ensure that the ice flows freely. make it possible to do so. This ice is then discharged from the stirring zone.

In the present invention, the mixture of ice and salt water can be separated, so ice can be stored and used as needed. Ice can be easily transported when

Additionally, with the present invention, ice can be stored and transported without storing large amounts of water. be.

Our method of storing and distributing ice allows ice to be transported with less energy. , and the tendency for transport pipes to become clogged is also lower than with conventional methods.

Preferably the storage vessel is connected to the water outlet of the separation vessel and adjacent to the ice inlet of the storage vessel. It is provided. The stirred ice and brine are introduced into the storage container through the ice entry channel of the storage container. entered. This agitated ice forms an ice sheet within the storage vessel, and the brine carried along with it At least a portion of it is ejected from the ice sheet.

A liquid inlet of the second storage container is provided for introducing liquid into the storage container. stirring Means are provided within the storage vessel to agitate the ice sheet. A drainage channel is provided at the bottom of the storage container. A second ice outlet from which the liquid is discharged is provided adjacent to the stirring means. 4,551,159. No. (Goldsphin, published on November 5, 1985), and the same inventor's 19 Disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 739.225 filed on May 30, 1985. Ru. These disclosures are incorporated herein by reference.

These ice machines produce a mixture of fine ice particles in salt water.

(Brief explanation of the drawing) Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example on the basis of the following figures.

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

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the ice storage and dispensing device shown in FIG. Ru.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of still another embodiment of the ice storage M and distribution device shown in FIG. Ru.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of an alternative embodiment of the apparatus of FIG.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing an apparatus for storing and transporting a mixture of ice and salt water.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the apparatus shown in FIG. 5, which stores a mixture of ice and fresh water. It is for storage and transportation.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the apparatus shown in FIG. It is used to store and transport mixed liquids.

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the apparatus shown in FIG. 6; It is used to store and transport mixed liquids.

Figure 9 is a side view, partially in section, of the vane assembly used in the apparatus of Figures 1 to 8; It is.

10 is a bottom view of the vane assembly of FIG. 9; FIG.

FIG. 11 shows another embodiment of the vane assembly for use in the apparatus of FIGS. 1-8; It is a front view.

FIG. 12 is another embodiment of an ice storage and distribution device.

FIG. 13 is an additional embodiment of the ice storage and distribution device.

(optimal example) Embodiments of the present invention will be described based on the drawings. As you can see with reference to Figure 1, Ice storage device 10 has one storage and separation container 12.

The liquid mixture inlet 14 is near the bottom 16 of the container 12 and the ice forming device 18 is connected to the container 12. is connected to. Additionally, the bottom 16 of the container 12 has a pair of liquid outlets 21 and 22. There are pipes 20, one outlet 21 of which leads to a drain. Other exit 2 2 is connected to a brine inlet 23 and led to an inlet 24 of the ice-forming device 18 .

There is a finishing liquid inlet 25 in the mixed liquid inlet 14, and the finishing liquid flows into the container 12. make it possible to do so. In the upper part 26 of the container 12 a level control device 28 is arranged. ing. Adjacent to the controller 28 is a vane assembly 30, which assembly 30 is A zero rotation shaft 34 with three vanes 32 attached to the rotation shaft 34 is located at the top of the container. one adjacent to one vane 32 extending to the top 36 and connected thereto to a motor 38; There is a water outlet 40.

The water outlet 40 communicates with a pump 44 , and the pump 44 is connected to a separation vibe 46 . ring Flow pipe 48 connects one end to dispensing vibe 46 and the other end to container 12.

The operation of the device will be explained based on FIG.

A liquid mixture consisting of ice particles and a salt water solution is generated in the ice forming device 18, and the liquid mixture enters the inlet 1. 4 to a storage and separation vessel 12. This ice forming device 18 is a U.S. patent Disclosed in Application No. 739,225.

The ice and solution are separated into a water bed 17 and a liquid bath 19 within the container. The liquid from the liquid bath is Further, it is discharged and refluxed to the ice-forming device 18 to produce an additional mixture. ice is continuous Subsequently, ice is generated and fed into the vessel 12, creating an ice sheet within the vessel 12.

A level detector is used to measure the level of ice in the container and ensure that there is enough finishing fluid. 1 blade 32 fed into its inlet 25 to maintain the ice sheet at the level height of the blade 32; is rotated by a motor 38 and scratches the surface of the ice sheet, and this scratching causes water to be absorbed into the liquid. After being discharged from its outlet 40, the ice, which can move freely in the and mixed with the liquid in the liquid bath.

The remaining water mixture passes through the pump 44 and returns to the container 12 through the reflux path 48. It will be done. The refluxed ice tends to melt with the larger ice particles already in the container. Therefore, the ice particles that are easily expelled are created into larger ones.

If ice is needed, avoid passing the ice back into the container through the reflux channel and instead dispense it. It is sent directly to the desired location through the pipe 46.

FIG. 2 shows an embodiment of the water storage and distribution device shown in FIG. ing. Components similar to those shown in Figure 1 have the same reference numerals and are designated by the symbol A. Additionally shown.

The device and method of operation in this embodiment is such that fresh water is passed through the fresh water channel 50 instead of salt water. The configuration is similar to that in Figure 1, except that it is added to the ice at water outlet 40A. Ru.

Fresh water is also poured into the container through a nozzle to wash away any salt water that comes into contact with the ice sheet. sprayed onto the surface of the ice sheet.

FIG. 3 shows yet another storage and dispensing device. Here, similar to Figure 1 Components are indicated by the reference numeral 9 plus a dash.

The apparatus and method of operation of this embodiment is such that the salt water and fresh water are connected to the salt water supply pipe 42' and 1.2 except that it is added to the ice in the water outlet 40' via the water pipe 50'. Similar to composition.

Although not shown, the fresh water pipe 50' and the salt water supply pipe 42' are supplied with water by a pump 44'. It is connected to the outlet 40' so as to face and discharge.

FIG. 4 shows yet another embodiment of the device, in which similar components to those in FIG. 1 are designated by reference numerals. The symbol B is added next to the symbol B.

The apparatus and method of operation of this embodiment is such that the outlet 40B does not pump up the mixed liquid. except that the mixed liquid is discharged directly into the container 52 by gravity. The fuzzy appearance is similar to that in Figure 1.

In FIG. 5, an ice forming device 111 includes a separation container 110 having a circular cross section and a separating container 110 having a rectangular cross section. A drainage channel 114 with a storage vessel 112 of and a pair of opposed finishing fluid inlets 116 are located on the drainage path. ing. These inlets 116 are oriented in the connection direction with respect to the container 110 and are A rising liquid inlet 115 is connected to the inlet 116. Also, this entrance 115 has a parking lot. A pre-cooler 117 is arranged to pre-cool the rising liquid.

A first ice and brine inlet 118 is disposed within the container 110 and includes a first ice and brine inlet 118 . 1B is a horizontal pipe 120 extending across the vessel 110 and below the finishing fluid inlet 116. and a pair of riser pipes 122 extending therefrom.

These risers 122 have openings 124 at their upper ends 126 through which ice and and brine enter container 110. A level control device 128 is associated with this inlet 116. Keep the ice and liquid in the container at a set level height. The timer control device 119 Used to adjust this level.

A vane assembly 130 is disposed above the riser 122 . This assembly 13 0 is equipped with three scraping blades 131 attached to a rotating shaft 132.

The axis of rotation 132 extends through the top 133 of the container 110 and is external to the container 110. It is connected to a motor 134 and is rotatable. Adjacent to these vanes is the first There is a water outlet 136 that is connected to the top 138 of the storage vessel 112. .

A plurality of agitators 142 are disposed at the bottom 140 of the storage container 112, and these agitators The stirrers 142 are rotatable by respective motors 144 located outside the storage container. It becomes.

A torque measuring device 149 is used to measure the torque by the stirrer 142; and when the torque is above a predetermined level, the additional finishing fluid will reach the level height of the ice sheet. is added through tube 152 to lift. Spiral below the stirrer 142 There is a second water outlet 143 with an augur 145.

A level detector 146 is located near the bottom 140 of the storage vessel 112 and Detect the liquid level height within 12.

This level detector is linked to the drain pipe 147. adjacent to level detector 146 There is a drainage channel 148 in the bottom 140 of the storage container 112.

A portion of the circulation path 150 is connected to the drainage path 148 and the other end is connected to the top of the storage container 112. 158. The pump 151 is disposed in the circulation path 150 and is connected to the drainage path or The liquid is pumped up to the top of the storage container 112.

The operation of this device is as follows. Finishing fluid is constantly passed through finishing fluid inlet 116. It is supplied to a separation vessel 110. A vortex of finishing fluid entering the tank tangentially to this inlet cause

produced by an ice-forming device such as that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 739.225; The mixture of slender ice particles and salt water is continuously separated through the first ice and salt water inlet 118. Supplied in a container. The ice is stored in the separation vessel 110, with only some salt water being drained. However, it forms a dense and uniform layer. This layer of ice is then removed by the finishing fluid. One piston held above the finishing liquid by the pressure applied on the ice layer Form.

A mixture of finishing fluid, ice, and brine is continuously added to the separation vessel 110 and the impeller 1 ．． The ice layer is maintained at level 31. The blade 131 is used to scrape the surface of the ice layer. always operates. The scraped ice and salt water adhering to it flow through the first water outlet 136. It is supplied to storage container 112 via.

The ice crystals are modified by the cutting action of the blades. As a result, in the storage container 112 results in larger, more easily expelled ice crystals.

The scraped ice particles fall into the storage container 112, and the accompanying salt water flows into the container 11. It is discharged from 2. In the storage container 112, ice grains fuse with other ice grains to form larger ice cubes. Form grains. The brine drained from the ice falls into the drain 148 and the ice flows into the storage container 11. It can be stored in 2.

When it is desired to transport the ice, the discharged brine is passed through the reflux channel 150. It is returned to the top of the container 112. Additional brine is also supplied to vessel 1 via brine channel 152. 12.

The agitator is then in operation, and the refluxed brine and additional brine are in the agitator 142 level. It is added to the ice at the bell position to help stir the ice and to hold the ice mixture. Or is it? Then, the spiral cone 145 operates, and the ice is sent to the outlet 143 and pumped to a desired position. It will be done.

FIG. 6 also shows another embodiment of the storage and dispensing device 11, in which ice A mixture of water and fresh water is supplied.

Components similar to those in FIG. 5 are designated by the same reference numerals followed by the symbol A. There is.

The embodiment and process shown in FIG. 112A is connected to the first water and liquid inlet 120A rather than the top 138A. It is similar to Figure 5, except that

Also, the new finishing fluid passes through line 154 where it is first cooled in pre-cooler 156. It is guided to the first container 110A. In the second container 112A, fresh water is stored in the precooler 157. It is pre-cooled and introduced into the container via line I58.

The operation of the apparatus of FIG. 6 is as follows. In the storage container, the brine drains from the ice and is returned to the separation container through the reflux path 150A. The water in the storage container is then turned into a liquid The ice was sprayed with fresh water from tube B158 to wash the residual brine and It is discharged and recycled into a separation vessel.

If ice is required, a stirrer is activated. Fresh water and ice mixture from storage container It moves through the spiral cone 145A.

FIG. 7 also shows an embodiment of another ice storage and separation device]1', in which is supplied with a mixture of ice, salt water and fresh water.

Components in this device similar to those shown in FIG. 5 are designated by the same reference numerals. It is shown with a dash.

The apparatus and process of FIG. except that it is introduced via the conduit 151 which is initially cooled in the This is the same as the embodiment shown in FIG.

Note that the fresh water pipe 151 is connected to a spiral cone 145' that discharges water opposite to the water outlet path 143'. Thus, this embodiment provides a brine supply pipe 153 at the outlet 143'. It may be modified as shown in Figure 8 to prevent ice, fresh water and salt water. A mixture remains.

Similar to the embodiment of FIG. They may be connected so as to face A'.

9 and 10 show alternative embodiments of the vane assembly of FIGS. 1-8, Components similar to those shown in Figure 1 are indicated by the symbol C next to the reference numeral. There is.

In this example, assembly 30G is floating on the surface of the ice. This assembly 30G is Except that the shaft 34C is slidably disposed in the bearing 54 of the morph 3BG. This is similar to those shown in FIGS. 1 to 8. The shaft 34G has a groove 56 extending in the longitudinal direction. The key 58 is slidably connected to the drive shaft 60 . Each blade 32G A horizontally extending 66 is mounted on the cutting edge 64 of the trailing edge 62.

In operation, the ski 66 is on the surface of the ice sheet and the cutting edge 64 of the vane 32G cuts the ice sheet. Extends into the ice sheet for cutting. When the ice sheet rises or falls, vane assembly 3 0G rises or falls within the range defined by 56 and key 5B. container When filled with ice and liquid, assembly 30G is at its maximum height and the limit switch is Switch 68 operates on shaft 32C to drain liquid from the container.

FIG. 11 shows another design example of the blades of the blade assembly, and is shown in FIGS. 1 to 8. It is most suitable for use in the embodiments described above. Here, similar to the one shown in Figure 1 Components are indicated by a reference numeral followed by a symbol.

As shown in FIG. 11, these blades 32D have serrated cutting edges 70. wing Root 32D digs up the ice sheet and destroys the cavity within the ice sheet.

The action of the vanes removes irregularities in the ice sheet and allows water to drain rapidly from the ice sheet.

FIG. 12 shows another embodiment of the present invention, in which the same components as in FIG. is shown with the symbol E attached to it.

In this embodiment, finishing fluid is slowly added to container 12E through central entry passage 72. available. By slowly adding finishing liquid to this container, the solution in the container will be kept stationary. This creates a concentration gradient within the container. Salt water is water Since the salt is also thicker, the concentration of salt will be lower at the bottom of the container than at the top. Container 12H A liquid distributor is located at the top. This distributor distributes fresh water onto the surface of the ice sheet. is sprayed on.

This configuration allows fresh salt-free ice to be obtained relatively quickly.

One spiral cone 76 is shown in this example.

A cone or multiple cones can be used to complete a vane set when a rectangular container is used to finish a cylindrical container. It can be used instead of solid.

If the container in these embodiments is rectangular, this stirrer is the first The vane assembly used in the embodiment shown in FIG. 8 can be replaced.

Figure 13 shows an embodiment of the invention suitable for use on board a ship, as seen in this figure. As such, storage and dispensing device 210 includes a container 212 having a rectangular cross-section.

An ice forming device 216 similar to that disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 739.225. A communicating liquid mixture inlet 214 is connected near the top 218 of the container 212 .

Below this entryway 214 is a level detector 220 which is connected to the container 212. Measure the level height of the liquid inside.

The bottom 222 of the container 212 includes a plurality of stirrers extending across the length of the bottom 222. A stirrer 224 is arranged. These stirrers 224 are placed outside the container 212. morphs 226. The torque measuring device 225 is the stirrer 2 It is linked to 24.

There is a sump 228 depending from the bottom 222 of the container. Finishing fluid inlet 230 and 2 Two liquid outlets 232 , 234 are connected to this sump 228 . one side The liquid outlet 232 is connected to a drain 236 and further connected to the top 218 of the container 212. It is connected to a liquid circulation path 238 that is connected to

The other liquid outlet 234 is adjacent to a sump 228 that is connected to the ice forming device 216. Adjacent is an ice outlet 240 which has a pump 242 therein.

The operation of this device is as follows. First, a mixed liquid is generated in the ice forming device 216. and guided into the container 212. The water level in the container is kept constant, and the salt water is drained from the container. be removed. If the concentration of the salt water is too high, the finishing fluid will pass through the inlet 230. can be added.

The concentration of the brine can be monitored by a temperature gauge. This liquid is drained into the water sump 228. The ice is removed and recycled through liquid outlet 234 to the ice forming device. ice forming device The mixture from 216 continues to flow through container 212 until an ice sheet forms within container 212. Supplied in large quantities.

When ice is needed, the agitator 224 is activated to agitate the ice and remove it from the ice outlet 240. discharge. The ice is then pumped to the desired location.

The torque measuring device 225 measures the torque generated by the stirrer and determines when the torque is a predetermined amount. When increasing above , finishing fluid is added via inlet 230 .

If fresh water is desired instead of salt water, reflux passage 234 can be removed. Alternatively, fresh water can be blown into the top of the container to wash off any salt water stuck to the ice. Wear.

Fresh water is added through finishing fluid inlet 230 when needed. If ice, salt water If a mixture consisting of water and fresh water is required, the fresh water supply line can be The mixed liquid connected to the cone 242 is discharged.

In this example, the upper part of the container has a large space, so there is no possibility of water splashing or spilling. It does not drip and is especially suitable for use on ships.

In addition, the containers shown in Figures 1 to 8 can be sealed when used on board a ship. would have to take into account the expansion of ice under certain circumstances.

1 piece 1n 18Δ 1nΔ international search report I6 Den・i Jinsetsu m++alA@-Shuu (1 噙■-Fist inside・P [: Kogo/G38B1 00578-,-International search report GB 8800578

Claims (43)

[Claims] (1) An ice production device that produces a mixed solution having ice particles in the solution; an ice storage and separation container for storing a mixture of ice and solution and separating the ice from the solution; A liquid mixture having ice particles in the solution is introduced from the ice making device to the container, and the liquid mixture has ice particles. an inlet of the ice mixture for separation in the container into the bed and the liquid bath of the solution; a stirrer disposed within the container and stirring the ice sheet; an ice outlet for discharging the agitated ice from the container; Ice storage and dispensing equipment, with a finishing fluid inlet. 2. The device of claim 1, wherein the stirrer is in the upper part of the container. 3. A device according to claim 1, characterized in that the stirrer is located in the lower part of the container. (4) The device according to claim 1, wherein the container has a rectangular cross section and the stirrer comprises a spiral cone. . (5) The device according to claim 1, wherein the container has a circular cross section and the agitator is a blade assembly. . (6) a second storage container connected to the separation container near the outlet of the agitated ice; , the stirred ice and the salt water adhering to it pass through the stirred ice outlet to the storage. one that is introduced into a storage container and forms an ice sheet therein, and one that introduces a liquid into said storage container. a liquid entry path to the second storage container; means for agitating the ice sheet at the bottom of the storage vessel; and a second agitation means adjacent to the agitation means. 2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: an ice outlet for the storage container. (7) A drainage channel is arranged at the bottom of the storage container and is connected to the inlet channel for the mixed liquid. 7. Apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that the body is recycled to a separation vessel. (8) The agitator has a torque measuring means interlocked with the agitator, and this means 7. Device according to claim 6, characterized in that it controls the amount of liquid introduced through the channel. . (9) The agitator has a torque measuring means interlocked therewith, and this means is connected to the second storage container. 4. A device according to claim 3, characterized in that it controls a valve in the inlet of the inlet. 10. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the vane assembly floats above the surface of the ice sheet. (11) A claim in which each vane of the vane assembly has a ski attached to its trailing edge. The device according to item 10. (12) A groove in which the rotary shaft of the vane assembly slidably engages with the key of the drive shaft of the motor. 11. The device of claim 10, comprising: (13) The device according to claim 6, wherein each blade of the blade assembly has a serrated cutting edge. Place. (14) A liquid that introduces the liquid into the stirred ice in the ice outlet and supplies the ice mixture to the outlet. 2. The device of claim 1, further comprising a body entry passageway. (15) The device according to claim 14, wherein the liquid is salt water. (16) The device according to claim 14, wherein the liquid is fresh water. (17) Introducing the second liquid into the stirred ice in the ice outlet and supplying the ice mixture to the outlet 15. The apparatus of claim 14, further comprising a second liquid entry passageway. (18) A claim characterized in that one of the liquids is salt water and the other is fresh water. The device according to item 17. (19) Further comprising a reflux path operable to reflux the ice mixture from the outlet into the container. 15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the apparatus comprises: (20) Further comprising a reflux path operable to reflux the ice mixture from the outlet into the container. 19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the apparatus comprises: (21) The device according to claim 1, further comprising a discharge path for discharging the liquid from the container. (22) The ice-forming device connected to the drainage channel is further equipped with a circulation channel that circulates the liquid. 2. The device according to claim 1. (23) Claim 1, characterized in that the finishing liquid entry path is located at the lower central portion of the container. The device described. (24) Claim 1, wherein the finishing fluid inlet path comprises a pair of tangentially oriented inlet paths. equipment. (25) introducing a mixture of finely granulated ice and liquid into the separation zone; This mixed liquid is separated into an ice sheet and a liquid bath in a separation zone, stirring the ice sheet in a stirring zone; and discharging the agitated ice from said agitation zone. How to store and distribute. (26) A claim further comprising the step of adding a liquid to the stirred ice to form a mixed liquid. 25. The method described in 25. (27) Claim 2 further comprising the step of refluxing at least a portion of the liquid mixture. The method described in 6. (28) Claim 25 comprising the step of adding a finishing fluid in the storage and separation zone. Method described. (29) characterized in that the finishing liquid is slowly released into the center of the lower part of the liquid bath; 29. The method of claim 28. (30) The stirring zone according to claim 25, wherein the stirring zone moves together with the ice sheet. Method. (31) Claim 2, characterized in that the liquid added to the stirred ice is fresh water. The method described in 6. (32) Claim 2, characterized in that the liquid added to the stirred ice is salt water. The method described in 6. (33) A claim characterized in that the liquids added to the stirred ice are fresh water and salt water. The method according to claim 26. (34) Claim 32, characterized in that the brine is obtained from a liquid bath within the separation zone. or the method described in 33. 35. The method of claim 25, further comprising the step of draining the solution from the bath. (36) Claim 25, characterized in that the stirring zone is located in the lower part of the separation zone. Method described. (37) Claim 25, characterized in that the stirring zone is located in the upper part of the separation zone. Method described. (38) sending the agitated ice to a second storage zone, from the ice in the storage zone; The process further includes the steps of draining the liquid and storing ice in the storage zone. The method according to claim 25. (39) Add liquid to ice, stir this ice in a storage zone, and if more ice is needed. further comprising discharging the ice mixture from the storage zone via the ice transport means. 39. The method of claim 38. (40) The liquid added to the ice recirculates the liquid drained into the storage zone and returns it to the storage zone. 40. A method according to claim 39, characterized in that ice is obtained. (41) Liquid is added to the ice in the storage zone by spraying the ice with salt water. 41. A method according to claim 39 or 40, characterized in that: (42) further comprising the step of circulating the liquid discharged into the storage zone to the separation zone; 40. The method of claim 39. (43) Liquid is added to the ice in the storage zone by spraying the ice with fresh water. 43. A method according to claim 42, characterized in that: