Service Manual

Part Number: 000015431 Rev 02 6/20 105
Ice Formation Pattern
Evaporator ice formation pattern analysis is helpful in ice
machine diagnostics.
Analyzing the ice formation pattern alone cannot diagnose
an ice machine malfunction. However, when this analysis
is used along with Manitowoc’s Freeze Cycle Refrigeration
System Operational Analysis Tables, it can help diagnose an
ice machine malfunction.
Any number of problems can cause improper ice
formation.
Important
Keep the water curtain, splash shields and ice dampers
in place while checking the ice formation pattern to
ensure no water is lost.
1. Normal Ice Formation
Ice forms across the entire evaporator surface.
At the beginning of the Freeze cycle, it may appear that
more ice is forming on the inlet of the evaporator than on
the outlet. At the end of the Freeze cycle, ice formation
at the outlet will be close to, or just a bit thinner than,
ice formation at the inlet. The dimples in the cubes at the
outlet of the evaporator may be more pronounced than
those on the inlet. This is normal.
It is normal for ice thickness to vary up to 1/16" across the
surface of the evaporator. The ice bridge thickness at the
ice thickness control probe should be at least 1/8".
The ice thickness probe must be set to maintain the ice
bridge thickness at approximately 1/8 in. If ice forms
uniformly across the evaporator surface, but does not
reach 1/8 inch in the proper amount of time, this is still
considered a normal ice fill pattern.