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This is the Support Information Sheet for all FahrentecTM ice machine products and services.
We have launched this section for the quality improvement of both our products and services. In this section, information covers the most frequently asked questions and answers. It also has outlined the structural description of our complete services from pre-sales to post-sales.
You are also welcomed to leave us any questions in regarding the problems of your current ice making, processing practice (any brands, or models of ice machine related system) , we will have our specialized engineer to reply your questions in 24 business hours.
Q1: I want to start an ice making business, what factors should I put into consideration at the first? And how do I get ready for one?
At first, there are various types of ice in the market for different uses. Most common applied types are flake ice, tube ice, block ice, and cube ice, each of them requires specialized ice machine for production. FahrentecTM provides complete categories of flake ice machine, tube ice machine, and custom-make the block ice machine to orders.
Then, capacity is the second factor needs to be confirmed. Normally, it depends on your local market demands, and your ice storage capacity. It is always recommended to analyze the exsiting ice facotries in your area first. Or to start with lower rang ice machines like 5T-10t/ day ice makers, enhance to large ice plant later.
We also need to know your power supply, including the voltage/frequency/phase in order to choose the appropriate compressor and motors.
Ambient temperature and water inlet temperature can help us with configuring your system, adjusting performance.
Q2: What are the differences of R404A and R22 refrigerant?
R22 and R404A are two different types of refrigerant gas, they have the similar performance, but they are very different gas and they are not supposed to be mis-used in eaches’ refrigeration system.
R404A gas needs slightly more horse power to be compressed, the R404A ice machine normally has the larger sized components and parts so does the price.
R22 is the greenhouse gas which is confronting the phase out challenge; it has been banned in most western countries, and will be phased out gradually in the globe. Whereas the R404A is the Eco-friendly alternative allowed to be used in all countries and regions.
Q3: What if My power is not as your listed 380V/50Hz/3P?
FahrentecTM has rich experience in handling such cases, we can specially order these non-standard compressors, motors, electric components directly from the manufacturer, in some case they will air freight the goods directly from overseas if there is no production and inventory in China, the cost and production cycle of machine will be more and longer.
Q4: Can I choose preferred brand and model for the compressor of my ice machine?
Yes, FahrentecTM is one of the most active players in Chinese refrigeration industry, We purchase large volume of compressors, components, and parts every year, Through these well-built connections, we can always order compressors of any brand for the lowest prices, however, longer waiting period is normally required.
Q5: What do I need for a turnkey ice plant?
For turnkey project you should always consider in the following parts, ice making machines, ice crusher might be needed for different applications, ice storage bin, and ice delivery system, ice packaging machine.
Q6: What dimension should I choose for the ice storage? And how?
First to confirm the total amount of ice you want to store. Normal volume/ weight ratio for ice storage is 1CBM per 0.45Ton. With this calculation you can easily find out the size you need.
FahrentecTM currently has two lines of ice storage to choose: small capacity of ice bin and large capacity of assembling walk-in cold room. For walk-in cold room, you can have optional cooling system as well. Non-refrigerated cold room’s max shelf-time is 3days, in that case you will have a three days inventory, for the cold room with cooling system, max shelf-time is extended to months.
Q7: Will the performance of ice machine decline, if my location is in hot area?
Temperature is the crucial factor that affects the performance and usage life of all refrigeration systems. FahrentecTM can design the ice machine and adjust the performance per your actual situation, such like installing the CIC modular for the compressors, and special standard condensers in critical ice making condition.
For the condenser, the water cooling type is suggested in general applications below ambient temperature of 42 degrees Celsius, due to its outstanding cooling capacity and stability.
The air condenser is simple, quiet, and compact, however, in some high temperature working condition the performance will decline, and we will need to adjust the system, the cost for air condensed ice machine is about 6% higher than the water cooling type.
Evaporative condenser is widely used in the extreme working conditions, it is also the most powerful and efficient cooling type and is abound 20% more expensive than water cooling type.
Q8: What if I want to produce ice for human consumption, and my water quality is very poor?
FahrentecTM has tube ice machines in production for human consumption, each of these plant comes with one filter from factory. However, these filters are only for filtering water to protection of water circulation, distribution and pumps, you will need the RO normally for this needs. We can outsource the OR water filtration device for you according to the feedback of our previous customers.
Q9: I want to buy a generator for the ice machine, what capacity should I choose?
Please choose the generator which is 2.5- 3 times of the ice maker
Q10: How do I clean the ice machine and evaporator?
All FahrentecTM ice machines are washable, we have designed the automatic self-cleaning program in PLC, apply the food grade sanitizer in water tank, just push the button, simply done!
Q11: What is the usage life of FahrentecTM ice machine?
FahrentecTM ice machines are designed for usage life up to 20 years under regular maintenance and proper operating manner.
Q12: We are located in the coastal area, will equipment goes corroded?
FahrentcTM ice machines are all finished with 3 layers oven-baked anti-corrosive paint, and hot galvanized steel, stainless steel, so corrosion is maximally prevented.
Q13: How do I install the ice machine?
FahrentecTM ice machines and refrigeration systems require installation in different degrees of labor involvement, however, we have utilized the modular-design concept in the full range of our ice machine and refrigeration systems, they all are ski-mounted or containerized. Only few connection works are required in between these modular, the detailed user care and operating manual is provided along with the ice machines, also the video clips, photo illustrations, and real time online or phone support by our specialized engineer.
As optional, we can send our engineer over for onsite instruction, this is part of our free service but the relevant Visa fees, return way tickets, food, accommodation, communication, transportation, security are due on clients
Q14: Are there any warranty?
All of our ice machines and custom-design refrigeration systems come with 18 months full parts warranty.
Under normal usage, when the machine breaks down due to defects or system designing failure within the warranty period, FahrentecTM supplies the replacement at free charge of cost and freight. Reacting time is limited in 48Hours.
Under normal usage, when the machine breaks down due to defects or system designing failure beyond the warranty period, FahrentecTM supplies the replacement at factory cost plus freight. Reacting time is limited in 48Hours.
When machine breaks down due to the damage caused by improperly operating manner, or violation to the instructions which were specified in user manual, regardless validity of warranty, FahrentecTM supplies the replacement at factory cost plus freight. Reacting time is limited in 48Hours.
Q15: How long is the shipping lead-time?
The shipping lead-time is around 25 Working days (44 calendar days) after the receipt of first deposit. However, FahrentecTM also custom-make the large refrigeration and cooling systems, these larger system has various and longer production cycle depending on individual cases.
Q16: Can I buy any spares? Or where can I get the parts?
For all FahrentecTM ice machines we offer free consumables in the package, including some fixture, rings, rubber wears. We also have the paid spares which are capable to cover the first 10 years of your operation.
Q17: Can I start the machine once I have it arrived?
No, the compressor of ice machine must be connected to the power for at least 4 hours so the crank case can be heated automatically to a temperature which is 5 degrees higher than ambient temperature for oil heating and lubrication.