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Ice Plant Test Rig

An ice plant is a refrigeration system that produces ice by removing heat from water using the vapor compression refrigeration cycle and brine as a secondary refrigerant. Ice plants are classified by type of ice produced, cooling method, and capacity, with block ice commonly produced in test rigs. Key components include a compressor, condenser, expansion valve, evaporator, ice cans, and a brine circulating pump, with safety precautions necessary during operation.

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APARNA MOHAPATRA
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50 views4 pages

Ice Plant Test Rig

An ice plant is a refrigeration system that produces ice by removing heat from water using the vapor compression refrigeration cycle and brine as a secondary refrigerant. Ice plants are classified by type of ice produced, cooling method, and capacity, with block ice commonly produced in test rigs. Key components include a compressor, condenser, expansion valve, evaporator, ice cans, and a brine circulating pump, with safety precautions necessary during operation.

Uploaded by

APARNA MOHAPATRA
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Ice Plant Test Rig – Viva Questions and Answers

1. What is an Ice Plant?

An ice plant is a refrigeration system used to produce ice by removing heat from water until it
freezes.

2. What is the working principle of an ice plant?

It works on the vapor compression refrigeration cycle, where a refrigerant extracts heat from water
using brine as the secondary refrigerant. The water cools below 0°C and turns into ice.

3. What is the role of the brine solution in an ice plant?

Brine (a saltwater solution) acts as a secondary refrigerant that circulates around ice cans and
absorbs heat from the water inside the cans.

4. Why is brine used instead of refrigerant directly?

Prevents refrigerant contamination

Has a low freezing point

Economical and safe to circulate

5. What are the types of brine used in ice plants?

Sodium chloride (NaCl) brine

Calcium chloride (CaCl₂) brine

Glycol-based brines

6. What is the classification of ice plants?

Ice plants are classified by:


Type of ice: block ice, flake ice, tube ice

Cooling method: direct or indirect

Capacity: small, medium, or large industrial plants

7. What type of ice is generally produced in a test rig?

Block ice is most commonly produced in a test rig setup.

8. How is ice formed in an ice can?

Water in metal cans is surrounded by cold brine. The brine extracts heat from the water through the
can wall, gradually freezing it into ice.

9. What are the components of an ice plant test rig?

Compressor

Condenser

Expansion valve

Evaporator (brine tank)

Ice cans

Brine circulating pump

10. What is the ideal temperature of brine for ice formation?

Approximately -10°C to -15°C.

11. What is the freezing point of brine?


NaCl brine: up to -21°C

CaCl₂ brine: can go below -40°C depending on concentration

12. Why is agitation or circulation of brine important?

To maintain uniform temperature, improve heat transfer, and ensure even freezing of ice.

13. What factors affect the ice production rate?

Brine temperature

Initial water temperature

Thermal conductivity of can material

Refrigeration cycle efficiency

14. How is the performance of an ice plant evaluated?

Refrigeration effect

Mass of ice produced per hour

COP (Coefficient of Performance)

Freezing time

15. What safety precautions are needed while operating an ice plant rig?

Check for refrigerant/brine leaks


Monitor pressure and temperature gauges

Avoid overfilling ice cans

Handle salt/brine with care to prevent skin irritation

16. What is the difference between direct and indirect ice making?

Direct Ice Making Indirect Ice Making

Refrigerant contacts the water directly Brine is used as an intermediate fluid

Faster cooling Safer and easier to control

More complex design Simpler setup

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