Posts in category: Ice Systems

While at first glance it may seem like the amount of ice used to cool something doesn’t need to be precise and can just be approximated, that is not true at all! Using too little ice will result in inadequate cooling that could completely compromise the quality and integrity of the product. Meanwhile, using too much ice will needlessly raise costs, reduce efficiency, and could also potentially result in incorrect cooling. Thus industrial ice scales and weighing equipment are a fundamental part of cooling and freezing system. Let’s take a look at what they are and what factors go into selecting the best one for a given system.

What Are Ice Scales?

Ice scales are weighing equipment that measures the weight of ice. SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC has a full line of high quality, dependable ice scales and weighing equipment. We have two main series: the Batch Scale (BS) series and the Concrete Batch Scale (CBS) series. Each series has two different sizes:

• BS-150: The BS-150 weighs up to 150 pounds of ice in its hopper. The delivery rate is approximately 25 tons per hour.
• BS-300: This scale weighs up to 300 pounds of ice in its hopper. The delivery rate is approximately 45 tons per hour.
• CBS-800: This scale weighs up to 800 pounds. It operates with a right hand and left hand discharge.
• CBS-2000: This scale weighs up 2000 pounds. It also operates with a right hand and left hand discharge.

These different scales are used to reliably measure out desired amounts of ice as needed for a particular cooling project.

Why Are Ice Scales Important?

As stated above ice scales and weighing equipment play a crucial role in any cooling and freezing system in which they are found. They are important because they ensure that food products such as produce, fish, and meat, etc. stay at the safe, correct temperature while they are being stored and transported. Meanwhile many other applications such as concrete cooling and other project requiring ice also require relatively precise amounts for best results.

The ice scales work by allowing users to select a predetermined weight. Once the scale reaches that weight it starts a chain reaction. A series of timers start shutting down all related equipment within the system. This allows the system to go into a clean out mode to make sure that there is no ice left in the delivery system.

All of that boils down to one thing. The machines measure out the appropriate amount of ice, and then that ice gets delivered where it is needed. In that way ice scales and weighing equipment form one of the most crucial parts of the entire system.

How to Get the Right Equipment for Your Needs

Now that you know what they are, why they’re important, and how they work, you may be wondering how you can get the machine that is right for your business. SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC helps clients select industrial ice scale and weighing equipment that best fit their own particular needs. Our systems are fully customizable and can tailored to best reflect the demands of a client’s particular business. Please contact us for more information.

SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC understands that each of clients has a unique business with its own set of unique needs and demands. Even businesses within the same industry may have different resources, priorities, and conditions that call for slightly different industrial cooling systems. SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC offers customizable freezing and cooling systems for your business. That means that you get to purchase the equipment that you need because it will be customized for you.

Aspects of Freezing and Cooling Systems that Are Customizable

There are many different aspects of freezing and cooling equipment that can be customized at SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC. Each bit of customization allows for a unique piece of equipment that will be able to serve your business better. As you customize it, you are making sure that it fits the exact needs of your business. Some of the aspects that can be customize include but are not limited to:

• The General Type of System – You get to choose the system that you need, be it a cooling system or freezing system, ice blower or crusher, industrial cooler, or anything else. If you are unsure what system best fits your needs we can also help advise you.
• The Size and Capacity of the System – Some businesses need large freezers or cooling systems, while others don’t need such a large capacity and may be more concerned about getting something that can efficiently handle smaller loads. At SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC, you get to choose the size of your freezing and cooling system.
• The Temperature Requirements – Just as not all businesses are exactly same, not all products have to be kept at the same temperature. That means that you need to be able to customize what the temperature requirements are for your equipment.
• The Level of Automation – You can also customize how automated the system is. Some businesses may require an almost completely automated system whereas others need less automation and may prefer to take a more active role. Systems may be designed that automatically shutdown after a period of idleness or that will automatically dispense ice as needed.
• The Parts and Components Used – You also get to select the parts that are used. You get to choose the quality and type of parts. All of the specs are for you to choose.
• The Accessories – Finally, you also get to choose what accessories you add to the equipment, adding or removing features as desired.

With SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC the customization is almost endless. We will help you get the exact system that you need.

How to Get Your Customized Freezing and Cooling Systems

Now that you know there is an option to get what you need and no more or no less, you are probably wondering how you can get your customized machine. Thankfully, it is quite simple. SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC strives to provide our customers with the highest quality equipment and services. This means that all you have to do is give us a call to get started. We will put you on the right track to getting your very own customized freezing and cooling systems.

If you work in an industry that needs to produce a large volume of snow, ice, or slush for any application, then you know how important it is to maintain your ice crushers and ice blowers properly. These important pieces of equipment are the lifeblood of your operation, whether they are helping you to cover a hillside in snow or setting up for an event that requires a heavy application of cold weather comfort. Manufacturers like SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC understand that your needs vary a lot from job to job, and we also understand that you want to get the most out of your investments, which is why we provide detailed maintenance instructions and other pillars of support that help you to get the most out of your ice crushers and blowers over their lifetime.

Ice Crusher Service and Support

The most important step in maintaining any industrial equipment is setting up your service plan so that you know you’re getting the maintenance you need. This includes both establishing a regular routine that allows you to get preventative tune-ups and regular replacements for parts that have definitive limits on their recommended useful life. It also positions you to have the best possible knowledge of any issues that might be developing in your ice crushers. Working with a regular service provider recommended by a manufacturer like SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC means that your repair records will also be more complete, allowing each new technician you work with the opportunity to review the history of the work done on your equipment.

Working with your manufacturer’s suggested network of service technicians also means that you won’t need to worry about whether the technicians you hire are certified for the exact models and manufacturers that you use, so it helps to streamline your selection process when you are first searching for service. That pays off when it’s time for repairs, because you won’t have to worry about where to go or who will do the repair. As an alternative, you can always hire your own on-site technician, which is really helpful for companies whose inventory of ice crushers and blowers or other related industrial equipment is large enough to require full-time service and maintenance. It is important to hire only certified technicians who have trained on the machines you purchased, though, so if you do decide to go for an in-house maintenance specialist, you still do need to ensure that they have the right credentials for your SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC machines.

Maintain Manufacturer Recommendations

Once you have a clear plan for service, it is essential to budget for the time and materials outlined in the individual equipment manual for each of your ice crushers, ice blowers, and related machines. Depending on the use, capacity, and exact function of your machines, there might be a wide variety of regular checkups and operations needed across all of your equipment, and having a ‘one-size-fits-all’ plan for tune ups and other regular inspections can result in some pieces slipping through the cracks. When that happens, it is more likely that you will miss early signs of some problems as they develop, and that can cost you money in repairs.

Plan the Work, Work the Plan

The only way to get the most out of your ice machines is to keep to a plan that acknowledges all of your equipment needs, parts, and other supporting resources. That way, your machines will always be able to crank out the right amount of ice and snow for any occasion. Properly maintained equipment that is held to a schedule brings a variety of benefits, including:

• More predictable expenditures
• Advance warning for unforeseen expenses, allowing better staging
• Reliable, quality maintenance from a provider you trust
• Better use of each machine’s maintenance history in assessing and repairing ongoing issues
• Longer peak performance lifetimes for your machines

SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC and other ice crusher manufacturers don’t make these maintenance recommendations lightly. Since poor maintenance and inexperienced service can lead to problems that further damage your machines or even injure your workers, it is vital to be sure that your service plan is comprehensive, and that it follows all the right guidelines. If you need assistance with maintenace and repair issues please contact us so that we can help.

If you are in the entertainment or snow-making industries, you need an ice crusher and blower system. This equipment is heavy duty, and can be used over long periods of time. At SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC you are able to design the exact ice crusher and blower system that you need. If you need high capacity, fast output, or a certain fuel type, SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC can help you get exactly what you’re looking for. In order to know what you need, you first have to know what is out there and how it can serve your business.

What Ice Crushers and Blowers Are

Ice crushers and blowers are actually two separate machines. Your business may call for one, the other or a combination.

• Ice Blower – Ice blowers are commonly used to make it look like it is snowing, such as for a video or photoshoot. A motorized fan propels crushed ice into the air. The blower’s design, fan, and motor can be adjusted to change the distance the ice is propelled and the output. SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC wants to make sure that you get exactly the system that you need.
• Ice Crusher – The ice crusher does exactly what the name suggests. It crushes ice. This machine tends to be large, but it is still quite simple. Ice is fed into the machine and pushed along towards the crushing mechanisms. The crusher has blades which a motor turns. These blades crush the ice and feed it back out of the machine. This gives you snow-like ice particles.
• Crusher-Blower Combination – It’s fairly easy to see that these two machines would work great together. Ice blowers need a supply of crushed ice, and ice crushers can provide that supply. This will allow you to have a longer-lasting snowing effect. Having the blower also means you do not have to shovel the crushed ice up.

If you need an ice blower or an ice crusher, chances are you want a combination. It will give you a better use of your crushed ice, and it makes for some great effects.

Customizing Ice Crushers and Blowers

Because every business is not the same, it is important for ice crushers and blowers, like other machinery, to be versatile. Some of the many options that exist for ice crushers and blowers include the following:

• Size and capacity – You can get a machine that can hold up to 300 pound blocks of ice or even 400 pounds.
• Output speed – You can get a machine with an output as low as about 25 tons per hour all the way to speeds of 2000 pounds per minute.
• Cost – With the different options you can choose to get or not get, there is a wide range of cost as well. This means that you can find something in your price range, no matter what that is.
• Maintenance – You can choose what fuel type it is and what type of mounting is required.
• Blowing Distance – As discussed earlier, these machines can be set to blow shorter or longer distances. Some machines can even propel ice to distances of 300 feet.
• Ice Type – You can also get machines that crush different types of ice—cubes, blocks, fragments or tubes.

Contact SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC for Assistance

Contact SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC to get the machine that’s right for you. We can help you build the perfect system for your business. Don’t settle for getting a cookie cutter machine; build your own customized ice crusher and/or blower today.

Ice is a resource that is used more than many people realize. In addition to any ice that a homeowner uses around his or her house, ice is necessary in the transportation and storage of all kinds of food. Where does it all come from? It depends on the company, but with all the different kinds of ice that are available, it’s safe to say that most ice comes from a machine that received a package from a bulk ice company. Industrial-sized machines designed to distribute huge amounts of ice quickly are designed slightly different than the ice machine you’re likely to run into at the grocery store or gas station. Many of these industrial machines have a part not always found on smaller machines: an ice rake. It might not seem like much at first glance, but rakes are a crucial and beneficial part to creating and maintaining sanitary and affordable ice for all kinds of uses.

What Are Ice Rakes?

Ice rakes are often found in bulk ice storage systems. Although there may be slightly different types depending on the bin being used, most are similar in appearance and function. The rakes are spaced between motorized components to move endlessly over the length of a bin, or at least until the bin registers as full. Even when described in detail, many people envision these rakes as being fairly small. However, the bin itself is usually the size of an entire room, and the rake is designed to span the length of the bin, and often the width, as well.

How They Are Used

Large ice bins and rakes are usually reserved for use by the packaged ice industry, operations involving large food service, or for poultry and seafood. Those businesses that need the ability to quickly package and ship ice to customers benefit most from a bin and rake that can produce tens to hundreds of tons of ice quickly. The bin itself is used for the storage of the ice until it needs to be packaged. The ice rake helps to distribute the ice evenly so the bin does not become uneven. In addition to assisting in the filling of a bin, this helps to distribute ice out for easier packaging. Many systems are designed to expose only a certain amount of ice at a time so that bins do not become overloaded or overflow once the doors are opened. Best of all, rakes automate the packaging process, which allows the ice to be packaged much quicker than if it were all completed by hand. This saves time and money, leading to a more affordable product for the end-user.

Benefits to Ice Rakes

There are many different kinds of ice machines, so what exactly are the advantages of using a machine with an ice rake? First of all, a rake automates the ice delivery process so that it can transported directly to wherever it needs to go. The continuous design means that it will work for as long as a business needs it to work, or until the bin becomes full.

A second benefit to these rakes—and probably the most important—has to do with sanitation. Each part is carefully designed to prevent the buildup of mold and other problems associated with ice storage. Because it also automates the packaging and transport of ice, there is no need for human hands to touch the ice until it is delivered to the point of use. This basically keeps the ice pure and clean until it needs to be used.

A third benefit to ice rakes is their durability and dependability. Most rakes are made out of high-quality parts, self-leveling abilities, and sensors. From galvanized components to heavy-duty chains, these rakes are designed to move ice for as long as you need to and not cause hang-ups. Many rakes will even automatically shut off once they sense that a bin is full.

Why Are They so Important?

What is so crucial about ice rakes? Do they even matter? If you take the rakes away, you slow the ice packaging and distribution process down considerably. There are many different businesses that depend on a daily import of ice in order to keep their goods fresh for their customers. Ice rake and bin systems are often responsible for the storage and preparation of up to 400 tons of ice. What happens when 400 tons of ice need to be distributed by human hands instead of an automated machine? The ice does not get packaged as quickly, which ends up taking more time and, ultimately, more money. This then translates to a higher price the end-user must pay for the product. If that end-user is a business, it also means that the business must now charge their customers extra for their products because their overhead costs are higher.

Ice rakes keep ice moving quickly for efficient packaging and delivery to customers or the point of use. This also helps to limit the number of hands that are coming in contact with the ice before it is used, which assists in keeping it sanitary.

Ultimately, ice rakes are an essential component of the bulk ice industry. It keeps the ice moving for easy packaging and delivery directly to the point of use, in many cases. When you are moving hundreds of tons of ice every day, it’s important to move it efficiently and in a manner that keeps the ice clean. After all, much of that ice is likely to come in contact with food that people will be eating. Ice rakes and bins basically save the ice industry time and money, which translates to savings to the end-user. Rakes are one of the most important pieces of bulk ice production that most people don’t often think about.

Producers are well aware of the current expenses involved in creating a quality, believable movie, as well as the often limited funds for making these movies. While in the past, producers had to choose between real weather conditions for authenticity and artificial conditions that didn’t match the real thing, special effects have evolved in their ability to recreate reality in a believable way. Ice crushers and ice blowers are one important way that the entertainment industry is able to save money without sacrificing quality.

Production Schedules

Movies and TV shows are filmed at very specific times in order to meet the needs of networks and promoters. TV shows often film their winter scenes by mid-fall at the latest, and a wide variety of them film on set in Burbank instead of at the location the series portrays. Movies, likewise, often have a particular filming schedule that can’t be altered. This is due to a myriad of factors such as individual actor’s promotional commitments and side projects, and, for big budget films, when the film is most likely to have the largest viewership when it hits theaters. Non-serious action movies are generally released in the summer months, while any movie that might make the Oscar nomination list is released in fall through the end of the year. It goes without saying that these schedules may not always line up with weather conditions. Ice blowers and ice crushers bring real weather conditions to sets at the exact moment the producers and directors want them.

Special Effects

Ice blowers and ice crushers also allow a production team to create special effects that are completely within their control. Because these machines use actual water to create these effects, they can position things in exactly the right places in order to get the results they want. Ice crushers make real snow conditions, and ice blowers can both blow these conditions and create strong winds as desired. The machines are never visible on camera due to their expert positioning. When actors deliver lines, they often have to take several takes in order to get the scene just right. If the actors are supposed to give the impression that their characters are walking through freshly laid snow, or snow that has not been previously tread upon, ice crushers and blowers can give this effect by putting down a fresh layer of snow with each take. Similarly, since the snow is real, as well as any wind conditions from the blower, the characters will react in a natural manner that helps solidify the effects’ believability.

Still Shots

Ice blowers and crushers are also valuable commodities for still frames in modeling shots. Models often pose in sets related to the weather conditions for the clothes they wear, such as Fair Isle sweaters or ski attire in winter. While it is sometimes possible to take these frames in actual snow conditions or in fake snow without any water properties, for high-end shots the crew will want to make the still frames as realistic and manageable as possible. Ice crushers and blowers allow the set to be entirely safe, which is especially important for anyone modeling clothing in a high-pressure environment or in clothing that may not represent the weather. Photographers are able to position the snow conditions in the perfect location for the best lighting, incline and backdrop.

The entertainment industry is always looking for ways to cut expenses that won’t cut the quality of their projects. Ice crushers and ice blowers help save the entertainment industry money by creating real weather conditions at the exact place and time that they want them. This equipment prevents cast and crew from having to arrange their schedules around hopeful weather effects, which cuts down on production time and unnecessary expenditures. SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC manufactures high quality, dependable ice crushers and ice blowers that are ideal for use in the entertainment industry. Contact us for more information.

In past articles we have discussed the advantages of using ice to cool fish, as well as the different factors that affect seafood cooling rates. In today’s article we will turn our attention to how to calculate the amount of ice needed to properly chill fish to 0°C (32°F). In addition to the basic formula and rule of thumb for calculating ice amounts, we will also take a look at a couple of additional factors which may influence how much ice is needed for the trip.

The Importance of Correct Estimation

Accurately estimating the amount of ice needed for a fishing trip is crucial and walking the line between having too much and having too little may be difficult. Space is at a premium on most fishing vessels. If the fishermen bring too much ice they may not have enough space for fish and other cargo and they will incur needless extra expenses. On the other hand if they do not bring enough ice it may all melt before they can return to shore or it may be insufficient to cool the caught fish to a safe temperature. This can result in spoiling and a completely wasted, expensive trip. These problems can be avoided by considering the following.

Basic Formula and Rule of Thumb

The following chart shows the amount of ice needed to lower 10kg (22.04lbs) of fish to 0°C (32°F) for various starting temperatures of the fish.

• 3.4kg (7.5lbs) of ice for 30°C (86°F) fish
• 2.8kg (6.2lbs) of ice for 25°C (77°F) fish
• 2.3kg (5.1lbs) of ice for 20°C (68°F) fish
• 1.7kg (3.8lbs) of ice for 15°C (59°F) fish
• 1.2kg (2.7lbs) of ice for 10°C (50°F) fish
• 0.6kg (1.3lbs) of ice for 5°C (41°F) fish

Thus for 10kg of fish at 30°C it will require 3.4kg of ice to lower the temperature to 0°C. These same formulas can be adjusted for different amounts of fish. For example if the weight of fish caught is 100kg and the fish are at a temperature of 30°C then it will call for 34kg of ice. This works out to roughly a 3:1 ratio of fish to ice.

However, it is crucial to note that the amounts of ice given by the calculations above are only to lower the fish to initial temperatures of 0°C. They do not take into consideration the amount of ice needed to maintain that 0°C for the duration of the trip. Nor do the calculations account for ice that will be lost to melting. These circumstances will vary based on the circumstances in play for a given trip and boat. Instead a loose rule of thumb for calculating how much ice will be needed is to assume about a 1:3 ratio of fish to ice (the opposite of the previous 3:1 fish to ice ratio) if the fishing expedition is taking place in a tropical climate.

Consider the Size of the Fish

Another important consideration to determine the amount of ice that will be needed for a fishing trip is the size of the fish that will be caught. Naturally as shown above the more fish caught the more ice will be needed to safely cool them. However, besides the pure weight of fish itself, the size of the individual fish is also a factor. That is because it requires more ice to cool larger, thicker fish because the fish themselves do not cool as quickly and efficiently as smaller, thinner fish.

Consider the Length of the Trip

A fishing trip that lasts a day or two is quite a bit different than one that lasts more than a week. Naturally the longer the vessel is out to sea the more ice is needed on hand to compensate for melting. Likewise longer duration trips may yield more fish which would require more overall ice to cool. Along the same the lines a trip that goes further out to sea may need more ice than a closer-to-shore trip since it will be more difficult to cut a long distance trip short if capacity is met early or if something else happens.

Consider the Storage Conditions

Finally, the storage conditions on the boat are also a crucial factor for calculating the amount of ice needed. If the storage hold is well insulated and double lined it will hold in cool temperatures and keep out warm temperatures vastly more effectively than a non-insulated hull and will thus not require as much ice to get the job the done. The type of ice being used is another important factor.

SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC understands how important it is to have a trustworthy and reliable cooling system in place on board fishing vessels. We manufacturer and install industry-leading systems and equipment that can be customized to fit the space considerations, capacity needs, and other specs of our clients. We are committed to providing outstanding ice and cooling systems.

The entertainment and movie industry is all about creating authenticity. Often times that involves reproducing an environment that requires ice, snow, or other cold, wintery themes. It could be a movie that takes place during Christmas, a scene that focuses on winter sports like skiing or snowboarding, or perhaps the characters are merely supposed to deliver their performance over a backdrop of snow or ice. However, just because the story calls for snow and ice doesn’t mean that Mother Nature will cooperate. That’s where industrial ice crushers and blowers come into play.

Saving Money on Location Costs

Big budget movies may have the funds available to fly the entire cast and crew off to some exotic wintery vista; however, for smaller productions or brief, fleeting scenes it may simply not be in the budget. Industrial ice crushers and ice blowers can come to the rescue by quickly providing a man-made set that rivals the real thing without pricey travel and relocation costs.

Providing Authentic Scenery and Landscape

Just because the ice and snow produced by industrial equipment is manmade that doesn’t make it artificial. Industrial ice crushers and ice blowers create actual flaked snow and ice that will look and behave just like the kind that falls from the clouds. This ensures that the scenery looks authentic and behaves appropriately when it is interacted with by actors or props. This typically provides a much better option than artificial substances that may not melt, clump, or ball as they are supposed to.

Creating Great Special Effects

Some scenes may call for special effects such as a snowy gust of wind or a bank of snow blowing out as something crashes into it. Industrial blowers are ideal for this type of special effect since they can deliver impressive blowing force and distance and help capture the effect perfectly. They can also be used for a variety of other great special effects as needed.

Enhancing Safety

Out in nature snow and ice can be very unpredictable and dangerous. Actors or even professional stuntmen can easily be harmed by hidden rocks, uneven layers or snow, or unexpected clumps. By creating the snow and ice with industrial equipment such factors can be taken into consideration and the entire scene can be optimized for safety.

Adding Control

Even if a movie can be filmed in a wintery paradise, there is certainly no guarantee that the natural environment will cooperate with the production schedule. Unseasonably warm days still occur and just because snow was expected doesn’t mean it will actual form. Industrial ice crushers and ice blowers can add that extra degree of control that will keep production on schedule and ensure that everything is just as it should be in terms of ice and snow.

SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC designs and manufactures high quality, dependable industrial ice crushers and ice blowers that are ideal for use in the entertainment industry. Our specialists will work closely with you to create a system that perfectly fits your needs.

Ice crushers and ice blowers are an integral part of the entertainment and snow-making industries. These heavy duty, hard-working pieces of equipment are carefully designed and constructed to stand up to the demands of high capacity, physical strain, and prolonged daily use. They are also very versatile and can be custom designed to fit a range of different requirements. Let’s take a closer look at industrial ice crushers and ice blowers.

What Are Ice Crushers and Ice Blowers?

Let’s begin by discussing what ice crushers and ice blowers are and why they are so commonly discussed together.

• Ice Crushers – Despite their size and high capacity ice crushers are actually relatively simple pieces of machinery. This in part is one of the reasons that they are so dependable. Ice is dropped into the feeder apron which then channels the ice into the crusher’s inner workings. Meanwhile a motor is turning the crusher’s blades which in turn crush the ice and feed it back out of the machine in the form of snow-style ice particles.
• Ice Blowers – Ice blowers use a motorized fan to propel crushed ice, often up to very long distances and at high capacities. By adjusting the ice blower’s design, fan, and motor the unit can be customized to blow for shorter or longer distances and at varying outputs as needed.
• Ice Crusher-Blower Combinations – Within the industrial cooling industry it is very common to build ice crushers and ice blowers into one combination unit. That is because most ice blowers will naturally need a supply of crushed ice to blow and also because the addition of an on-board blower removes the need to shovel the crushed ice produced by the crusher.

What Options Exist For Ice Crushers and Ice Blowers

Ice crushers and blowers are very versatile and can be custom designed and built with many specifications in mind. This allows them to best serve the industry demands of the particular customer who is buying them. Some of the various options include:

• Fuel Type – Ice crushers and blowers can be built to run on various fuel types. Two of the most popular are diesel and electric.
• Feed Ice Capacity – Ice crushers vary in how much feed ice they can handle at a given time. Units are often built to handle up to 300 pound blocks of ice; although, some units can even handle up to 400 pound blocks.
• Feed Ice Type – Ice crushers are usually built to crush ice in block form. However, some units are designed to be more versatile and may be able to crush blocks, cubes, fragments, and tubes of ice as well.
• Output Capacity – Ice crushers also vary in terms of the amount of output capacity they have. Units vary from relatively small output capacity to up to 25 tons per hour, or even 60 tons per hour – a whopping 2,000 pounds per minute! This ensures that there will be an ice crusher/blower able to meet every customer’s output demands.
• Blowing Distance – Ice blowers that are a part of a crusher-blower combination can often blow crushed ice an impressive 70 to 80 feet. However, some customers need even larger distances and specialized blowing units can even attain distances of up to 300 feet.
• Mounting – Ice crushers and blowers are used in a range of different industries with many different demands. In some cases a more permanent or long-term mounting may be desired, while in others it could be imperative for the unit to be able to move or relocate easily. Ice crushers and blowers can be skid mounted, trailer mounted, or built on wheels for easy portability.

SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC prides itself on its high quality, versatile ice crushers and blowers. We will custom design units to fit our customers’ needs and we use strong, high quality industrial steel. We also paint the units with industrial enamel designed to help improve performance, prolong life, and resist rusting and corrosion.

Slush ice systems play a critical role in the US and global Food Industry. They help maintain the quality of food while adapting to a range of different demands, needs, and concerns. Slush ice systems are also very versatile and are used in a diverse range of environments such as fishing boats, warehouses, industrial facilities, and more. In this article we’ll highlight some of the key ways slush ice systems serve the food industry as well as what capabilities these systems feature.

What Is Slush?

Slush ice is a mixture of tiny ice crystals and water. The tiny ice crystals are essentially snow ice and together with the water they form a liquid slurry. Slush may be intentionally created with the use of machinery and human intervention or it may occur naturally in nature as a result of partially melted ice and snow.

How Do Slush Ice Systems Benefit Food?

Slush ice systems are used extensively in the food industry for many different types of food including fruits, vegetables, and other produce, as well as fish, shellfish, poultry and other meats. Slush ice systems bring a number of important benefits to these foods including:

Prevention of Spoilage – Many types of food, particularly fish and seafood begin to go bad almost immediately if they are not iced down as soon as they are caught. This makes slush and ice systems crucial because without them the food product would never be able to reach end consumers without spoiling

Extension of Shelf Life – Not only do slush systems help prevent spoilage, but in many cases they can dramatically extend shelf life. This makes it possible for grocery stores to display food longer and gives consumers more time to eat it after it’s been purchased.

Preserves Taste – Another major benefit to food from slush ice systems is that slush ice helps maintain freshness and preserve taste. Some slush ice systems use salt in the water, which can affect the food’s taste and raise sodium levels. However, many slush ice systems, including SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC’s Sno Pac line, do not use any salt at all, thereby preserving the purity of the taste.

Protects Nutrients – Slush ice systems also benefit the growing consumer trend toward healthier, more nutritious food choices because slush ice helps lock in nutrients and vitamins and keeps food healthy and natural without the addition of chemicals or preservatives.

What Are the Advantages of Slush over Block or Cubed Ice?

Many of the advantages discussed above are true of ice systems in general. However, slush ice does have some important advantages over non-slush ice such as block ice, cubed ice, etc. Slush ice is able to fully surrounding a food product and cool it very quickly and effectively. The liquid slush is able to get into all crevices and open spaces, ensuring a full, even cooling. Slush ice systems are also very versatile and can be used in a range of different settings for various different needs and purposes.

What Capabilities Do Slush Ice Systems Have?

Easy Drainage – Slush can be easily drained by using boxes and containers with an open, grated bottom. After instantly cooling the food, the water will simply drain through while leaving a blanket of protective snow on the food.

High Capacity – Slush ice systems are available in a full range of different capacity and flow rates. They can effectively be utilized even for industries and settings that demand a very high capacity.

Continuous Flow – Some slush ice systems also feature a continuous flow. This allows the machine to operate steadily and often in an automated fashion by utilizing conveyor belts and automatic dispensers.

Energy Efficient – Energy costs are a concern for most industrial and commercial businesses. Many slush ice systems have been specifically designed with this concern in mind and operate economically and at peak efficiency levels.

Superior Safety – Slush ice systems are also designed to carefully keep all circuitry and electronic components away from the actual water and ice, thereby keeping users safe.

Recapture Systems – Many slush ice systems also employ a recapture system to collect and recycle the used water and ice. This helps keep the system operating as efficiently and economically as possible.

SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC has a range of slush ice systems that it sells through its Sno Pac line of products. These systems have been carefully designed and developed to maximize quality, efficiency, and safety. Our units are available in a range of different capacities and can be customized to fit just about any customer’s slush ice needs.