Abstract: An ice storage and distribution unit includes an ice storage and separation vessel for storing a slurry of ice and solution and separating the ice from the solution. An inlet slurry of ice and solution is introduced into the ice storage and separation vessel through an ice slurry inlet. The slurry separates into a bed of ice and a liquid bath of solution in the vessel. An agitator is disposed within the vessel for agitating the bed of ice to obtain substantially free-flowing ice. Ice is then discharged from the vessel through an ice outlet.

Abstract: The invention provides in one of its aspects a thermal storage heat exchanger. The heat exchanger receives through a first input a slurry of fine ice particles in an aqueous solution having a concentration below its eutectic concentration, the ice particles and solution being stored in said heat exchanger as a porous ice bed and a substantially ice-free liquid bath. The heat exchanger also receives heated aqueous solution through a second input and discharges liquid phase refrigerant through the first output. Distribution means are locatable above said ice bed within the heat exchanger to distribute the heated solution evenly through the porous ice bed.

Abstract: An ice-making machine includes a plurality of heat exchangers disposed inside a housing and each having an inlet and an outlet to permit circulation of coolant therethrough. Each of the heat exchangers includes a pair of oppositely directed, corrugated heat exchange surfaces to transfer heat from the fluid within the housing to the coolant. Ice-making regions are disposed between the heat exchangers. These regions each have an inlet and an outlet to enable fluid to circulate therethrough. Blade assemblies are provided in each of the ice-making regions to co-operate with the heat exchangers to inhibit deposition of ice on the heat exchangers. These blade assemblies each include at least one blade of complementary shape to the corrugated heat exchange surfaces to contact respective ones of the surfaces. The blade assemblies are rotatable about an axis generally perpendicular to the plane containing the surfaces.

Abstract: An ice-making machine includes a plurality of heat exchangers disposed inside a housing and each having an inlet and an outlet to permit circulation of coolant therethrough. Each of the heat exchangers includes a pair of oppositely directed, corrugated heat exchange surfaces to transfer heat from the fluid within the housing to the coolant. Ice-making regions are disposed between the heat exchangers. These regions each have an inlet and an outlet to enable fluid to circulate therethrough. Blade assemblies are provided in each of the ice-making regions to co-operate with the heat exchangers to inhibit deposition of ice on the heat exchangers. These blade assemblies each include at least one blade of complementary shape to the corrugated heat exchange surfaces to contact respective ones of the surfaces. The blade assemblies are rotatable about an axis generally perpendicular to the plane containing the surfaces.