Service
Ice machine Operation (all models)
Follett’s ice machine consists of four distinct functional systems:
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Refrigeration system
§
Water system
§
Harvesting system
§
Electrical control system
These four systems work together to accomplish the production and harvesting of ice. A problem in any one of these
systems will result in improper operation of the entire ice production cycle. When troubleshooting the ice machine,
it is important to analyze the entire system operation to determine which system is not functioning properly, then
pinpoint the component within that system that is malfunctioning. Determine what corrective action must be taken
before making any adjustments or replacing any components.
The icemaking process
The Follett ice machine uses a stainless steel jacketed
evaporator and operates on a continuous freezing
cycle. Water is supplied to the evaporator from the
water reservoir where the water level is controlled by
a float valve. This valve also shuts off the water supply
when the ice machine is not running.
When the ice machine is running, a layer of ice forms
on the interior surface of the evaporator. This ice is
continuously removed by a slowly rotating (12 RPM)
auger. The auger carries the ice upward into the
cavity formed by the top bearing housing and the
compression loop, where it is compressed to remove
excess water. When the ice reaches the desired
hardness it rotates within the cavity and is forced
through a discharge port and compression nozzle and
into the ice transport tube. The discharge tube and
compression nozzle are slightly restricted to further
compress the ice and produce the desired hardness.
Note: MFD series flake ice machines have no
compression nozzle. As the formation of ice continues,
ice in the transport tube is pushed through the tube to
the storage compartment in the ice dispenser or ice
storage bin.
A solid state control board located in the electrical
box of the ice machine controls the normal operation
of the ice machine and monitors gearmotor torque.
This control board will shut down the ice machine should an over-torque condition occur. It is very important that
you familiarize yourself with the operational sequences detailed in this manual before attempting to service the ice
machine.
water
inlet
auger
compression nozzle
ice transport tube
evaporator
port
Harvest system diagram
20.
Continue to make ice with
Solution B for 20 minutes.
21.
Turn power to ice machine OFF.
22.
Disconnect ice transport tube from evaporator outlet port. Rinse ice compression nozzle and drain lines in clean
water and reinstall on evaporator outlet. Reconnect ice transport tube to ice compression nozzle.
23.
Drain any remaining
Solution B from evaporator.
24.
Fill reservoir almost to overflowing with 120 F (49 C) clean water to rinse. Drain. Repeat two more times. Re-
clamp pinch clamp, replace drain plug, and re-secure drain tube
ensuring that end of drain tube is above water
level in reservoir
.
25.
Open water supply valve (or unblock float) and replace reservoir cover; restore power to ice machine and ensure
compressor switch is in ON position. Make ice for at least 15 minutes to flush any remaining
Solution B from
system (RIDE ice machines with long ice transport hoses may take longer to flush out). Discard this ice and all
ice made during sanitizing.
26.
Reinstall all parts and replace any panels removed prior to cleaning.
T400A/W, MCD400A/W, R400A/W, MFD400A/W, D400A/W Ice Machines 19
