Focusun China

26 - 11 - 2025

Global demand for ice production is rising. Many industries now rely on tube ice machines, including food processing, fisheries, cold-chain logistics, and beverage manufacturing. Focusun Refrigeration has over 20 years of industry experience and a strong record in technical development. The company continues to serve as a trusted supplier of industrial tube ice machines and complete production lines.

However, many buyers still focus only on “daily capacity” and “price.” They often overlook several key factors that influence long-term costs, energy use, and system stability. This guide explains these factors in simple terms. It helps you reduce purchasing risks and improve your overall return on investment.

1.Real Capacity vs. Theoretical Capacity

Every tube ice machine lists its production capacity based on 24-hour continuous operation. Actual output, however, depends on several conditions. Ambient temperature, humidity, inlet water temperature, cooling method, and system configuration all influence final performance.

High-temperature regions often experience a drop in daily output. This drop can reach 10% to 30%. Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Africa often face this issue because their daytime temperatures stay high. High heat places extra load on the refrigeration system and slows ice production.

You can avoid capacity shortages by choosing a machine with 20% to 30% higher output than your requirement. For example, a factory that needs 10 tons of tube ice per day should consider a 12-ton model.

Focusun machines use an optimized evaporator and an enhanced heat-exchange system. These features maintain stable performance under difficult conditions. They help reduce performance loss, increase system durability, and keep ice quality consistent in tropical or desert climates.

2.Refrigeration System Quality Affects Energy Consumption

The refrigeration system is the core of every tube ice machine. Its quality determines energy efficiency, production speed, lifespan, and reliability. The system includes the compressor, condenser, expansion valve, and evaporator. Each component must work correctly to deliver stable cooling and high performance.

Focusun uses internationally recognized brand compressors and pairs them with its own high-efficiency evaporators. All ice-contact surfaces use food-grade stainless steel. This ensures hygienic production and strong corrosion resistance.

A high-quality refrigeration system offers three major benefits:

1)Reduces energy consumption.

2)Extends equipment lifespan.

3)Improves stability during long-term operation.

These advantages allow Focusun tube ice machines to deliver consistent output and lower operating costs, especially for industrial users.

3.Choosing the Wrong Cooling Method

Choosing the wrong cooling system is one of the most common mistakes when purchasing a tube ice machine. Without understanding the operating environment, customers often experience low ice output or high energy consumption.

Air-cooled tube ice machines are ideal for:

1)Well-ventilated areas

2)Moderate ambient temperatures

3)Sites with limited space or difficult water supply

Water-cooled tube ice machines are recommended for:

1)Tropical, high-temperature, or high-humidity regions

2)Food processing and fisheries requiring stable, continuous ice production

Focusun evaluates each customer’s site conditions before making recommendations. The evaluation includes temperature, ventilation, and seasonal patterns. This ensures that each customer receives an efficient and suitable cooling solution.

4.Ignoring Water Treatment Needs

Water quality plays a critical role in the performance and lifespan of a tube ice machine. Hard water is one of the most common challenges that customers encounter. Hard water contains high levels of dissolved minerals. These minerals accumulate inside the evaporator over time. This buildup creates scale, reduces heat transfer efficiency, and slows down ice production.

Hard water can lead to:

1)Evaporator scaling

2)Lower cooling efficiency

3)Longer ice-making cycles

4)Higher energy consumption

5)Increased noise

6)Frequent maintenance and earlier component failure

Your local water source may require one or more treatment solutions:

1)Reverse Osmosis (RO) System:This system removes dissolved minerals, salts, and impurities. It provides clean water that improves ice quality and protects internal components.

2)Water softener:This system reduces water hardness by removing calcium and magnesium ions. It prevents scale formation and keeps the evaporator clean.

3)Multi-stage filtration to remove chlorine, sediments, and particles

Focusun provides water treatment solutions specifically designed for tube ice machines. These systems protect the evaporator, improve stability, and

reduce unplanned downtime.

5.Overlooking After-Sales Support and Spare Parts

A tube ice machine usually operates for 8 to 10 years or more. Strong after-sales support is essential. Many buyers pay attention to price but neglect long-term services.

A reliable supplier should offer:

1)Complete technical documents

2)Remote support and guidance

3)Fast access to spare parts

4)Customized plant layout drawings

Focusun works with reliable distributors in many countries. The company provides factory layout design, installation guidance, remote video commissioning, and quick spare-part delivery. This ensures stable operation throughout the machine’s service life

Conclusion:

Selecting a tube ice machine involves more than checking price and capacity. You must consider environmental factors, technical design, water quality, and service support. Focusun Refrigeration combines industry experience with strong engineering ability and a global service network.