Features & Benefits

With a BERG machine, ice is made on both the inside and outside of a double tapered, stainless steel evaporator tube.      During a timed cycle - normally between five (5) and nine (9) minutes long - ice is frozen and then harvested.      The harvest cycle generally takes thirty (30) to ninety (90) seconds.      This occurs when a refrigerant solenoid valve closes and a hot gas solenoid valve opens, rapidly warming the evaporator tube allowing the ice to slide off by means of gravity.      After the ice slides off the tubes and fragments as it hits the bottom of a perforated trough, a stainless steel screw conveyor discharges the ice.     Unlike the majority of other ice machines on the market, all the components on a standard BERG Shell-Ice Maker coming in contact with ice and/or water are all manufactured from stainless steel or food grade plastic.

     BERG Shell-Ice Makers are available in three basic designs - two air cooled and one water cooled. In addition to an air cooled model with a remote (rooftop) condenser, BERG offers two self- contained, packaged units - air cooled or water cooled - which require only the simple connection of suitable water and electrical supplies to produce ice. The water cooled models can be equipped with marine type condensers suitable for salt water operation. Standard air cooled models are equipped with copper tube-aluminum fin condensers. However, for units which are to be installed near the sea, all copper condensers are supplied at extra cost.

All units are fully tested under estimated load conditions at our plant to ensure they are delivered to the customer capable of producing what they are rated for. Every BERG machine must meet specific ice capacity and quality standards before it is released for delivery to the client. At BERG we actually weigh the ice coming off the machine.      BERG Shell-Ice Makers produce the most versatile ice. By simply turning a dial in the user-friendly control panel, the operator can vary the type of ice produced, in thicknesses from 1/8” to 5/8” or more, to suit particular requirements. Since all the components coming in contact with the water and ice are manufactured from stainless steel or food grade plastic, a standard BERG Shell-Ice Maker will make ice from fresh, or salt water, with only the turn of a dial.

Our findings and experience, as confirmed by independent research groups and users of Shell-Ice, show that Shell-Ice is a “better” ice.

The versatility of being able to choose ice thickness can be very important for some operators - as can the choice of using a softer, colder salt water ice as opposed to a fresh water ice. BERG Shell-Ice Makers provide different ice forms for all types of applications. As well, Shell-Ice handles better than all other types of ice and keeps its superior handling characteristics for a longer period of time. Seatech Investigation Services, Halifax, Nova Scotia, concluded in a recent study commissioned by the Federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans1, that while flake ice was workable for 48 hours1 and crushed block-ice was found unworkable after only 24 hours, Shell-Ice was completely workable through the seven (7) days of the study and could be easily handled and shoveled. Since most ice has to be stored for a few days before being used, it is important to be able to easily handle the ice from storage to where it is required.      So, whether you require ice that is thick or thin, made from fresh or salt water, a standard BERG Shell-Ice Maker can fill all your requirements, by varying the ice type as your individual needs change.      The robust, rugged design of BERG Ice Machines allow for a long life with a minimum of maintenance. Unlike a flake ice machine which incorporates a moving drum or harvest knife which need constant inspection and adjusting, a BERG Shell-Ice Maker has no moving parts in the freezing zone. There is no worry that a harvest knife might gouge the evaporator drum, making it necessary to replace both parts.      The major cost contributor when producing ice is the cost of electricity. A BERG Shell-Ice Maker produces ice more efficiently than other ice machines, requiring less electricity per ton of ice to operate. Depending on the particular model, Shell-Ice can be produced for as little as 40-43 kWh/ton - $2.50 to $3.00 per ton2. As a comparison, flake ice requires an additional 20% or more electricity and ice purchased in bulk costs about $30.00 to $60.00 per ton - bagged ice can cost as much as $300.00 to $400.00 per ton.      A BERG Shell-Ice Maker is the ideal way to satisfy your ice requirements. In addition to offering a reliable and efficient source of inexpensive ice, the user has the capability of matching the ice type produced to specific requirements. You can produce a more versatile ice with the best handling characteristics at a lower cost per ton. Shell-Ice the better ice.

See our Industrial Ice Makers for sizes from 5 to 15 tons.