Nickel-Safe Ice Machine Cleaner is a specially formulated
citric/phosphoric product for removing scale deposits from
ice makers having nickel-plated or tin-plated evaporators.
In fact, it was the industry’s first nickel-safe product,
introduced in collaboration with Manitowoc. Usage rate
should be in accordance with the manufacturers instructions
or 5 fluid ounces with one gallon of system water. As the
water is frozen into ice during an ice maker’s cycle, the
naturally occurring dissolved minerals in the water, some
of which can combine to form lime scale, remain behind in
the unfrozen recirculating ice water simply because water
tries to freeze in its pure state. As the cycle continues and
more water is made into ice, the minerals over concentrate
and eventually precipitate as a lime scale deposit. As the
scale begins to form, it creates a physical obstruction that
results in: plugged distribution holes, restricted water flow
and eventually the ice maker will hang-up or jam. Ice harvest
is reduced and eventually the machine will shut down,
requiring service. Once the machine is scaled up, it must be
cleaned, requiring the use of an acid so that the scale can be
dissolved. The acid must be effective in order to dissolve the
scale but it must also be food and equipment-safe.
Nickel-Safe Ice Machine Cleaner
- 1. Turn off refrigeration, shut off water supply and remove
ice from bin. - Remove water trough, water curtain(s), water distribution
tube(s) and other parts that may be scaled with
deposits. - Mix 3 oz. Nickel-Safe Ice Machine Cleaner per gallon of
warm water in plastic container and place components
in solution. Soak the components until they are free
of deposits; for stubborn or thick deposits use a soft
brush to help the dissolving action. - Use above solution to clean storage bin, top, bottom
and side extrusions and other components where
deposits have collected, then rinse cleaned areas with
fresh water. - Replace cleaned components and turn on water.
- To clean evaporator as well as the remaining recirculating
water system, add Nickel-Safe to the water in ice maker
according to the manufacturer’s instructions. If none
are available, use 5 fl. oz. of Nickel-Safe per gallon of
water in the machine. - Allow cleaning solution to circulate for up to 10 minutes;
it may be necessary to recirculate the solution for longer
than 10 minutes to remove heavier and thicker scale
deposits. Be sure all distribution and weep holes are clear.
Drain cleaning solution and flush with fresh water for a
minimum of 30 seconds. After flushing, plug the drain. - Thoroughly rinse bin with clean water after all
components are cleaned. - Return machine to service; discard first batch of ice.
- 1. Turn off refrigeration, shut off water supply and remove