Water Regulating Valve - Cornelius I-SERIES Training Manual

I-Series Ice Machine Training Manual
Use separate lines for the bin drain and the dump valve drain.
It is usually not necessary to filter incoming condenser water.
Follow standard procedures for cleaning condenser lines of scale and deposits.

Water Regulating Valve

The water regulating valve is used on water-cooled ice machines only. The
valve is installed in the condenser outlet water line. Its function is to con-
trol the proper operating head pressure by regulating the amount of water
flowing through the condenser. The valve is adjustable and factory set to
maintain condenser discharge water temperature at 108/112° F (42 - 44°
C). Setting the water regulating valve to maintain discharge water tempera-
ture eliminates the need to enter the sealed refrigeration system. When
checking the valve, the water temperature should be taken as close to the
condenser discharged as possible. The water temperature will equate to
operating head pressure of approximately 275 psi (19.0 BAR).
Should adjustment be required, the valve has an adjustment stem on the
top. After allowing the ice machine to operate for 10 minutes in the ice
making mode to balance the system, turning the adjustment stem clockwise
will increase the discharge water temperature, and counterclockwise will
decrease the discharge water temperature.
The water regulating valve must close off condenser water flow com-
pletely during the hot gas harvest cycle. There should be no discharge
water flowing out of the condenser during the harvest cycle. Should the
valve fail to close during the harvest mode, the condenser will continue to
condense the compressor discharge vapor needed for the harvest cycle, and
this will result in long harvest times.
Leaking (bypassing) water regulating valves are normally the result of
scale buildup on the valve diaphragm. The valve should be flushed, not
replaced. To flush the valve, open the adjusting stem fully counterclock-
wise (or force the valve spring up with a screwdriver) and open and close
the water supply to the condenser, resulting in the flushing action. Should
this not correct the problem, replace the valve diaphragm. This should be
done without entering the sealed refrigeration system.
Damage to the water regulating valve may also be caused by a water ham-
mer. Water hammering will result from the condenser inlet and outlet water
lines being reversed or defective valve stops in the water supply line.
Proper installation of water cooled equipment should always include an
anti-water hammer standpipe in the supply inlet line, as close to the ice
machine as possible.
- 10 -
© 2001, IMI Cornelius Inc.