When it comes to making high volumes of bagged ice, Vogt is the best in the industry. Even though these large units are built to last for years and years, they still require routine cleaning and upkeep to operate at full strength. Below are procedures and a daily checklist that you can use for Vogt ice machine cleaning and maintenance.
Tube-Ice Machine Cleaning & Sanitizing Procedures
Below are cleaning and sanitizing procedures for Vogt Tube-Ice Machines.
Cleaning Instructions
Step 1. Turn off the machine – Turn the selector switch to OFF. If the machine is in the process of making ice, it will shut down after the next harvesting cycle.
Step 2. Remove ice from the machine – Take out all existing ice from the storage area and the cover opening into it.
Step 3. Drain the water tank – Shut off the water supply and open the drain valve to remove
Step 4. Fill the water tank – Close the drain valve and fill about 15 gallons of warm water into the fill tank. During the cleaning period, make sure you close the petcock on the water pump.
Step 5. Add cleaner to the machine – Add 8 ounces per 3 gallons of Nu-Calgon® cleaner or a food-grade equivalent phosphoric acid to the water tank. When handling these cleaners, wear protective goggles and gloves that cover your hands and forearms.
Step 6. Inspect and clean the water distributors – Look through the freeze cover to check the water distributors. If dirty, remove the cover and clean off any remnants from the distributor orifices. Then, clean the rubber cover gasket. Reinstall the freeze cover when finished.
Step 7. Run the pump – Activate the pump by turning the selector switch to CLEAN and press START.
Step 8. Check that deposits are gone – See if any deposits are gone or the cleaning solution is neutralized. If not, repeat steps 1-7 until fully cleaned.
Step 9. Stop the pump and flush the tank – Press STOP button to stop the pump. Drain and flush the water tank with fresh water. Then, open the machine’s water supply.
Step 10. Refill the flush tank – Start by draining the flush tank. Then, refill with fresh water.
Step 11. Clean the ice storage area – Clean the interior of the ice storage area. Make sure you remove any cleaning solution. If there was a cover installed over the opening into the storage area, remove it.
Step 12. Start ice-making cycle – Turn the selector switch to ICE. See if there any leaks by the freezer cover. If so, tighten any nuts.
Step 13. Adjust pump petcock – Refer to the owner’s manual to adjust the pump petcock to its normal setting.
Sanitizing Instructions
Step 1. Turn off the machine – Turn the selector switch to OFF. If the machine is in the process of making ice, it will shut down after the next harvesting cycle.
Step 2. Remove ice from the machine – Take out all existing ice from the storage area and the cover opening into it.
Step 3. Drain the water tank – Shut off the water supply and open the drain valve to remove water from the tank. Once it’s drained, take out any loose remnants.
Step 4. Mix sanitizing solution – In a container, mix 15 gallons of warm water with 24 ounces of Nu-Calgon® IMS-II Sanitizing Concentrate or a similar alternative (ratio is 1.6 ounces of sanitizer for every 1 gallon of water). When handling sanitizing solution, wear protective goggles and gloves that cover your hands and forearms.
Step 5. Fill the water tank – Close the drain valve and fill the fill tank with the sanitizing solution. During the cleaning period, make sure you close the petcock on the water pump.
Step 6. Run the pump – Activate the pump by turning the selector switch to CLEAN and press START.
Step 7. Mix another sanitizing solution – Mix another 5 gallons of warm water with 8 ounces of Nu-Calgon® IMS-II Sanitizing Concentrate or a similar alternative (ratio is 1.6 ounces of sanitizer for every 1 gallon of water). When handling sanitizing solution, wear protective goggles and gloves that cover your hands and forearms.
Step 8. Wipe down the water box – Submerge a sponge into the sanitizing solution and wipe down the interior surfaces of the water box. Also, wipe down the water box cover and the makeup water float valve.
Step 9. Add additional sanitizing solution to the tank – While the water pump is running, add the additional 5-gallon mix of sanitizing solution to the water tank. Install the water box cover on the water tank and let the solution circulate for at least 20 minutes.
Step 10. Let the solution flow down the drain – During circulation, open the petcock valve and let the sanitizing solution flow down the drain. Let the water circulate for at least three minutes while the petcock valve is open. Step 11. Stop the pump and flush the tank – Press STOP button to stop the pump. Drain and flush the water tank with fresh water. Then, open the machine’s water supply.
Step 12. Sanitize the ice storage area – Flood the ice storage area with sanitizing solution, ensuring that all surfaces are completely wet for at least a minute.
Step 13. Refill the flush tank – Start by draining the flush tank. Then, refill with fresh water.
Refilling Instructions
Step 1. Turn on the water supply – Check that the water tank drain valve is closed and the selection switch is OFF. Turn the water supply on and let the tank refill with clean water.
Step 2. Open the thaw gas solenoid valve – Manually open the D-valve by running the stem in. This lets the pressure rise in the evaporator so the machine can operate. After about a minute, place the D-valve back to the automatic position.
Step 3. Start ice production mode – When the tank fills, turn the selector switch to ICE and push the START button.
Step 4. Check the petcock – See if the adjustable blow down petcock is in the proper position. It should be adjusted to the minimum rate for ice production (no more than 1 gallon per 5 minutes).
Daily Operator Checklist
Vogt recommends that a facility’s manager or machine operator check the machine every day to ensure steady operation. By looking over the ice machine daily, you’ll be able to spot any potential issues and alert an authorized service technician to make necessary repairs before breakdown. Always check for the following:
Is the machine running or the ice bin full? – If not, there could be faulty component making the machine inoperative. Check out our Vogt ice machine troubleshooting guide for assistance, and contact an authorized service technician to repair any issues.
Are the bin doors closed? – Shutting the doors helps keep warm air from getting into the bin.
Is the thermostat bulb/sensor in the bracket? – The thermostat bulb/sensor helps monitor the ice level in the bin. Make sure it’s still in the bracket to assure accurate monitoring.
Does the ice look clean and uniform? – If the ice is murky or dirty, the machine might need a deep cleaning. If ice is misshapen or hollow, there could be anything from dirty components to leaks. These will need to be repaired by an authorized service technician.
Is ice discharging during harvest? – If there is no ice being discharged during the harvesting cycle, the machine could be dirty or have clogs. If the issue persists after cleaning, please contact an authorized technician to repair or replace any broken components.
Is the machine clean? – If you notice buildups of dust or debris around significant areas of the machine, such as the air-cooled condenser and ice-making section, it will need to be cleaned as soon as possible.
Are there noises? – While humming sounds are standard with any machine, clunky, screeching and squealing sounds could be the result of a larger issue. Contact an authorized technician to check motor drive units, gears and other components for wear or damage.