Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a direct system and an indirect system?

A direct refrigeration system has the primary refrigerant (ie. R-22) directly inside of a steel piping grid within the arena floor. An indirect refrigeration system incorporates a chiller to cool a brine solution which in turn is pumped through a polyethelyne or steel piping grid within the arena floor. The benefit with the direct system is that an efficiency gain can be achieved over the indirect system. The disadvantage of the direct system is the possibility of loosing large quantities of refrigerant whether a leak develops in the floor or anywhere else in the refrigeration system.

In recent years tremendous gains have been made in improving the efficiency of indirect systems. These positive developments combined with the serious environmental concerns associated with the direct systems have made the indirect ammonia / brine installations the system of choice.

Do your refrigeration systems use screw compressors and if so, what is the advantage?

We manufacture and install refrigeration systems with both screw compressors and reciprocating compressors. Both systems can be designed for long equipment life and will operate very efficiently. The reciprocating compressors will require more ongoing service, and the screw compressors have a higher first cost.

In making a decision to use screw compressors versus reciprocating compressors, we evaluate each location and factor in issues such as first costs, availability of local service technicians, energy efficiency, on going repair costs, etc, etc.

I have a really old dehumidifier in my rink. It has a compressor which has quit a couple of times and we have ongoing fogging problems on the glass. Any suggestions on how to fix it once and for all?

The best solution to contolling humidity in an ice rink is through the use of a desiccant dehumidifier.

Desiccant dehumidifiers have far less problems than the old style mechanical systems such as yours. In addition to reduced maintenance costs, desiccant systems provide better humidity control at a lower operating cost and can be used to bring fresh air into the building which helps address Indoor Air Quality issues.

How many sheets of ice can be connected to one refrigeration system?

There is no limit to the number of ice surfaces that can be connected to one refrigeration plant. As a matter of fact, the total system efficiency can be improved with additional ice surfaces. Logistics is occasionally a factor in determining the number of ice surfaces serviced by a single refrigeration system.

What is the advantages of sand floor versus cement floors?

Sand floors are less expensive to install and are usually used for year round ice facilities.

A cement floor is more expensive to install but increase the facilities utilization for trade shows, rodeos, dances, etc.

With proper design, both types of floors will enable a facility owner to make great ice, but a sand floor requires extra attention during the application of the base layers of ice.