Ice slurry generator using freezing-point depression by pressurization – Case of low-concentration NaCl aqueous solution

Ice slurry, which is a mixture of fine ice crystals and liquid water, is utilized in ice storage systems owing to its good flowability and large latent heat of fusion. In the present study, a method was developed to generate ice slurry without the deposition of an ice layer on a cooled surface. This method is based on freezing-point depression of the aqueous solution, which is maintained under highpressure conditions. To control the timing for solidification and to generate ice slurry, we investigated the relationships among the pressure, temperature, and concentration of the aqueous solutions. We developed an ice slurry generator based on the new method that controls the pressure and temperature of the aqueous solution. Experimental results showed that the characteristics of the ice slurry generation were closely related to the pressure and initial stage temperature of the test fluid.

► The supercooled state of the test fluid exists even under high-pressure conditions.
► The supercooled solidification phenomenon was controlled by the pressure release method.
► The ice slurry generation using a low-concentration solution was examined.
►  The ice slurry characteristics are controlled by the pressure and supercooling degree.