Harnessing LNG Cold Energy: Focusun’s Breakthrough in Direct Block Ice Machine Technology

In an era of increasing energy demands and climate-conscious engineering, industries are seeking sustainable, efficient, and high-performance solutions to traditional cooling and refrigeration systems. Focusun Refrigeration, a global leader in ice-making technology, presents a groundbreaking advancement in industrial refrigeration: the LNG Direct Block Ice Machine. By leveraging the untapped potential of liquefied natural gas (LNG) cold energy, Focusun delivers a powerful synergy of energy recovery and innovative ice production that sets new standards for the industry.

What Is an LNG Direct Block Ice Machine?

The LNG Direct Block Ice Machine is an innovative solution that uses the cold energy released during the regasification of LNG to produce high-quality block ice. Rather than relying on conventional electrically powered refrigeration compressors, this system redirects the immense cold energy—usually wasted during the gasification process—toward ice production. This method is not only environmentally friendly but also highly cost-effective.

LNG Cold Energy: A Valuable Resource

LNG is stored and transported at extremely low temperatures, typically around -162°C (-260°F). During regasification, LNG must be warmed to ambient temperatures before it can be distributed for industrial or residential use. This warming process naturally releases massive amounts of cold energy. Traditionally, this cold is dissipated into the environment, resulting in energy waste. However, with Focusun’s technology, that energy is now captured and repurposed to drive the block ice manufacturing process.

System Overview and Working Principle

Focusun’s LNG Direct Block Ice Machine integrates seamlessly into LNG receiving terminals or cold energy recovery stations. The system consists of several key components:

• Heat Exchanger Modules: Where LNG passes through and transfers its cold energy to a circulating secondary refrigerant or directly to the brine system used in ice production.
• Aluminum or Stainless Steel Ice Cans: Where fresh water is frozen into uniform ice blocks.
• Hydraulic or Pneumatic Lifting Systems: Used for ice harvesting and block removal.
• Fully Automated PLC Control System: Ensuring precise control, temperature monitoring, and energy optimization.

Depending on the site design, the machine can be built for direct cooling using LNG vaporization cold or via an indirect system using glycol or other low-temperature brines as the medium.

Key Advantages of the LNG Direct Block Ice Machine

Focusun’s design philosophy centers on maximizing resource efficiency while minimizing environmental impact. Here are the most compelling advantages of this system:

1. Energy Efficiency and Cost Savings

The use of LNG cold energy drastically reduces or even eliminates the need for conventional refrigeration compressors. This results in up to 80% lower energy consumption, significantly lowering operational costs and carbon footprint.

2. High Ice Production Capacity

Focusun’s LNG-based block ice machines can produce tens to hundreds of tons of ice per day, depending on the scale of LNG cold energy available. They are ideal for industrial-scale operations that require consistent and reliable ice output.

3. Environmentally Friendly Design

By recycling otherwise wasted cold energy, the system reduces greenhouse gas emissions associated with traditional cooling technologies. Furthermore, no harmful refrigerants like CFCs or HCFCs are used.

4. Modular and Scalable

The system is highly modular, making it suitable for customized integration at LNG terminals, ports, seafood processing plants, and cold chain hubs. Clients can scale production based on their LNG flow and operational demands.

5. Stable and Reliable Operation

Built with industrial-grade components and automated controls, the system provides long-term, low-maintenance operation—even in harsh or remote environments.

Applications Across Industries

The LNG Direct Block Ice Machine is not only a technological feat but also a strategic asset for industries requiring ice for operational, preservation, or distribution needs. Key application areas include:

1. Aquatic and Seafood Processing

Block ice is widely used in fishery ports and processing plants for the preservation of freshly caught seafood. By locating the ice machine at LNG terminals near coastal regions, businesses can gain instant access to cold energy and ice production.

2. Cold Chain Logistics

From inland transport to marine shipping, maintaining low temperatures across the supply chain is vital. Block ice produced from LNG cold energy ensures reliable temperature control without the additional energy burden.

3. Disaster Relief and Emergency Supply

In regions affected by disasters or extreme climates, rapid deployment of block ice is essential. Focusun’s containerized LNG Direct Block Ice Machines can be installed at LNG satellite stations for quick and sustainable ice supply.

4. Industrial Parks and LNG Terminals

Integrating this system into LNG regasification infrastructure allows industrial parks to utilize waste cold energy and support multiple applications—from ice production to air conditioning and refrigeration systems.

Why Choose Focusun Refrigeration?

With over 20 years of global experience, Focusun Refrigeration has established itself as a pioneer in ice-making systems across more than 120 countries. The company’s core strength lies in its ability to deliver tailored solutions, especially in integrating cold energy recovery with refrigeration applications.

Expertise in LNG Integration

Focusun is among the few companies with deep engineering know-how in LNG cold energy utilization. From project planning and design to on-site commissioning and training, Focusun provides complete solutions under a single roof.

Quality and Innovation

Using only premium-grade materials, including corrosion-resistant stainless steel and marine-grade aluminum, Focusun guarantees durability and performance even in demanding environments. Its R&D team continuously develops innovations such as smart monitoring, real-time fault diagnostics, and remote operation, ensuring clients stay ahead of the curve.

Global Support and Service

With technical support centers in Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and the Americas, Focusun ensures timely response, spare parts availability, and maintenance support—making it a trusted long-term partner in cold chain infrastructure.

A Sustainable Future with LNG Cold Energy

As LNG continues to play a key role in global energy transition, leveraging its cold energy for auxiliary applications like block ice production is both an economic and environmental imperative. Focusun’s LNG Direct Block Ice Machine is a prime example of how industrial innovation can align with sustainable development goals (SDGs).

The system not only addresses ice production needs but also contributes to energy efficiency, emissions reduction, and resource recycling—pillars of the green economy.

Conclusion

The LNG Direct Block Ice Machine by Focusun Refrigeration is more than just an ice maker—it is a smart, sustainable solution that turns waste into value. With unmatched expertise in ice-making technology and LNG cold energy integration, Focusun is leading a new wave of industrial refrigeration innovation. Whether for marine logistics, fisheries, cold chain hubs, or LNG terminals, Focusun offers a scalable, cost-effective, and environmentally responsible ice production system ready to meet 21st-century challenges.

To learn more about how Focusun Refrigeration can help you harness the power of LNG cold energy, visit www.focusun.com or contact our engineering team today.