Whether it’s a local community rink or a world-class hockey arena, maintaining perfect ice conditions is essential for safety, performance, and customer experience. Behind every smooth, solid sheet of ice is a high-efficiency cooling system—and for many facilities, shell and tube ammonia water chillers are at the heart of that system.
At Genemco.com, we offer a wide selection of used ammonia chillers and shell and tube heat exchangers designed to meet the demanding requirements of the ice rink industry.
Image from Genemco
Link to Shell & Tube Ammonia Water Chillers
Ice Rinks and the Need for Precise Cooling
Creating and maintaining ice in a rink isn’t as simple as just freezing water. Ice quality depends on the ability to:
-
Hold consistent subfreezing temperatures
-
Rapidly remove heat during resurfacing and events
-
Recover quickly from temperature fluctuations
-
Maintain uniformity across the entire rink floor
Any variation in temperature or ice thickness can affect skater safety, game integrity, and energy efficiency. That’s where shell and tube ammonia chillers make the difference.
Why Shell and Tube Ammonia Chillers Are the Go-To Choice
1. Consistent Cooling Across the Ice Surface
A shell and tube chiller paired with a glycol loop system provides uniform heat exchange under the rink floor. This ensures:
-
Even ice thickness from end to end
-
No soft spots or melt zones
-
Stable conditions during events or high foot traffic
Whether it’s a figure skating competition or a public skate session, skaters get a consistent, high-quality ice experience.
2. High Thermal Efficiency
Ammonia is an exceptionally efficient refrigerant, making it ideal for facilities that operate year-round or host high-capacity events. Shell and tube chillers:
-
Maximize heat exchange surface area
-
Support continuous and responsive operation
-
Require less energy per ton of cooling than many synthetic refrigerants
This translates to lower utility bills and a reduced environmental impact—both major priorities for modern rink operators.
3. Fast Recovery After Resurfacing
After each Zamboni pass, the ice surface temporarily warms as water is applied. A reliable chiller must quickly pull that heat out to refreeze the surface. Shell and tube ammonia systems:
-
Respond rapidly to temperature spikes
-
Allow for short turnarounds between sessions
-
Reduce downtime and increase usable ice hours
This is especially important in arenas with tight programming schedules or high-traffic usage.
4. Durability and Reliability
Rinks are built to last, and so is their equipment. Shell and tube chillers are known for:
-
Long service life
-
Low maintenance needs
-
Resistance to harsh, humid environments often found in rink facilities
This makes them a solid long-term investment for both private and municipal rink owners.
Where You’ll Find These Chillers in Use
Shell and tube ammonia water chillers are used in:
-
NHL and professional arenas – where performance and consistency are non-negotiable
-
Community rinks and recreation centers – looking for affordable, energy-efficient systems
-
College and school rinks – with frequent events and variable occupancy
-
Seasonal and outdoor rinks – needing scalable and durable equipment
No matter the setting, the system must perform flawlessly under pressure.
Image from Genemco
Link to Shell & Tube Ammonia Water Chillers
Final Thoughts
The ice rink industry depends on shell and tube ammonia water chillers for one key reason: performance. These chillers provide the power, precision, and durability needed to maintain top-quality ice under all conditions—while keeping energy costs under control.
If you’re building a new rink, upgrading your system, or expanding your facility, explore Genemco’s trusted inventory of ammonia chillers. We can help you find the right equipment for smooth, reliable operation—season after season.
