The Effect of Agitator Rotational Speed ​​on Cooling Rate and Reynolds Number in a Block Ice Making Machine Using 20% ​​NaCl Brine: Pengaruh Kecepatan Putar Agitator terhadap Cooling Rate dan Reynolds Number pada Mesin Pembuat Es Balok Menggunakan Media Brine NaCl 20%

irfan ramadhan (universitas widyatama, Badan Riset dan Inovasi Nasional (BRIN))
Nia Nuraeni Suryaman (Mechanical Engineering, Universitas Widyatama Bandung)
Arifin Santosa (National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN))
Aep Saepudin (National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN))

R.E.M (Rekyasa Energi Manufaktur) Jurnal
Vol 11 No 2 (2026): In Progress

This study investigates the effect of agitator rotational speed on the Cooling Rate and flow characteristics of a 20% NaCl brine solution in a block ice machine. Experiments were conducted at agitator speeds of 450, 550, and 650 RPM. Temperature data were recorded using K-type thermocouples installed at the brine inlet, brine outlet, and ice cans. Cooling performance was evaluated using the Cooling Rate, while flow characteristics were analyzed through the Impeller Reynolds Number. The results showed that increasing agitator speed improved cooling performance and fluid circulation. The Cooling Rate increased from 0.037 °C/min at 450 RPM to 0.079 °C/min at 650 RPM, while the Impeller Reynolds Number increased from 100,121 to 144,575. All operating conditions were classified as turbulent flow. The best cooling performance was achieved at 650 RPM, resulting in the highest Cooling Rate and the shortest cooling time.