Machine That Cleans Ice At Hockey Games
Ice hockey is a sport that requires a lot of skill and equipment, but few people think about the maintenance of the ice rink on which the game is played. Maintaining an ice rink is a difficult and time-consuming process, but it's a necessary one to ensure that the game can be played safely and effectively. One of the most important machines used in maintaining an ice rink is the machine that cleans the ice. In this article, we'll take a closer look at this machine and how it works.
What Is a Machine That Cleans Ice?
A machine that cleans ice is usually called a Zamboni. The Zamboni was invented by Frank J. Zamboni in 1949 and was originally used in his ice skating rink in California. Since then, it has become the standard machine used for maintaining ice rinks around the world. The Zamboni is a vehicle that is driven around the surface of the ice rink, collecting the slush and snow that has built up on the ice and redistributing a thin layer of water to create a smooth ice surface.
How Does a Machine That Cleans Ice Work?
The Zamboni machine has a number of important parts that work together to clean and resurface the ice. These include:
- Blade
- Water distribution system
- Snow and slush collection tank
- Hot water tank
- Ice conditioner
The blade is the part of the machine that scrapes the ice, removing any snow or slush that has built up. The water distribution system then sprays a thin layer of water onto the ice, which is spread evenly across the surface by a squeegee. The snow and slush that has been scraped up by the blade is collected in a tank on the back of the machine.
The hot water tank is used to melt any remaining snow or slush that has built up on the ice. The hot water is sprayed onto the ice and then scraped up by the blade. Finally, the ice conditioner is used to smooth out any bumps or imperfections in the ice, creating a smooth and even surface.
Why Is a Clean Ice Surface Important?
A clean ice surface is essential for a number of reasons. Firstly, it ensures that the players can move around the ice safely and effectively. If the ice is bumpy or uneven, it can cause players to trip or lose their footing, which can lead to injuries. A clean ice surface also allows the puck to move smoothly across the ice, making the game more enjoyable to watch and play.
Finally, a clean ice surface is important for the longevity of the ice rink itself. If the ice is not properly maintained and allowed to build up with snow and slush, it can damage the surface of the ice and lead to costly repairs. Regular cleaning and maintenance using a machine that cleans ice can help to prolong the life of the ice rink and ensure that it can be enjoyed for many years to come.
Conclusion
The machine that cleans ice is an essential tool for maintaining an ice rink. The Zamboni is the most common type of machine used for this purpose, and it works by scraping the ice, distributing a thin layer of water, and smoothing out any imperfections. A clean ice surface is important for player safety, game quality, and the longevity of the ice rink itself. Without the machine that cleans ice, playing ice hockey would be a lot more difficult and dangerous.
