Review on high ice packing factor (IPF) ice slurry: Fabrication, characterization, flow characteristics and applications

Ice slurry has been widely used in various cold storage scenarios because of its environmental friendliness, pumpability, high cold storage density and fast load response time. As one of the important parameters of ice slurry, ice packing factor (IPF) has a great influence on its heat transfer efficiency and flow characteristics. High IPF ice slurry has great potential for cold chain logistics and pipe cleaning due to its high cold storage capacity and wall shear stress. However, the practical applications of high IPF ice slurry are greatly limited by the problems of difficult preparation as well as unclear flow and heat transfer characteristics. Therefore, it comprehensively reviews the latest research about high IPF ice slurry, including the preparation, properties, flow characteristics and applications. The production methods and influencing factors of high IPF ice slurry are elaborated in this paper. The measurement methods of key thermo-physical properties and flow characteristics of high IPF ice slurry are discussed. Moreover, the latest status and application prospects of high IPF ice slurry in cold chain logistics and pipe cleaning are introduced. Finally, it summarizes the future challenges and opportunities for the rapid development of high IPF ice slurry.