Ammonia Refrigeration Systems
In this type of refrigeration system anhydrous ammonia is utilized as the refrigerant. This would still be classified as an industrial refrigeration system due to the various operating conditions encountered and the range of equipment types used. Due to the complex arrangements of piping, equipment types, and operating requirements these can be quite challenging to own and operate.
Anhydrous ammonia is the most prevalent of the industrial refrigerants. As a natural compound, ammonia offers multiple benefits in safety, environmental, and operating costs. The most striking aspect of ammonia is its odor. This offers a great advantage in that the loss of refrigerant will not be tolerated and is quickly repaired. This is most often noted as being a self-alarming refrigerant.
Almost all other refrigerants have no discernible odor. Leaks often result in very expensive replacement of the refrigerants and unexpected emergency repairs to maintain the required cooling. This becomes more critical when the refrigeration systems contain large quantities of refrigerant, as most industrial refrigeration systems do. As a natural refrigerant, anhydrous ammonia offers a much lower first cost than other commonly used refrigerants. The large volumes of refrigerants utilized in industrial refrigeration systems make this a priority for owners.
The cost of ownership is further reduced by the superior thermodynamic properties of anhydrous ammonia. These include:
- The heat transfer characteristics of ammonia can be 2-3 times as high as other common refrigerants, which help to reduce the cost of heat exchange devices.
- The high latent heat capability of ammonia provides the benefits of smaller piping due to lower required mass flow rates also. In large facilities with extensive piping networks and various heat exchange duties these can be important factors to consider.
Over the last 150 years many have benefited from the extensive positive track record of ammonia refrigeration systems. By virtue of having this longevity in large scale operations, long term viability of the facilities may be enhanced. This has become more important in today’s economic environment. With rising energy costs and possible increases in legislative mandates, lowering your cost of operations can provide sustainable long term benefits to your success.
