Cold Systems LLC Vertical ammonia reciprocating compressor driven by a steam engine circa 1890. Atmospheric Condenser Ice sheet production facility circa 1900.

Operations

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In the context of operations, the facility owner is faced with multiple issues. Some of these concerns are relegated to the issue of costs. While costs can be determined by accounting practices, some underlying concerns may be inadvertently omitted.

Of course, the major costs of maintenance, energy, personnel, and equipment replacement can be determined. These are part of the operating overhead and directly attributable to the facility profitability.

In a similar viewpoint, the total cost of operation can have a contributing effect to the cost of goods produced or stored. It is evident that a lower cost per pound of product produced or stored contributes to the overall profitability and viability of the facility.

Depending on the process requirements such as temperature, throughput, and installed equipment, operating cost reductions may be discovered by evaluation. Some of these requirements may have been determined by experience, manufacturers recommendations, or perceived need.

Low temperature requirements for product freezing are usually stated as a need for colder temperatures. This then requires lower suction pressures which can negatively impact the overall system performance. In other circumstances, the lower temperatures may also require operation of additional equipment. Both of which impact the related production costs of your product.

To fully optimize the refrigeration system for minimal energy use, all aspects of the contributing factors should be included. This may require revision to current operating parameters to provide a beneficial solution.

Effectiveness can be seen as an increase in availability through a reduction in unplanned equipment downtime and energy use. Emergency actions necessary to maintain operations can contribute to large expenditures of time and money. The use of predictive and preventative maintenance can contribute to minimizing these events.

Refrigeration system operation is an integral part of the daily processes related to production issues or cold storage. By developing the system and personnel, the refrigeration department can be developed as a profit center, rather than as a cost of doing business.