What are ammonia refrigeration systems (ARS)? Ammonia refrigeration systems are one of the older types of refrigeration means used up till now. This application ever since discovery in France in the 1980s has been used in just about any company that deals in perishable goods such as foods and drinks to keep their products within required temperatures. Ammonia refrigeration is very popular and efficient due to its reliability and proven utility over a long expanse of time. Over time there have been various tests on the application of ammonia as well as its limitation as people previously adopted its technology for air conditioning means. However, over time the usage has been limited to cold storage of food and been applied in the air conditioning of larger areas such as campus dorms, large office buildings, airports, hotels, hospitals and so on. Ammonia refrigeration as the name implies involves the use of a chemical compound, ammonia to operate which is a dangerous compound when in direct physical contact with the skin or eyes. The chemical is used in the absorption of heat from one area to another to dissipate thereby resulting in a room being much colder than it should typically be. Regulating ammonia refrigeration systems (ARS) Ammonia is very flammable leading to these refrigeration systems requiring the maintenance of heat exchangers or coolers to prevent the system from overheating or as correctional motive or contingency plans. While selecting a heat exchanger, there are some factors to take into account, such as;
- High intensity of heat exchanger.
- Low hydrodynamic resistance of the heat exchanger.
- Design and technology effectiveness of the heat exchanger.
- Quality in respective to price ratio.
- Usage, maintenance, and repair
- Compliance with safety requirements.
All of these parameters need to be taken into account as there needs to be overall effectiveness regarding the overall functionality of the heat exchanger without any compromise in safety all coming at a reasonable price tag. Before applying a heat exchanger means, it is important to take into account the operational means or mode of the ammonia refrigeration systems as well as the running durations to ensure peak operation means. The application of heat exchangers in any technology operations increases the efficiency of the equipment, and in the case of ARS, this also applies. The application of heat exchangers in Ammonia refrigeration systems are in several forms such as;
- Shell and tube.
- Plate.
- Shell and coil.
- Coaxial.
This exchanger technology means can be applied in several functions like; Condensers. ARS condensers often adopt the shell and tube structure with the condenser operating as air or water coolants depending on the means of application and refrigerating medium with the ultimate purpose still the removal of heat no matter which means adopted. PHEs for Ammonia Refrigeration Systems Evaporators. ARS evaporators operate through the suction of vapor whereby the refrigerating unit operates within a reasonably acceptable temperature such as 5-10c which is optimal for ARS units.