Which refrigerants are used in industrial refrigeration equipment?

There is no absolute answer to this question. There is no one refrigerant that meets 100% of the requirements for all cooling equipment. The ideal refrigerant needs to have all conditions in terms of material compatibility, chemical stability, performance, non-toxicity, non-flammability, boiling point, etc. Paesch Refrigeration can analyze your equipment on its own merits and suggest the right refrigerant. Some of the refrigerants that may be used in industrial refrigeration equipment are discussed below.

HFC R134a

This refrigerant has perfect thermal stability, minimal toxicity, is non-corrosive and non-flammable. Although more commonly found in automotive air conditioners, this refrigerant can also be used in commercial refrigeration systems, especially in large refrigeration units. This is the refrigerant used, for example, during the Aramco project in Saudi Arabia. The recent discovery that this chemical causes global warming around the world has discouraged its use.

Ammonia (R717)

Ammonia is one of the so-called halogen-free chemicals and it is probably the oldest refrigerant used in industrial cooling equipment and one of the oldest refrigerants. Its heat absorption rate per unit volume is unparalleled. This alone allows it to be used in smaller components without the need for large cooling equipment. Other attractive features include high critical point, high performance factor and low molecular weight. Like other refrigerants, ammonia has its downside. For example, it is harmful to the skin, eyes and throat.

Carbon Monoxide CO 2 R744

CO 2 scores high due to its minimal impact on the environment. The refrigerant is also non-flammable and non-toxic. However, despite these pleasant properties, refrigerants need to be handled with care. For one thing, the chemical is heavy, which means it will displace oxygen in the room if a leak occurs. Combining this with the fact that it is odorless can create a very dangerous situation. What makes using CO 2 in industrial refrigeration equipment so challenging? It mostly revolves around the efficiency, size and cost of the system. Pressures of approximately 4,000 psi present significant cost and technical challenges for heat exchangers and compressors. Contact Paesch today to reliably handle your CO 2 refrigeration system.

Water

Water has been used as a refrigerant for decades, and it never fails. In addition to its easy availability, the substance has impeccable chemical and thermodynamic properties. It cannot be considered a refrigerant per se, but is cooled in cooling equipment and then introduced into the circuit to lower the temperature. However, it presents a number of technical challenges. These include the high pressure ratio of the compressor and the outlet temperature. Note also that water can only be used as a refrigerant if the ambient temperature is above 100°C. Fortunately, Pershing offers engineered solutions that make water a viable refrigerant for modern industrial refrigeration equipment.

HCFC - Hydrochlorofluorocarbons

Due to their high global warming potential, these compounds are being phased out. Some locations have banned the use of this refrigerant in new equipment. If you want to rehabilitate, service or replace your HCFC refrigeration equipment, qualified personnel from Percy will help you. Specifically, they will help you handle dangerous refrigerants with expert guidance and provide you with better options. R2, R22, R123 and R124 are some examples of specific refrigerants under this category. Others include R133 and R151.

Hydrocarbons (HCs)

HCs are usually available as R600a (isobutylene) or R290 (propane). You will find these chemicals in domestic refrigeration systems, commercial refrigeration systems and air conditioning systems. The flammability of these substances requires special safety devices, but some plants are willing to take extra precautions. Propane has an ODP of zero, making it suitable for industrial cooling. As a natural refrigerant, the chemical also has no impact on global warming.

In summary

It is recommended that refrigerants be selected based on four factors: safety, environmental impact, energy efficiency and cost effectiveness.