Fridge system

Vapour-compression theoretical graphs

Absolute temperature - Entropy

A-B, Isobaric Heat absorption in the evaporator

B-C, Isentropic compression in the compressor (frictionless adiabatic compression in ideal cycle)

C-D, Isobaric Heat removal in condenser

D-A, Constant enthalpy expansion in expansion valve

Heat energy equivalent of work done = Heat energy rejected- heat energy received

= Area ABCDA + Area under AD

Coefficient of performance = heat energy received/ Heat energy equivalent of work done

The coefficient of performance for freon is about 4.7

It should be noted that undercooling increases the heat received by moving point A to the left increasing the
refrigerant effect.

The critical point is the poiunt above which

1. the gas will not liquify by the action of pressure alone. This is an important temperature for
refrigeration systesm which rely on the change of state for heat transfer.

2. The gas will not liquify by cooling alone

p-h diagram (Mollier)

Typical system
The system shown above and described below is typical of that fitted on may ships other than it is more
common to have two low temperature rooms rather than one.

Components

Cold rooms

Meat Room-Low temperature room typically working at -17oC

Veg/ handling room-typically working at +4oC

Compressor

Generally of the single stage, reciprocating type. Larger systems have multple cylinders with an unloader
system using the suction pressure as its signal.

Refrigerant is compressed in the compressor to a pressure dependent upon the temperature of the cooling water
to the condenser, and to a lesser extent the volume of gas in the system. As the temperature of the cooling water
rises so does the minimum temperature of the refrigerant liquid rise, and with it the corresponding saturation
pressure.

Compressor safety devices

The compressor is protected by three safety switches;

The OP switch or Oil Differential Pressure switch compares the measured lubricating oil pressure to the
Suction (crankcase) pressure. Should the differential pressure fall below a pre-set minimum (about 1.2 bar) then
the compressor will trip and require a manual reset to restart. A time delay is built into the circuit to allow
sufficient time for the lubricating oil pressure to build up when starting before arming the circuit.

The HP or High Pressure switch, is fitted to the outlet of the compressor before the isolating valve. On over
pressurisation (dependent on the refrigerant, up to about 24bar bar for R22) the switch will trip the compressor
and a manual reset is required before restart.

The LP or Low Pressure switch when activated ( at about 1 bar for R22) will trip the compressor and require a
manual reset before the compressor can be restarted.

Compressor control devices

This normally takes the form of an LP cut out pressure switch with automatic reset on pressure rise. The cut out
set point is just above the LP trip point say at about 1.4bar. An adjustable differential is set to about 1.4bar to
give a cut in pressure of around 2.8 bar. The electrical circuit is so arranged that even when the switch has reset,
if no room solenoid valves are open the compressor will not start. This is to prevent the compressor cycling due
to a leaky solenoid valve.

In addition to this extra LP switches may be fitted which operate between the extremes of the LP cut in and cut
out to operate compressor unloaders.

Some modern systems contain a rotary vane compressor with variable speed (frequency changing) control

Oil Seperator
The purpose of the oil seperator, situated on the compressor discharge line, is to return oil entrained in the gas,
back to the compressor sump.

The oil return may be float controlled as shown, electric solenoid controlled on a timer, or uncontrolled with a
small bore capillary tube allowing continuous return.

With all of these methods a shut off valve is fitted between separator and compressor to allow for maintenance.

The oil gas mix enters the separator where it is made to change direction, the heavier oil droplets tend to fall to
the bottom.

Condensor

Generally a water cooled tube cooler.A safety valve and vent are fitted. The purpose of the vent is to bleed off
non-condensibles such as air which can enter the system when the suction pressure is allowed to fall below
atmospheric or can be contained within the top up gas. The presence of non-condensibles is generally indicated
by a compressor discharge pressure considerably above the saturation pressure of the refrigerant.

The coolant flow to the condenser is sometimes temperature regulated to prevent too low a temperature in the
condenser which can effect plant efficiency due to the reduction in pressure.

Below the condenser, or sometimes as a separate unit, is the reservoir. Its purpose is to allow accurate gauge of
the level of refrigerant in the system. In addition to this it also allows a space for the refrigerant liquid when the
system is 'pumped down'. This refers to the evacuation of the refrigerant gas to the condenser to allow
maintenance on the fridge system without loss. For systesm not fitted with a reservoir, a sight glass is
sometimes incorpotated on the side of the condenser. Care should be given to ensuringthat the liquid level is not
too high as this reduces the surface area of the cooling pipes available for condensing the liquid and can lead to
increased discharge pressures.

Sight Glass

Often of the Bulls eye form. This allows the operator to ensure that it is only liquid, and not a liquid/gas mix
going to the expansion valves. On some designs a water indicator is incorporated, this is a coloured ring in
contact with the liquid, when water is detected it changes colour, typically from pink to blue.

Filter Drier

Can be either a compacted solid cartridge or bags of dessicant. The main purpose of this unit is to remove the
moisture from the refrigerant.

Moisture cause two main problems. Firstly it can freeze to ice in the evaporator and cause blockage. Secondly it
can form acids by reaction with the freon refrigerants. This acid attacks the copper in the lines and deposits its
in other parts of the system. This can become particularly troublesome when it is deposited on the compressor
mechanical seal faces leading to damage and leakage.

Fine particles which could possible block the expansion valve are removed.

Topping up the refrigerant

A filling connection is fitted in way off the filter dryer, either directly onto it or on the inlet line after the inlet
shut off valve. This allows additional refrigerant to be introduced into the system via the dryer element.
The normal procedure is to shut or partially shut the inlet to the filter. The compressor is now sucking from the
system and delivering to the condenser where the gas liquifies. The filter dryer is on the outlet from the
condenser therefore with its inlet valve shut the liquid level begins to rise in the reservoir. As the only gas
entering the system is now coming from the top up line the compressor will tend to reduce the suction side
pressure as it evacuates the system into the condenser.

The inlet valve can be briefly opened to allow more refrigerant into the system.

Thermostat and Solenoid Valve

These two elements form the main temperature control of the cold rooms.

The Thermostat is set to the desired temperature and given a 3 to 4 degree differential to prevent cycling. When
the temperature in the room reaches the pre-set level the thermostat switch makes and the room solenoid is
energised allowing gas to the refrigerant liquid to the expansion valve.

A manual overide switch is fitted as well as a relay operated isolating contact which shut the solenoid when the
defrost system is in use.

System operation

Assume that the rooms are all warm and the compressor is running with all the solenoid valves open supplying
refrigerant to the respective expansion valve and evaporator.

Should one or two rooms be down to temperature the solenoids close thus reducing the volume of gas returning
to the compressor. The suction pressure drops and the compressor unloads. If more rooms shut down then the
suction pressure will drop to cut out point and the compressor will stop. When the rooms warm the solenoids
open again, refrigerant passes back to the compressor, the suction pressure rises and compressor starts. With
more rooms opening, the suction pressure increases and the compressor loads up more cylinders.

Thermostatic expansion valve-

The purpose of this valve is to efficiently drop the pressure of the refrigerant. It achieves this by passing the
liquid through a variable orifice giving a constant enthalpy pressure drop. The refrigerant at lower pressure has
a corresponding lower boiling point (saturation temperature). Undercooling in the condenser increases the
efficiency of the plant by allowing more heat to be absorbed during the vapourisation process. In addition it also
reduces the internal heat absorption process that occurs during the expansion stage which is due to a small
degree of flash off as latent heat (of vaporisation) is absorbed from surrounding liquid to reduce the temperature
of the bulk liquid to the new corresponding saturation temperature for the reduced pressure

By this process of boiling (vapouriation) and latent heat absorption i.e. change of state, the refrigerant removes
heat from the cold rooms.

The expansion process is controlled by the action of the bellows and push pins acting on the orifice valve plate.
The bellows is controlled by a bulb which measures the temperature of the gas at outlet from the evaporator. To
ensure no liquid passes through to the compressor, the expansion valve is set so that the gas at outlet from the
evaporator has 2 to 3 degrees of superheat.

For larger systems where a significant pressure drop exists across the evaporator it is necessary to fit a 'Balance
line'. This is a small bore tube which feeds the outlet pressure back to the thermostatic valve 'motor' element.
Therefore the measured temperature is directly related to the superheat temperature at outlet pressure.

Some systems are designed so 5% liquid is available through the evaporator to coat the internal surfaces of the
tubes increasing heat transfer efficiency.
Author Note

Careful note should be taken that system temperatures are set by the room solenoid and not by the expansion
valve which are generally factory set and do not require adjustment.

This may seem an obvious fact but you would be amazed as to the number of broken valve plates removed from
compressors due to the mal adjustment of the superheat.

Adjustment of the back pressure valves- which if they have not been touched by ships staff should be
unnecessary- can allow better system balance especially when certain rooms are being starved of gas.

Back pressure regulator valve

This valve is fitted to the higher temperature rooms, vegetable and flour (+5oC) only and not to the Meat and
Fish rooms (-20oC).

They serve two main purposes.

Firstly when all solenoid valves are opened they act as system balancing diverters, that is they restrict the liquid
flow to the rooms which can be kept at the higher temperature and deliver the bulk to the colder rooms.

Secondly they serve to limit the pressure drop across the expansion valve by giving a set minimum pressure in
the evaporator coil. This in turn limits the temperature of the refrigerant thereby preventing delicate foodstuffs
such as vegetables from being damaged by having air at very low temperatures blown over them. Ultimately
they may also be set to provide a safety limit to the room temperature by restricting the pressure to give a
corresponding minimum saturation temperature of 0oC.

Oil rectifier

In some installations there is a tendency for oil to

collect in the evaporator under certain conditions such as low load when the speed of movement and agitation of
the evaporating refrigerant are insufficient to keep the oil moving. To prevent loss of oil from the sump to the
system, an oil rectifier may be fitted. The oil is automatically bled from the evaporator to a heat exchanger in
which liquid refrigerant mixed with the oil is vaporised. The heat for vaporising the refrigerant is obtained by
passing warm liquid freon from the condenser, through the heat exchanger. Vapour and oil are passed to the
compressor where oil returns to the sump while the freon passes to the compressor suction. The regulator is
thermostatically controlled valve which operates in the same way as the expansion valve on the main system. It
automatically bleeds the oil from the evaporator so that the gas leaves the heat exchanger in a superheated
condition.

Defrost system

Moisture freezes onto the evaporator eventually causing a restriction and reducing the efficiency of the plant.
This must be periodically removed. For Veg and Flour rooms, were not restricted to 0oC minimum by the back
pressure valve, this is carried out once per day. For the Meat and Fish rooms this has to be carried out two or
more times. Due to the low temperature in the rooms it is necessary to fit a drain heater.

When on defrost the solenoid valve is shut and the fan is off. On some systems at end of defrost the solenoid
valve is opened momentarily before the fan is started. This allows moisture to be snap frozen onto the surface of
the element, creating a rough increased surface area and thereby increasing the heat transfer rate.

Author note

Care should be taken after loading any great quantity of stores especially into the vegetable rooms. The fresh
stores tend to sweat and icing up of the evaporator can become rapid. The only solution is constant monitoring
and defrosting as soon as necessary.

Effects of under and over charge

The effects of overcharge are a full condenser/receiver gauge glass. System pressures are not effected until
highly overcharged when a possibility of excessive HP pressure exists. Undercharge causes failure to maintain
cold room temperatures and compressor cycling. Compressor cycling is caused by there being insufficient gas
to maintain the compressor loaded even with all room solenoids open. In extreme the compressor will cut in and
out. Undercharge is detected by low levels in the condenser/receiver gauge glass/ bubbles in liquid sight glass,
compressor cycling and low suction pressures.
Troubleshoot

A ship had real problems with the control of room temperatures, one room in particular. attempts to 'balance' the
system using the back pressure valves usually resulted in rooms starved of gas and/or the compressor tripping
on Low Pressure trip. It turned out that sag on one or two of the liquid line pipes allowed oil and debris to build
up in this section and restrict flow.

On another ship the lagging around a penetration piece had been damaged and water had got behind it into the
insulation. This liquid had frozen and exerted a crushing force on the pipe sufficient to severely restrict the flow.
This was only found after some searching as before the lagging was removed nothing wrong could be seen.

Fridge Compressors
Compressor bodies are normally of close grained castings of iron or steel. Modern valves are of the reed or disc
type mounted in the head and are of high grade steel on stainless steel seats with a usual lift of about 2mm.
Connecting rods are aluminium with steel backed white metal big ends. The crankshaft is spheriodal graphite
iron.

The pistons are made from cast iron in older units, and of aluminium alloy more recently. The piston is attached
to the crankshaft by con rod in the normal manner. It should be noted that the crankcase is full of refrigerant gas
at suction pressure.

Liners are made from high tensile cast iron. Lubrication is generally splash only for smaller compressors with a
crankshaft driven gear pump supplying bearings on larger machines.It is important to understand that actual
pumped lube oil pressure is the indicated pressure less this crankcase pressure.

The properties of the Lubricating oil used in are compressors are critical and specific to the refrigerant gas used.
The properties of this oil will be dealt with in the tribology section.

By the nature of the system a possibility exists whereby liquid may be passed to the compressor suction. To
prevent serious damage, some form of unloading device is normally fitted. In this case the suction valve
assembly is held on the liner by a heavy gauge spring. In the event of liquid passing to the compressor the
suction valve will lift against this spring.
Author note
Should water enter the system, acids may be formed by the reaction with the refrigerant gas. This is especially
true for freon systems. These acids attack the copper in the system- typically the pipework- and allow it to be
transported through the system. It is not uncommon to find this deposited on the suction valve plate. More
troublesome is when the deposit finds its way to the crankcase seal destroying the running face.

Thus the importance of maintaining filter dryers in good condition can be seen. These should be changed at
least on a schedule determined by the ships planned maintenance system. In addition to this it is common to
have liquid line flow bullseye which incorporate a water detection element. Blockage of the filter dryer can be
gauged by feeling the filter. If it is cooler than the surrounding pipework then the gas is being throttled through
it.

Although not considered good practice in an emergency I have 'dried' the filter drier element in the galley oven
although this practice is not recommended.

Mechanical seal

It should be noted that for this design the carbon seal and flexible bellows is fixed in way of the mounting plate
and the hard running surface is allowed to rotate. This is the opposite to the set up for seals mounted on pumps.

Author note
The finish of the running surface of the seal is extremely fine. However, in extenuating circumstances i.e. when
the surface has been damaged say by the deposit of copper, it is possible to lap the face of the carbon. The
method I would recommend is metal polish such as brasso, on a true flat surface on which is laid chart paper.
The chart paper absorbs the wear particles as they are removed an a reasonable finish is possible.

Rotary Compressor
Such compressors are used mainly in house hold applications but modern practice sees there use in cargo
conditioning.

A variation on this is the multi blade type where the rotor has slots cut in it, fitted to which are spring loaded
blades. Alternately the blades may rely on centrifugal force.

With both these types , when the compressor is stopped the sealing pressure and oil film are broken and there
fore the suction and discharge are common. This reduces starting loads but requires a suction non return valve
to be fitted.

Where these are fitted to large refrigeration systems it is possible to use variable speed thyristor controlled
electric motors. Thereby the compressor can run at optimal revolution to maintain plant efficiency.

Air conditioning
The basic principals of air conditioning

Air conditioning is the control of humidity, temperature, cleanliness and air motion. Winter conditioning relates
to increasing temperature and humidity whilst summer conditioning relates to decreasing temperature and
increasing humidity

Specific humidity-Is the ratio of the mass of water vapour to the mass of dry air in a given volume of mixture.

Per cent relative humidity-is the mass of water vapour per m3 of air compared to the mass of water vapour per
m3 of saturated air at the same temperature. This also equals the ratio of the partial pressure of actual air
compared to the partial pressure of the air if it was saturates at the same temperature. i.e.

m/mg = p/pg

Partial pressure, Dalton's Laws

Barometer pressure = partial pressure of N2 + p.p.O2 + p.p.H2O,

from Daltons Law viz:
 o Pressure exerted by, and the quantity of , the vapour required to saturate a given space ( i.e. exist
as saturated steam ) at any given temperature, are the same whether that space is filled by a gas
or is a vacuum.

o The pressure exerted by a mixture of a gas and a vapour, of two vapours, or of two gasses, or a
number of same, is the sum of the pressure which each would exert if it occupied the same space
alone, assuming no interaction of constituents.

Dew point

When a mixture of dry air and water vapour has a saturation temperature corresponding to the partial pressure
of the water vapour it is said to be saturated. Any further reduction of temperature (at constant pressure) will
result in some vapour condensing. This temperature is called the dew point, air at dew point contains all the
moisture it can hold at that temperature, as the amount of water vapour varies in air then the partial pressure
varies, so the dew point varies.

It can be seen that cooling a superheated vapour at constant pressure will bring it to the saturated vapour line, or
Dew point. It can also be seen that cooling at constant temperature raises the partial pressure until the dew point
is reached.

Therefore from the above equation for determining the relative humidity,

%R.H. = m/mg x 100 = p/pg x 100

= pdew/pg point x 100

where g refers to the sat condition. This means dry air contains the maximum moisture content (100% R.H.) at
the saturation conditions.

Psychrometric chart
This chart is used for finding the relative humidity of air which has been measured using a 'wet and dry bulb'
thermometer. This is a pair of thermometers, one of which has its bulb wrapped in a damp cloth. The drier the
air,the greater the evaporation of water off the cloth and therefore the lower the reading on the 'wet bulb'
thermometer.

Typical system
The core components of the system such as the oil seperator, filter drier and condenser are dealt with on the
Fridge system page, instead described are those components which are generally unique to air conditioning
plant.

Compressor

May be reciprocating or rotary. In nearly all cases a method of varying the quantity of delivery is incorporated.
For reciprocating compressors this may take the form of an unloader and for rotary variable speed drive.

Protection

The compressors have protection systems similar to their fridge counterparts with High Pressure and Low
Pressure cut outs that require manual resets. In addition to this an interlock is fitted so that the compressor
cannot be started if the air handling unit fan is not running. Should the fan be stopped the compressor will cut
out.

An alternative to this is to fit solenoid valves before the compressor, as in the diagram above, which open only
when the fan is running. The compressor will trip on Low suction pressure.

The purpose of both these systems is to prevent liquid returning to the compressor.

Air Handling Unit

One or more is fitted. In the diagram above a single unit contains two individual evaporators which are
independently supplied by a compressor. A belt driven fan delivers air to the evaporators via a fine mesh air
filter. This filter is removed on a regular basis and washed in a soapy solution containing disinfectant.

The air passes over the evaporator where it is cooled and releases water vapour. The water condenses and is fed
away via a drip tray and pipework, the water is quite clean and can be used for domestic purposes after
treatment although this practice is not common. On the above design a catcher has been fitted to remove water
droplets entrained in the air, these are not always fitted.

A perforated pipe is fitted after the evaporator allowing low quality steam to be fed into the air improving its
humidity when too dry.

Contamination of ships air conditioning systems by legionnella bacteria

Legionnaires disease is caused by bacteria which flourishes in stagnant water or sludge . It can also be found in
wet matrix filters, which may be found in the ships filtration system for the air conditioning plant.

Main danger areas

Air inlet arrangements-This may be direct or indirect from the air conditioning room via jalousies, which,
when incorrectly designed may lead rain water onto the filters. It may also be allowed to accumulate in the
space where drainage is not efficient

Filters-These filters made of a 25mm thick synthetic material can trap water as well as insects and soot and
provide a rapid growth area for the bacteria. Regular washing is essential
Cooler unit (dehumidifier)-Ineffective drainage can allow water to stagnate in the catchment sumps. Also,
where air velocities are high over the block, air can become entrained and carry moisture into the air stream. An
efficient moisture eliminator is required.

Humidifier-Steam humidifiers, where fitted, do not appear to be a problem. However, adiabatic humidifiers of
which the water spray type appears to offer a special hazard. The enclosed tank and matrix elements provide an
ideal breeding ground for the bacteria which may then be carried into the air stream when sprayed.

Plenum Insualtion-Where the PVC GRP facing of the rock wool insulation and sound deadening breaks down
the considerable levels of water may be present.

Recommended countermeasures.

Filters-Should be washed in 50ppm solution on a regular basis

Coolers-Special attention to drainage arrangements as well as superchlorinating the condensate sump every
3months.

Plenum insulation-Insulation to be examined at refit and damaged areas resealed.

Refrigerants
Desirable properties of a refrigerant

1. Low boiling point (otherwise operation at high vacua becomes a necessity)

2. Low condensing pressure (to avoid heavy machine plant scantling and reduce the leakage risk)

3. High specific enthalpy of vaporisation ( to reduce the quatity of refrigerants in circulation and
lower machine speeds, sizes etc.)

4. Low specific volume in vapour state (reduces size and increases efficiency)

5. High critical temperature (temperature above which vapour cannot be condensed by isothermal
compression)

6. Non corrosive and non solvent (pure and mixed)

7. Stable under working conditions

8. Non flammable and non explosive

9. No action with oil ( the fact that most refrigerants are miscible may be advantageous e.e. the
removal of oil films, lowering pour points etc, provided separators are fitted

10. Easy leak detect

11. Non toxic

12. cheap, easily stored and obtained

The production of R12 and R11 has now stopped under the Montreal Protocol and EU regulation on ozone
depleting gasses. A short term solution has been conversion to HCFC's such as R22 (HCFC's have an Ozone
Depletion Rate {ODP} 2-15% of CFC's) but this refrigerant also has a harmful effect on the environment,
although far less damaging than R12. HCFC's are also targeted for eventual production phase out as controlled
substances, with usage totally banned by the EU in new equipment rated at 150kW and over from the 1st Jan
2000. In some countries such as Germany and Sweden tighter restrictions are in force.

New refrigerants such as R134a and R404A, which are HFC's may offer a longer term solution against harmful
emissions. They contain no chlorine atoms and thus do not attack the ozone layer but they are greenhouse
gasses and may be subject to future legislation.

An uncertainty over the long term future of HFC's has led to growing interest in old natural refrigerants such as
ammonia and carbon dioxide or hydrocarbons such as propane and iso-butane. Using the refrigerants, however,
dictates more stringent safety measures which are being drafted by the appropriate classification societies.

The naming of freon (or Arcton) refrigerants comes from the constituents.

For R12, formed by reacting methane with flourine and chlorine. This forms a molecule containing 1 carbon atom, 2
flourine atoms and 2 chlorine atoms
Number of Carbon atoms minus 1 number of hydrogen atoms plus one number of flourine atoms
0 (1-1) 1 (0+1) 2
For R22, again formed by reacting methane with flourine and chlorine. This forms a molecule containing 1 carbon atom, 1
hydrogen atom and 2 chlorine atom
0 2 2
the remaining bonds are taken by chlorine atoms

Refrigerant 12

R12 is halogenated hydrocarbon derived from methane (CH4) with the hydrogen being displaced by chlorine
and fluorine. The resulting compound is Dichlorodifluoromethane (CCl2F2) also known as Freon 12

R12 is considered non-toxic except in high concentration producing oxygen deficiency. However on contact
with flame it breaks down to form chlorine gas and phosgene (COCl2).

R12 escaping under pressure can cause skin damage on contact. It is non-irritant and not considered flammable.

Working pressures and temperatures are moderate and the high critical temperature (112oC) is well above the
working range.

Methyl Chloride

CH3CL4, banned by the UK administration.

Refrigerant 11

suitable for air conditioning installations (monoflourotrichloromethane CCl3F), production has now ceased.

Refrigerant 13

CClF3
Refrigerant 22

Is suitable for a lower temperature range than R12 because the pressure on the evaporator side of the system is
higher than atmospheric at low temperatures thus reducing the risk of drawing air into the system. Its
performance is better than R12 approaching that of ammonia.

The chemical and other properties are similar to R12 except that it is not miscible with oil over the whole
temperature range. The compound is Chlorodifloromethane (CHClF2)

Refrigernat 113

CCl2F/CClF2

Refrigerant 134a (Tetraflouroethane)

A HFC and suggested replacement for R12 in existing plant.

Refrigerant 502

Composed of 48.8% R22 and 51.2% R115 (C2ClF5). It is particularly suited for use with hermetic compressors.

Refrigerant 717 (Ammonia)

Thermodynamically a good refrigerant but it is explosive, poisonous and an irritant. The explosive mix is 16 to
25% in air. It is corrosive to copper and its alloys so that ferrous materials are used in components in the system.

Ammonia is a reactive compound. It is highly soluble in water with which it forms ammonium hydroxide a
strong alkali. About 1300 volumes of ammonia can be dissolved in one volume of water at low temperatures,
however it can be easily expelled by boiling. This action makes the vapour absorption refrigerator possible. The
high solubility in water also means that a wet cloth held to the face will give some protection against an
ammonia leak in an emergency although a breathing apparatus would be worn in such a case. Because of the
hazards it is normally found in shore or fishing vessels.

An additional disadvantage of ammonia is that it can not be used in a direct expansion system. The required
three or four tonnes of ammonia onboard for direct system is not acceptable, dictating a combined brine
distribution system. Even then, special precautions have to be taken with ammonia to eliminate toxic risks to
personnel in yards during construction and crew members when in service. Safety and isolation costs associated
with ammonia can erode otherwise attractive cosy advantages

Carbonic anhydride

(CO2, Carbon Dioxide)

Comparison of some refrigerants

Property CCl2F2- R12 CO2 NH3

Discharge pressure 0.8 72 11.7
Suction pressure 7.4 23 2.4
Critical pressure 40 73.8 113.7
Critical temperature 112 31 133
Boiling temperature at
-30 -78 -33
atmos
Liquid specific heat
0.96 3.23 4.65
capacity Kj/Kg K
no, attacks rubber, Copper no will attack brass and
Corrosive (pure) no
if moisture present bronzes if moisture present
no, liberates phosgene gas
Toxic no Yes
in fire
Flammable no no Yes
Explosive no no Yes
Miscible with oil Yes no Slightly

Refrigerant 404a (R125 (Pentaflouroethane), R134a, R143A(triflouroethane))

a suggested replacement for R22, has been used in shore based air-con and refrigeration installations for the past
few years and could replace R22 in the reefer market without technical problems.

Refrigerant R507 (R125, R143A)

) It is very comparable in blend to R502 which has been in use for several decades.

Refrigerant 407c (R32, R123, R134a)

another blend but has a very high glide of 6-7oC ( the difference between the boiling points of the blended
components). Its efficiency has some attraction for the reefer market, particularly with regard to its performance
in cooling down bananas when chillers are expected to operate at their maximum capacity. The problem today is
that R407c has only been used in tests and offers little, if any, industrial experience.

One component of the blend is R32,it is expensive and will continue to be for some time and also introduces
problems with regard to lubrication. Maintenance could present another difficulty, calling for skilled personnel
in handling the blends.

A major concern is the composition change in the event of leakage.

Refrigerant 407d

A chlorine free replacement for R12 in reefer container systems, is claimed to be 20% more efficient than
R134a and able to operate at box temperatures as low as -25oC

Refrigerant 410a

Does not have a high degree of glide, the blend facilitating a reduction in swept volume of compressor units.
The main disadvantage is that it requires a 50% higher working pressure than R22, although compressor and
plant size is reduced.. The availability of compressors for this refrigerant is thus limited, increased safety
precautions are necessary due to this increased pressure.

The blend contains R32 giving the same cost drawback as for R407c.

Refrigerant 410b (R32, R125)

Does not have a high degree of glide, the blend facilitating a reduction in swept volume of compressor units.
The main disadvantage is that it requires a 50% higher working pressure than R22, although compressor and
plant size is reduced.. The availability of compressors for this refrigerant is thus limited, increased safety
precautions are necessary due to this increased pressure.

The blend contains R32 giving the same cost drawback as for R407c.

Refrigerant Industrial experience Service and maintenance requirements Availability cost/Kg R22 = 1
R407C On-going Special Starting 5.4
R507 Yes Easy Good 5.3
R410a No Special Very few 7.4
R134a Yes Easy World wide 1.6

SUVA 9100

Is a near azeotropic mix of HFC 32 and HFC 125. DuPont has recently changed its mix from 45/55 R32/R125
to 50/50 simplifying the HCFC replacement process.

Azeotropic mix-is a blend of one or more pure substances in precise proportions. The blend specifically
exhibits a boiling point temperature independent of the boiling points of its components. Constant pressure
evaporation and condensation phase is realised at a constant temperature.

Table of relationship between saturation temperature and pressure [oC]

Bar -0.5 0 1 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20
R12 -46 -30 -12 -1 17 28 39 48 56 63 68 73 78
R22 -51 -41 -24 -14 0 11 20 28 35 41 46 51 55
R502 -57 -46 -28 -19 -4 7 17 24 31 38 43 47 51