SANTHIRAM ENGINEERING COLLEGE

NANDYAL

Seminar

report

on

LPG REFRIGERATION

UNDER GUDIENCE : SUBMITTED BY:

DR. P.NAGARAJU S.MAHESWARREDDY

[ 17X55A0317 ]
 ABSTRACT

The performance of domestic refrigerator when a

propane-butane mixture is liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) which
is locally available and comprises 24.4% propane, 56.4% butane
and 17.2% isobutene which is very from company to company.
The LPG is cheaper and possesses an environmental friendly
nature with no ozone depletion potential (ODP). It is used in
world for cooking purposes. The various methods of
refrigeration on the basis of standard refrigerant discussed. He
refrigerator used in the present study is of medium size with a
gross capacity of 125 litre and is designed to work on LPG. The
performance parameters investigated is the refrigeration effect in
certain time. The refrigerator worked efficiently when LPG was
used as refrigerant instead of CFC 12. The evaporator
temperature reached -5 ºC with and an ambient temperature of
12 ºC. Also from the experiment which done in atmospheric
condition, we can predict the optimum value of cooling effect
with the suitable operating condition of regulating valve and
capillary tube of the system. The results of the present work
indicate the successful use of this propane-butane mixture as an
alternative refrigerant to CFC 12 in domestic refrigerant.

2
 CHAPTER 1

LPG REFRIGERATION

1.1 INTRODUCTION

In India, more than 80% of the domestic refrigerator utilize HFC 134a as
refrigerant, due to its excellent thermodynamic and thermo physical
properties. But, HFC 134a has a high global warming potential (GWP) of
1300. There is a need of assess various refrigerant option considering the
existing refrigerators in the field and for the future market.

CFC’s are principally destroyed by ultraviolet radiations in the

stratosphere; the chlorine released in the high stratosphere catalyzes the
decomposition of ozone to oxygen; and ultraviolet radiations penetrates to
lower altitudes. Credible calculations of the magnitude of the effect
(Hoffman 1987) and his team predicted 3% global ozone emissions of 700
thousand tonnes/year after a hundred years. The ozone impact of car air
conditioners also can not be ignored. Hydrofluorocarbons (HFC’s) can be
thought of as a replacement, but unfortunately the radiation properties of
HFC’s like R-134a make them powerful global warming agents. HFC
134a and the HC blend have been reported to be substitutes for CFC 12,
but they have their own drawbacks in energy efficiency, flammability and
serviceability aspects of the systems. HFC 134a is not miscible with
mineral oil, and hence, polyol ester oil is recommended, which is highly
hygroscopic in nature. This hygroscopicity demands stringent service
practices, which otherwise results in moisture entry into the system.

3
Thus, hydrocarbon refrigerants; particularly LPG serves as the best
contender to replace CFC’s from domestic refrigerator as well as car air
conditioners.
LPG consists mainly of propane (R-290) and butane (R-600), and LPG is
available as a side product in local refineries. In Cuba for already several
decades LPG is used as a drop-in refrigerant. LPG mixtures have
composition of a commercial LPG mixture suitable as ‘drop-in’
replacement for R-12 was calculated crudely as 64% propane and 36%
butane by mass. Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) of 60% propane and 40%
commercial butane has been tested as a drop-in suitable for R 134a in a
single evaporator domestic refrigerator with a total volume of 10 ft3.

The revival of LPG refrigerants in domestic and small commercial

application in a happy accident (Vidal 1992). Engineers had known since
the 1920’s that LPG refrigerants performed well and in the 1980s
refrigerators manufacturers again tested them (Kuijpers et al. 1988). Fear
of a flammability campaign from the chemical industry deterred any
manufacture.

In march 1989, the Institute of Hygiene in Dortmund Germany

needed a new cold storage room. The young idealistic director, Dr Harry
Rosin, could not consider using a CFC refrigerant and so tried propane
and iso butane.

Greenpeace Australia imported a Foron refrigerator in February

1993 and in December 1993 Email Ltd, Australia’s largest appliance
manufacturer, displayed prototype LPG refrigerators. In 1994, German
manufacturer announced one by one their intention of switch to LPG
refrigerants.

4
 OZ Technology Inc, a start up company in Idaho, introduced OZ-
12 a mixture of commercial propane and butane in 1992. they sold over
50,000 170 g cans the first summer. The Mobile Air-Conditioning Society
made flammability hazard claims including ‘a bomb in the passenger
compartment’ (Keebler 1993, MACS 1993). The US EPA refused to
approve OZ-12 on flammability grounds. OZ then introduced another
LPG refrigerant HC-12a, which has already sold over 100,000 cans. The
US EPA may not approve this either but OZ’s petition (OZ 1994) is
convincing, comprehensive and technically sound especially on safety.
Calor released Care 30 in June 1994. Care 30 is a high purity mixture of
R-290 and R-600a and is a drop- in replacement for R-12 and R 134a. it
has been very successful in vehicle refrigeration and air-conditioning.

1.2 PROPERTIES

» Colourless.
» Odourless. (It’s normal to odorise LPG by adding an
odorant prior to supply to the user, to aid the detection
of any leaks).
» Flammable.
» Heavier than air.
» Approximately half the weight of water.
» Non toxic but can cause asphyxiation.
» LPG expands upon release and 1litre of liquid will form
approximately 250 litres of vapour.

5
A good mixture : LPG is mainly Propane (C3H8), Butane (C4H10) or a
mix of Propane/Butane. Since LPG has such a simple chemical structure,
it is among the cleanest of any alternative fuel.
Boiling point : LPG’s boiling point ranges from -42 ºC to 0 ºC depending
on its mixture percentage of Butane and Propane.

Combustion : The combustion of LPG produces carbon dioxide (CO2)

and water vapour but sufficient air must be available. Inadequate
appliances flueing or ventilation can result in the production of carbon
monoxide which can be toxic.

Vapour pressure : LPG is a stored as a liquid under pressure. It is almost

colourless and its weight is approximately half that of an equivalent
volume of water. The pressure inside a closed container in which LPG is
stored is equal to the vapour pressure of the liquid and corresponds to its
temperature.

Ignition temperature : The temperature required to ignite LPG in air is

around 500 ºC.

Calorific value : The calorific value of LPG is about 2.5 times higher
than that of main gas so more heat is produced from the same volume of
gas.

Toxicity : LPG is a colourless, odourless and non-toxic gas. It is supplied

commercially with an added odorant to assist detection by smell.

LPG is an excellent solvent of petroleum and rubber product and

is generally non-corrosive to steel and copper alloys.

6
Safety : LPG is just as safe as any other fuel. In fact, it is safer than most
fuels because neither LPG itself nor the end products that are produced by
burning LPG in a suitable appliance, are poisonous to inhale. Since LPG
cannot burn without air, there can never be a ‘Flash-back’ into the
cylinder.

You can feel safe with LPG as the most through precaution are
taken to ensure your safety. All you have to do is to handle it correctly
whilst adhering to the simple instructions provided.

1.3 APPLICATION

Application of LPG as refrigerant that divides in two categories:

1. Processes that uses LPG

2. Industries that uses LPG

1.3.1 Processes that use LPG

LPG’s high calorific value makes it a key gas for:

» Heating appliances :- used because of its case of

combustion, portability and clean burning characteristics
and compatibility with almost all water and space heating
appliances. The best product depends the climate.

7
» Propane :- suitable for use in all conditions. It is the only
LPG product suitable for cold climates (such as the UK and
Canada) because of its low boiling point of -43.6 ºF (-42 ºC).
» Butane :- suitable for use in hot climate only because of its
higher boiling point of 22.9 ºF (-5 ºC).
» Propane/Butane mixtures :- suitable for use in moderate
climates
» Cooking :- preferred to electricity by professional chefs.

» Oxy-Fuel application :- LPG performs well in large-scale

oxy-fuel burner application.

LPG’s clean burning characteristics make it a good gas for:

» Transport fuel :- for forklift and other trucks that operate

inside warehouses and factories because it provides no
noxious exhaust gases and give more power than batteries.
LPG is also increasingly used as a clean automotive fuel in
countries with serious air pollution problems.

» propane and butane’s low boiling points also give them good closed
cycle refrigerants characteristics (similar to Freon’s).

1.3.2 Industries that use LPG

LPG’s calorific and clean-burning characteristics are used across many

industries such as:

8
» Automotive :- as a forklift truck fuel and in some countries as a
private car or public transport fuel.

» Hospitality and Leisure :- as a heating and cooking gas in

restaurant, cafes and mobile catering vans.

» Agriculture :- for crop drying, heating greenhouses and animal sheds

and for flame weeding and pest control.

» Construction :- LPG’s portability allow its use for general space

heating to enable work on projects during winter months, and for road
heating in bitumen replacement work.

» Chemicals and petrochemicals :- LPG surplus is used as feedstock

when prices are low.

1.4 THE LPG REFRIGERATION CYCLE

(1). LPG Gas Cylinder:

From the LPG gas cylinder, LPG flows through the pipe and reaches to
the capillary tube. LPG gas pressure is approximate 80-100 psi.

(2). Capillary Tube:

As the capillary tube, capillary tube downs the pressure up to less then 1
psi.
(3). Evaporator:

9
In the evaporator LPG is converted into the vapour from with low
pressure. After passing through the evaporator low pressure and
temperature LPG vapour absorbs heat from the chamber system.
(4). Gas Burner:

After performing the cooling effect, low pressure LPG gas goes into the
burner where the burns.

1.5 PARTS OF REFRIGERATORS

1.5.1 LPG Gas Cylinder

LPG is Liquefied Petroleum Gas. This is general description of Propane

(C3H8) and Butane (C4H10), either stored separately or together as a
mix.
This is because these gases can be liquefied at a normal
temperature by application of a moderate pressure increases, or
at normal pressure by application of LPG using refrigeration. LPG is
used as a fuel for

domestic, industrial, horticultural, agricultural, cooking, heating and

drying processes. LPG can be used as an automotive fuel or as
propellant for aerosol, in addition to other specialist applications.

10
LPG can also be used to provide lighting
through the use of pressure lanterns.

1.5.2 Capillary Tube

The capillary tube is the commonly used throttling device in the domestic
refrigeration.

The capillary tube is a copper tube of very small internal

diameter. It is of very long length and it is coiled to several
turns so that it would occupy less space. The internal
diameter of the capillary tube used for the refrigeration
applications varies from 0.5 to 2.28 mm (0.020 to 0.09 inch). The
capillary tube is shown in picture. When the
refrigerant enters in the capillary tube, its pressure drops down suddenly
due to very small diameter. The decrease in pressure of the refrigerant
through the capillary depends on the diameter of capillary and the length

11
of capillary. Smaller is the diameter and more is the length of capillary
more is the drop in pressure of the refrigerant as it passes through it.

1.5.3 Evaporator

The evaporators are another important parts of the refrigeration systems.

It through the evaporators that the cooling effect is produced in the
refrigeration system.

It is in the evaporators when the actual cooling effect takes place in

the refrigeration systems. For many people the evaporator is the main
part of the refrigeration system, consider other part as less useful. The
evaporators are heat exchanger surface that transfer the heat from the
substance to be cooled to the

12
refrigerant, thus removing the heat from the from the substance.
The evaporators are used for wide variety of diverse
application in refrigeration and hence the available in wide
variety of shape, sizes and designs. They are also classified in different
manner depending on the method of feeding the refrigerant, construction
of the evaporator, direction of air circulation around the evaporator,
application and also the refrigerant control.

In the domestic refrigerators the evaporators are commonly known as

freezers since the ice is made in these compartment.

In the evaporators the refrigerant enters at very low pressure and

temperature after passing through the capillary tube. This refrigerant
absorbs the heat from the substance that is to be cooled so the
refrigerant gets heated while the substance gets cooled. Even after cooling
the substance the temperature of the refrigerant leaving the evaporator is
less than the substance.

In the large refrigeration plants the evaporator is used for chilling water.
In such cases shell and tube type of heat exchanger are used as the
evaporators. In such plants the evaporators are classified as:

(1). Dry expansion type of evaporators

(2). Flooded type of the evaporators

The evaporators are classified based on the construction as:

(1). Bare tube evaporators

(2). Plate surface evaporators

13
(3). Finned evaporators
(4). Shell and tube evaporator
(5). Shell and coiled evaporator, and
(6). Tube-in-tube evaporator

The evaporators are classified based on mode of heat transfer

(1). Natural convection evaporator, and

(2). Forced convection evaporator

The evaporators are classified based on operating conditions

(1). Frosting evaporator,

(2). Non-frosting evaporator, and
(3). Defrosting evaporator

1.5.4 Pressure gauges

Many techniques have been developed for the measurement of pressure

and vacuums. Instruments used to measure pressure are called pressure
gauges or vacuum gauges.

14
A manometer could also referring to a pressure measuring
instrument, usually limited to measuring pressures near to
atmospheric. The term manometer is often used to refer specifically to
liquid column hydrostatic instruments.
Stainless steel pressure gauge

Catering to the requirements of to power and allied Industry, we offer

quality array of stainless steel, weatherproof pressure gauges.
Renowned for offering resistance in corrosive environments and modes,
these find wide application in power generation, pollution control
equipment, chemicals and petrochemicals and also
exploration. These gauges are available in 63mm, 100mm, and 150mm
sizes and can be customized as per client.

Bourdon gauge

A Bourdon gauge uses a coiled tube, which, as it expands due to pressure

increases cases a rotation of an arm connected to the tube.

15
In 1849 the Bourdon tube pressure gauge was patented in France by
Eugene Bourdon. The pressure sensing element is a closed coiled
tube connected to the chamber or pipe in while the pressure is to be
sensed. As the gauge pressure increases the tube will tend to
uncoil, while a reduced gauge pressure will patented France by Eugene
Bourdon.

The pressure sensing el cause the tube to coil more tightly. This
motion is transferred through a linkage to a gear train connected to an
indicating needle. The needle in presented in front of a card face inscribed
with the pressure indications associated with particular needle deflections.
In a barometer, the Bourdon tube is sealed at both ends and the absolute
pressure of the ambient atmosphere is sensed. Differentials Bourdon
gauges use two Bourdon tubes and a mechanical linkage that compares
the readings.

16
1.5.5 High Pressure pipes

The range of high pressure pipes covers most application where there
is a requirement to transfer gas at high pressure. They consist of a
steel pipe with a steel ball fitted to both ends. Two swivelling
connection nipples press these balls against the seating of the
connecting hole and thus sealing against gas leakage.

» Wide range of pipes.

» All pipes are pressure tested to 100 M Pa (14,500 psi) over
recommended working pressure.

1.6 CONSTRUCTION OF THE LPG REFRIGERATOR

The LPG refrigerator shown in figure. We make the one box of the
plywood. The plywood sheet size is 12mm for used the LPG refrigerator.
The size of the refrigerator is 724*457*381 mm3. The evaporator is fitted
on the upper portion of box inside.

17
Inside the refrigerator, we also put the thermo-coal sheet, because of the
cold air can not the transfer from inside to outside of refrigerator.

Fig 3.1 :- Construction of the LPG refrigerator

The schematically diagram of the LPG refrigeration system is shown in

next page. The gas tank is connect by pipes to the capillary tube. The
capillary tube is fitted with evaporator. The evaporator coiled end is
connect to the stove by another gas circulation pipe. When two pressure
gauge is put between capillary tube and gas tank, and another is put the
end of the evaporator.
1.7 WORKING LPG REFRIGERATOR

The basic idea behind LPG refrigeration is to use the evaporation of a

LPG to absorb heat. The simple mechanism of the LPG refrigeration
working is shown in figure.

18
Fig 3.2 Working of LPG Refrigerator
» LPG is stored in the LPG cylinder under high pressure.
When the gas tank of regulators is opened then high
pressure LPG passes in gas pipe. This LPG is going by
high pressure gas pipe in capillary tube.

» High pressure LPG is converted in low pressure at

capillary tube with enthalpy remains constant.

» After capillary tube, low pressure LPG is passed through

evaporator. LPG is converted into low pressure and
temperature vapour from and passing through the
evaporator which absorbs heat from the chamber. Thus
the camber becomes cools down. Thus we can achieve
cooling effect in refrigerator.

» After passing through the evaporator low pressure LPG

is passed through pipe by burner. And we can uses the

19
 low pressure of LPG is burning processes.

1.8 CAUSES AND PRECAUTION

» Explosion in space Any refrigerant with vapour pressure above

ambient can flash to a larger volume. The potential increase in volume is
greater if combustion of lubricant or refrigerant occurs. Explosion venting
may be necessary to limit pressure rise to what the space can safely
withstand. 2 kPa can blow window glass off a building.

» Fire Combustible lubricant and refrigerant must be discharged safely

outside a building when a fire occurs especially it the heat of combustion
exceeds 200 MJ.

» Asphyxiation or poisoning All refrigerants except air and oxygen

are asphyxiations. Ventilation must prevent serious injury or death on a
sudden total release of refrigerants. The quantity of ventilation necessary
varies greatly between refrigerants.

» Flying metal System must comply with piping and pressure vessels
codes.

» Corrosion or chemical reaction LPG refrigerants are non-reactive and

chemically stable at refrigeration temperature.

» Chemical or cold burns Accidental contact between skin and cold

metal must be prevented by insulation. Accidental releases of liquid
refrigerant must drain safely.

20
1.9 ADVANTAGE OF LPG

The advantages of LPG are as follows :

» Clean burning.
» Effects of corrosions are greatly reduced.
» Instantly control the flame temperature.
» Avoids scaling and decarburising of parts.
» Environmentally friendly fuel, with minimal sulphur
content and sulphur-free emissions.
» Very high efficiency with direct firing system instant heat
for faster warm-up and cool-down.
» LPG is easily liquefied and stored in pressure containers. It
can be easily transported in cylinder or tanks.

21
 CHAPTER 2
ANALYSIS OF LPG REFRIGERATOR

» Size of Refrigerator :-724*457*381 mm3

» Atmospheric temperature :- 40 ºC
» Initial water temperature :- 35 ºC
» Inlet pressure of LPG :-80 psi
» Outlet pressure of LPG :- less than 1psi

2.1 :- OBSERVATION TABLE AND CHART

The experiment of this project was done on November,30 2019 at
1.45p.m. and reading were taken under ten minute’s interval which are
under as follow:

Time Pressure Inlet Outlet Water Freezer Chamber

in Temp. Temp. Temp. Temp. Temp.
bar (ºC) (ºC) (ºC) (ºC) (ºC)

10 6.7 0.2 10 30.0 1.0 37.9

10 6.4 0.01 8.2 24.2 -1.1 33.8
10 6.8 -0.09 7.6 19.7 -2.0 29.4
10 6.7 -0.90 5.2 15.8 -4.1 25.5
10 6.6 -1.25 4.1 11.2 -6.0 23.1
10 6.7 -2.20 3.1 8.3 -6.9 19.9
10 6.7 -3.74 2.2 5.1 -7.5 17.9
10 6.8 -4.90 1.8 3.2 -7.9 15.7
10 6.6 -5.90 1.1 1.02 -8.9 14.2
10 6.7 -7.10 0.5 0.30 -9.3 10.3
Chart no. 2.1 :- Freezer Temperature Vs Time Period

X axes : Time Period in minute.

Y axes : Freezer surface temperature in ºC.

22
Chart No. 2.2 :- Water Temperature Vs Time Period

X axes : Water temperature in ºC.

Y axes : Time Period in minute.

23
Chart No 2.3 :- Chamber Temperature Vs Time Period

X axes : Time Period in minute.

24
Y axes : Chamber Temperature in ºC.

2.2 ADVANTAGES

» The cooling capacity of LPG is 10% higher than R-12

and the vapour pressure is appropriate.
» LPG is naturally occurring and non-toxic.

25
 » Use of LPG as a refrigerant also improves the overall
efficiency by 10 to 20%.
» The ozone depletion potential (ODP) of LPG is 0 and
Global warming potential (GWP) is 8 which is
Significantly negligible as compared to other
refrigerant.
» Apart from environment friendly, use of also LPG gives
us lot of cost advantages.
» LPG does not form acids and thereby eliminates the
problem with blocked capillaries.
» There is 60% reduction in weight of the system due to
higher density of LPG.
» The fridge works when electricity off.
» It is efficient to save fuel.
» No pollution
» The units are effectively silent in operation.
» Running cost is zero.
» Eliminates the compressor and condenser.

2.3 DISADVANTAGES

» LPG is explosive in nature.

26
» Do not maintain constant pressure in LPG cylinder.

» Put the LPG cylinder is inverted position.

» After the refrigeration processes, the exhaust of LPG is

burn into burner. Because of the exhausted vapour LPG
can not converted again liquid phase , because the this
process is very costly.

» The prevention of leakage of the LPG is the major problem in LPG

refrigeration system. Because of the LPG is highly flammable.

CHAPTER 3

CONCLUSION OF LPG REFRIGERATION

27
3.1 CONCLUSION

“LPG Refrigeration”, we conclude that refrigeration effect is produced

with the use of LPG.

From observation table, we conclude that, the regulating valve is fully

open that, we achieve the chamber temperature down from 38ºC to 10ºC
in a 100 minute. We achieve the evaporator temperature down from 1ºC to
-9.3ºC in a same time interval.

We put the water in one plastic bottle in the evaporator. The initial
temperature of water is 35 ºC. From observation table, we conclude that,
the condition of regulating valve is fully opened, the same time period we
achieve the temperature of water is 0.30 ºC.

We also conclude that, the capillary tube is maximum pressure of gas

cylinder is reduces the less then of 1 psi. The capillary tube is more
suitable throttling device in LPG refrigeration system.

This system is cheaper in initial as well as running cost. It does not

require an external energy sources to run the system and no moving part
in the system so maintenance is also very low.

We also conclude that, we try the burnt to the exhaust LPG, the pressure
of exhaust gas is less than 1 psi, the small flame produce by the burner.

This system most suitable for hotel, industries, refinery, chemical

industries where consumption of LPG is very high.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

28
» http://www.hychill.com.au/pdf/pasolpgr.pdf
» www.e-lpg.com
» http://www.google.com/g
» www.dynatempintl.com
» www.lpgforyou.com
» http://www.brighthub.com/engineering/mechanical.aspx
» http://coolingdevice.net/4.html
» http://howstuffworks.com/refrigerator.htm
» http://www.google.com/gwt/x?site
» www.indiamart.com
» “A Textbook of Refrigeration and Air Conditioning” by
R.S.KHURMI & J.K.GUPTA
» “Performance and safety of LPG Refrigerant ”, The Univercity of
New South Wales, Australia.
» “Applications of Refrigeration & Air Conditioning”, Lesson 3,
Version 1 ME, IIT Kharagpur 1
» “A Textbook of Thermal Engineering”, By R.S.KHURMI &
J.K.GUPTA
» Arora, C.P, “Refrigeration & Air Conditioning”, Tata Mc-Graw Hill
Company Limited, New Delhi.

29