3 - Refrigeration
3 - Refrigeration
3 - Refrigeration
3rd Topic
Refrigeration
• Temperature plays an important role in
maintaining the quality of stored food.
• The reaction rate is reduced to the half by
lowering the temperature by 10°C.
• Earlier a lower temperature was obtained by
the use of ice.
• Today, the cooling process is achieved by the
use of a mechanical refrigeration system.
Refrigeration
• The transfer of heat is accomplished by using a refrigerant,
which changes state—from liquid to vapor and has a low
boiling point.
• The boiling point of a refrigerant can be varied by changing
the pressure. Thus, to increase the boiling point of
ammonia to 0°C, its pressure must be raised to 430.43
kPa.
• We use a mechanical vapor compression system to allow
collection of the refrigerant vapors and to convert it to
liquid state so that the same refrigerant can be reused.
(expensive)
Refrigeration
• Selection of a refrigerant is based on properties at a desired temperature.
• Selection of a refrigerant is based on several performance characteristics.
• Important characteristics to consider:
1. Latent heat of vaporization. (high, small amount).
2. Condensing pressure. (low, avoid expense of heavy construction for
condensing and piping).
3. Freezing temperature. (below evaporator T)
4. Critical temperature. (high, above cannot liquefied, i.e. air cooled
condensers CT above highest expected ambient T).
5. Toxicity.
6. Flammability.
7. Corrosiveness.
8. Chemical stability.
9. Detection of leaks.
10. Cost.
11. Environmental impact.
COMPONENTS OF A REFRIGERATION
SYSTEM