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How does ammonia refrigeration work?

BEN STEVENSON • Sep 30, 2021

Artificial cooling systems such as ammonia refrigeration keep industries and businesses running. This is your complete guide to ammonia refrigeration systems: how they work, why they are used, and the potential risks involved. 


How does ammonia refrigeration work?


The basic physics behind a refrigeration system is to move the heat energy out of one area and into another, thereby leaving the first area cooler than before. The most common type of refrigerating system is a vapor-compression refrigerator, in which a refrigerant in the form of a vapour is compressed to become a liquid, before being expanded and vaporised once more. This process repeats on a cycle so that each time the refrigerant vaporises, it absorbs the heart energy from its surroundings, and then releases that heat to a new location when condensing. 


Historically, the refrigerants used in this type of system have been chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), such as Freon-12, that have a destructive impact on the environment. Ammonia, on the other hand, does not and has therefore become a very popular refrigerant used in vapor-compression systems. 


Why is ammonia used for refrigeration?


There are three major reasons why ammonia is the suitable refrigerant:


1. It has physical properties that make it extremely effective and efficient for large refrigeration systems. The International Institute of Ammonia Refrigeration states ammonia is between 3 and 10% more thermodynamically efficient than competitive refrigerants. A more efficient refrigerant uses less power and therefore has lower operational costs.


2. It breaks down quickly in the environment, which minimises its harmful environmental impact. As ammonia is lighter than air, it quickly rises and dissipates in no more than 7 days. Unlike synthetic refrigerants such as CFCs, it does not contribute to the destruction of the ozone layer and global warming effect. 

 

3. Accidental leaks or spillages can be quickly identified due to its strong odour. This pungent smell can be recognised when it’s approximately 20 parts per million in the air. This means that even if the tiniest amount manages to leak, it will be obvious while not able to cause any immediate health damage to people nearby. 


The risks of an ammonia refrigeration system


The key risk of using ammonia-based refrigeration systems is that ammonia is poisonous in high concentrations. Due to ammonia’s properties being best suited to large systems, it is likely there will be a high concentration of ammonia in use to ensure the system is operating efficiently. This presents a serious risk if an accident were to occur, and a significant amount were to be released. However, accidents on this scale can be prevented with necessary risk assessments and compliance with official health and safety regulations set out by the governmental bodies. 


Ammonia refrigeration with Industrial Refrigeration Solutions 



IRS are the UK’s leading independent refrigeration business, specialising in designing, installing, servicing, and maintaining heavy and industrial commercial refrigeration systems. We use ammonia refrigerants, alongside HFC, HC, HFO, CO2, and more. Our range of services are completed to the highest standards by our expert team, who can adapt to different styles and systems. 


Want to find out more? Contact us at 01634 624980.


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