What is Refrigeration?
The removal of heat or cooling of a space, or substance below the environmental or ambient temperature. Mechanical refrigeration is primarily an application of thermodynamics wherein the cooling medium, or refrigerant, goes through a cycle so that it can be recovered for reuse.
Bespoke Built Systems
The majority of systems use the vapour compression cycle, whereby the refrigerant gas pressure is raised within the compressor and discharged to the condenser. The condenser is simply a heat exchanger removing heat from the gas causing it to pass into the liquid phase. Condensers are normally either water or air cooled.
Liquid refrigerant then flows to an expansion device. This device can take various forms, either automatic or manually preset allowing the refrigerant to pass at a pressure low enough forcing it to expand and evaporate back to the gaseous phase. Once all the liquid has evaporated the gas then passes back into the compressor where it can then be compressed again.
This simple vapour compression system is basically the same for many systems, nevertheless, there are numerous complexities that can be added to enhance performance. There are alternatives,
if you have a specific requirement and a different solution is necessary we can tailor it to meet your needs.
In 1989 the Montreal Protocol began the phase-out of all ozone depleting gases including CFC based refrigerants, the last of which, the HCFC´s, production stopped at the end of last year. HFC refrigerant gases have been the main replacements with hydro-carbons along with other natural refrigerants.
Since Montreal, the Kyoto Protocol and the ´F´ Gas Regulations have transformed the way refrigerants are used and disposed of.
The primary circuit refrigerant choice can only be determined when the design criteria has been specified, with energy conservation a large part of the decision process.
Secondary refrigerant circuits, such as chilled water or glycol tend to be cooled at a central plant and then pumped to the necessary cooling plant.
Refrigeration equipment is infinitely varied and often requires design to efficiently match the condition required. Closely working with our customers ensures we can meet all criteria. Refrigeration Compressors
Probably the most widely used current applications of refrigeration are for the air conditioning of private homes and public buildings, and the refrigeration of foodstuffs in homes, restaurants and large storage warehouses. The use of fridges and freezers in kitchens for the storage of fruits and vegetables has permitted the addition of fresh salads to the modern diet year round, and to store fish and meats safely for long periods. Dairy products are constantly in need of refrigeration. Meats, poultry and fish all must be kept in climate controlled environments before being sold. Refrigeration also helps keep fruits and vegetables edible longer
.In commerce and manufacturing, there are many uses for refrigeration. Refrigeration is used to liquify gases. In compressed air purification, it is used to condense water vapor from compressed air to reduce its moisture content. In oil refineries, chemical plants, and petrochemical plants, refrigeration is used to maintain certain processes at their required low. Metal workers use refrigeration to temper steel and cutlery.
If you have a specialist requirement, please contact us and we will be happy to discuss the design specification.