REFRIGERATION SYSTEM
Refrigeration- process of removal of heat in a confine space or area we want to
kept cool and the temperature to remain practically constant for the purpose of
food preservation.
Refrigerant- is a chemical substance that collects heat or being use as a medium
for heat transfer. It is also the substance that circulates in the direct system of
refrigeration.
DIRECT REFRIGERATION SYSTEM:
Four Most Important Processes Four Most Important Parts
1.)Compression 1.)Reefer Compressor
2.)Condensation 2.)Condenser
3.)Expansion 3.)Expansion Valve
4.)Evaporation 4.)Evaporator
COMPRESSION PROCESS- the low pressure gas refrigerant is withdrawn from the
evaporator and compressed into higher temperature and discharged to the
condenser. It converts low pressure gas into high pressure hot gas refrigerant.
CONDENSATION PROCESS- the latent heat of the high temperature gas
refrigerant is removed by passing it through the heat exchanger condenser cooled
by sea or fresh water. The high pressure hot gas refrigerant changed its physical
state into high pressure warm liquid refrigerant.
EXPANSION PROCESS- the pressure of the refrigerant is reduced changing its
state into low pressure cold liquid particles of refrigerant.
EVAPORATION PROCESS- the low pressure cold liquid particles absorbs its latent
of evaporation from the refrigerated space, from low pressure cold liquid particle
it is converted into low pressure gas refrigerant.
FOUR MOST IMPORTANT PARTS:
REEFER COMPRESSOR – acts as a pump, responsible for the circulation of the refrigerant. It is
where the compression process occurs. Converts low pressure gas to high pressure hot gas.
CONDENSER- acts as a heat exchanger between the hot gas refrigerant and the cooling
medium. It removes the heat of compression and also the latent heat of condensation.
EXPANSION VALVE- It regulates the flow of the refrigerant to the evaporator from high side to
the low side of the system. It reduces the pressure of the liquid refrigerant converting it from
high pressure warm liquid into low pressure cold liquid particles of the refrigerant.
EVAPORATOR- part of the system where the evaporation process takes place. It is used for
transferring heat from the substance being cooled.
Functions of other parts:
Suction valve- an isolating valve that allows the flow of the refrigerant going in the compressor.
Discharge Valve- a valve that allows the flow of the refrigerant that has been compressed from
the compressor.
Compound Gauge- a gauge used to measure both positive and negative pressure.
Pressure Gauge- a gauge used to measure positive pressure.
Pressure Limit Switch- a device used to limit the operating pressure of the reefer compressor.
In cases that the reefer compressor exceeds the maximum or minimum limit, the pressure limit
switch will cut-off the operation of the compressor.
Oil Separator- an equipment used to collect the lubrication oil that has been mixed on the
refrigerant during the compression process.
Purging Valve- a valve that is used to purge-out or to remove air contaminants within the
system.
S.W Cooling In/Out- inlet and outlet line for the S.W to collect the heat from the refrigerant by
means of condensation process.
Condenser Sight glass- a part of the condenser that is used to know the amount of refrigerant
within the condenser.
Liquid Receiver- it can be a separate tank or the lowest part of the condenser where the
converted liquid refrigerant is being stored.
Liquid Receiver Delivery Valve or King Valve- the main valve that is opened/closed in cases of
starting and stopping the refrigeration unit.
Liquid Refrigerant Charging Valve- a valve used for charging liquid refrigerant within the
refrigeration system.
Drier/Filter- a part of the system that is used to collect moisture within the refrigerant to
prevent clogging within the system.
By-pass Valve- a valve used to allow the continues flow of the refrigerant in cases of there is a
need to maintain or replace the drier.
Solenoid Valve- an electro-mechanical valve that opens and closes as necessary.
Sensing Bulb- a device used to sense/monitor/measure the temperature within the evaporator
chamber.
Thermal Switch- a device used to set the required temperature to be met for each refrigeration
chamber.
Defrost Valve- a valve the is used for defrosting the system by allowing the refrigerant to be
circulated back to the liquid receiver.
L.O charging valve- a valve that is used to refill fresh L.O within the crankcase of the reefer
compressor.
L.O Sight Glass- is used to check the amount of L.O within the crankcase of the compressor.
L.O Drain Non-return Valve- a valve that allows the L.O from the oil separator to be drained back
to the crankcase of the compressor.
