سردخانه آمونیاکی

Ammonia Cold Storage

Ammonia cold storages are among the most common and widely used types of cold storage in various industries. These systems use ammonia gas as the refrigerant, which is why they are known as ammonia cold storages.

On this page of the Tabadol Gostar Booran Group website, we will provide a comprehensive overview of ammonia cold storages—from introducing their components to exploring their advantages, disadvantages, and maintenance requirements. Stay with us until the end of this page for more details.

What is Ammonia Cold Storage?

An ammonia cold storage is a powerful industrial refrigeration system that uses ammonia (NH3) as the refrigerant. Due to its outstanding thermodynamic properties, such as high heat absorption capacity and low vapor pressure at evaporation temperature, ammonia is considered one of the most widely used refrigerants in large industries.

These systems are extensively used in industrial cold storages, fruit cold storages, and food cold storages for preserving food products, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and other materials requiring low temperatures.

Components of Ammonia Cold Storage

An ammonia refrigeration system generally consists of the following components:

Ammonia Cold Storage Compressor

The compressor is the heart of the refrigeration system, responsible for increasing the pressure and temperature of ammonia vapor. Ammonia compressors are usually piston or screw type, with the appropriate choice depending on system capacity and operating pressure.

Ammonia Cold Storage Condenser

The cold storage condenser converts high-pressure ammonia vapor into liquid by transferring heat to the surrounding environment. Condensers are classified into water-cooled, air-cooled, and evaporative types.

Ammonia Cold Storage Evaporator

The third component of ammonia cold storage systems is the ammonia evaporator, which evaporates liquid ammonia and absorbs heat from the environment. This process reduces the temperature and creates cooling. Evaporators are typically installed inside the cold storage and are made of copper or aluminum coils.

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The Role of Ammonia Refrigerant in the Cooling Process

Ammonia, as the refrigerant in the cycle, absorbs heat from the environment and transfers it outside. This process creates the necessary cooling effect for preserving food, pharmaceuticals, and industrial products.

Construction of Ammonia Cold Storage

The construction of an ammonia cold storage involves the following stages:

Design and Initial Calculations

In this stage, cold storage capacity, required temperature, type of products to be preserved, and other design parameters are determined. Based on this data, thermal calculations and equipment selection are carried out.

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Selection of Suitable Equipment

The equipment used in ammonia cold storage includes the cold storage compressor, condenser, evaporator, control valves, tanks, and other auxiliary equipment. Their selection depends on system capacity, environmental conditions, and the type of products to be stored.

Installation and Operation

After selecting and procuring the equipment, installation and commissioning are carried out. Following startup, the system must be periodically inspected and maintained to ensure optimal performance.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Ammonia Cold Storage

Advantages of Using Ammonia as a Refrigerant

Ammonia offers multiple advantages as a refrigerant, making it an attractive option for industrial refrigeration systems. It is not only cost-effective but also environmentally friendly. Its high heat absorption capacity results in high system efficiency. Additionally, its low price compared to other refrigerants reduces operational costs.

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Challenges and Safety Considerations of Ammonia Cold Storage

Despite its many advantages, ammonia presents challenges, with toxicity being the most significant. Leakage of ammonia can lead to poisoning or even death. Ammonia is also corrosive and can damage certain metals, so systems must use compatible materials. Safety equipment such as masks, gloves, and protective clothing is essential, and regular inspections are mandatory to prevent accidents.

Maintenance and Repair of Ammonia Cold Storage

Maintenance Methods and Extending System Life

Regular inspections ensure proper functioning of all components and prevent potential issues. Cleaning equipment is equally important, as dirt and deposits reduce efficiency and increase energy consumption. Proper lubrication of moving parts, particularly compressors, reduces wear and extends system lifespan.

Common Problems and Solutions

One common issue in ammonia refrigeration systems is ammonia leakage, which may result from pipe wear, loose connections, or damaged equipment. The leak location must be identified and the faulty part repaired or replaced. Reduced system capacity can also occur due to contamination, ammonia leakage, or compressor failure. The system should be thoroughly checked to determine and fix the cause. High compressor discharge temperature is another frequent problem, caused by low oil levels, clogged filters, or compressor failure. This requires checking oil levels and adding oil if necessary.

Conclusion

Ammonia cold storages are suitable for large industries due to their high efficiency, low cost, and eco-friendliness. However, proper safety precautions and regular maintenance are essential. With advantages and drawbacks considered, the selection of cold storage type should be based on project-specific needs.

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FAQ; Clear Answers for You

Answers to the most frequently asked questions our experts at Tabadol Gostar Booran receive:

What is the difference between ammonia and Freon cold storage?

Ammonia and Freon cold storages differ in refrigerant, efficiency, safety, cost, and environmental impact. Ammonia offers higher efficiency, lower costs, and less environmental impact but is toxic. Freon is safer but more costly and environmentally harmful.

To prevent compressor discharge temperature rise, regularly check oil levels, add oil when needed, and keep filters clean.

Yes, due to its thermodynamic properties, ammonia works efficiently at very low temperatures and is widely used for preserving food and industrial products below zero.

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