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RETROFITTING EXISTING CHILLERS WITH ALTERNATIVE REFRIGERANTS.

Author(s) : CLARK E. M.

Type of article: Article

Summary

NEITHER R123 OR R134A ARE EXACT REPLACEMENT REFRIGERANTS FOR R11 AND R12, BUT IN CENTRIFUGAL WATER CHILLERS RETROFITTING HAS BEEN PROVED POSSIBLE. IN THE CASE OF R123, THE REFRIGERANT NEEDS A LARGER VOLUME PUMPED AND GREATER POWER OF UP TO 18% COMPARED TO R11. IT IS ALSO INCOMPATIBLE WITH MANY NEOPRENE RUBBERS USED IN GASKETS AND MOTOR WINDING INSULATION. RETROFITTING MAY INVOLVE INCREASED COMPRESSOR SPEED. A HIGH EFFICIENCY PURGE UNIT IS ADVISED, AND PLANT ROOM VENTILATION MUST BE WELL DESIGNED AS AN ALLOWABLE EXPOSURE LIMIT OF ONLY 100 PPM IS ANTICIPATED. R134A MAY ALSO REQUIRE INCREASED COMPRESSOR SPEED COMPARED TO R12, AND LUBRICATION MUST USE A POLYALKYLENE GLYCOL OR ESTER BASED OIL. EQUIPMENT MANUFACTURERS MUST BE CONSULTED WHEN A CHANGE IS TO BE MADE. D.W.H.

Details

  • Original title: RETROFITTING EXISTING CHILLERS WITH ALTERNATIVE REFRIGERANTS.
  • Record ID : 1992-0114
  • Languages: English
  • Source: ASHRAE Journal - vol. 33 - n. 4
  • Publication date: 1991/04
  • Document available for consultation in the library of the IIR headquarters only.

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