For industrial applications, however, refrigeration systems often use ammonia for its exceptional ability to maintain temperature and heat transfer. Ammonia has been continuously used as a refrigerant since the initial practical use of the vapor- compression refrigeration cycle was developed. Ammonia was first commercially produced in the United States about 1880 as a distillation by-product of coal processing to produce coke and coal gas. This advantage is even multiplied by the fact that ammonia has a lower density in liquid phase. Because ammonia evaporates quickly, it is commonly used in glass cleaning solutions to help avoid streaking. Ammonia’s one disadvantage is its toxicity, but the IIAR reports the refrigerant has a well-established safety record. It is highly volatile. Disadvantages. Ammonia’s toxicity, flammability and material compatibility have to be taken in to account. HVAC Coil Corrosion: Should You Be Concerned? In our business, it is also excellent in refrigeration because of its chemical cooling properties. America was celebrating her centennial, and Ulysses S. Grant was wrapping up his last term in office. Modern refrigerators use a refrigerant called HFC-134a (1,1,1,2-Tetrafluoroethane), which does not deplete the ozone layer. If you have wondered this, then read on (if you … It, therefore, cannot be used with copper pipes and in high concentrations, ammonia is poisonous. Ammonia in Industrial/Manufacturing Uses. It belongs to the group of so called “natural” refrigerants, and it has both GWP (Global Warming Potential) and ODP (Ozone Depletion Potential) equal to zero. Ammonia is used as refrigerant prominently in the refrigeration systems of food industry like dairies, ice creams plants, frozen food production plants, cold storage warehouses, processors of fish, poultry and meat and number of other applications. This configuration facilitates the use of two of the most energy-efficient refrigerants on the market while minimizing the risk of distributing large charges of ammonia throughout the facility. Please check your inbox for a confirmation email from Goodway and please click the link. Ammonia is not a universal refrigerant, and mainly suitable for industrial and heavy commercial applications. Ammonia, used on the high stage, is completely contained in the machine room. Ammonia is a toxic refrigerant, and it is also flammable at certain concentrations. Hence liquid ammonia is used as a refrigerant in ice plants. Ammonia is amongst the oldest of all the refrigerants and still used widely in the refrigeration applications. Because ammonias properties are best suited to large refrigeration systems, there is likely to be a large amount … It's pressure is very low when evaporated to produce the temperatures needed for refrigeration. I just want to very briefly touch on why we use ammonia as a refrigerant. Because of fear, and ignorance of the nature of ammonia, as a chemical, and as a refrigerant. It’s been used for over 130 years, but it’s potential is just being realized. When liquid ammonia vapourises it absorbs heat from the surrounding. Ammonia is the most environmentally friendly refrigerant. Approximately 18 million metric tons of ammonia are produced annually in North America alone, and of this amount, less than two percent is used for refrigeration. In 1980’s the harmful effects of CFC refrigerants became apparent and it was generally accepted that the CFC refrigerants are contributing to depletion of ozone layer and to global warming, finally resulting in Montreal protocol (1989) where almost all countries agreed to phase out CFC’s in a time bound program. (Editor’s note: The Just Venting blogging team identified the top three Just Venting blog posts since launching in 2008. The ammonia is the chemical that is used to absorb the heat from one area, and bring it to another area to dissipate. Keeping Your Cargo Safe: Refrigeration Plant…, New Years Resolution: Preventative Maintenance of…, GDS-100 Gets Top Grades When Put To The Test, The Simplest Way to Maintain Chiller Efficiency, Chiller Tube Cleaning-A Necessary Preventative…, Looking for an efficient way to disinfect your surfaces? Why then do we not use it as a refrigerant but instead use other substances like ammonia, carbon dioxide, and sulfur dioxide. The institute claims ammonia has an “ozone depletion potential (ODP) of zero and a global warming potential (GWP) of zero.” Ammonia’s thermal properties mean it uses less energy than other refrigerant options in large industrial applications. In a wide range of applications, it outperforms synthetic refrigerants. With the ever increasing focus on energy consumption, ammonia systems are a safe and sustainable choice for the future. 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