NH3 Ice Water/Brine Refrigeration System
As in many other areas of food processing, refrigeration is also required in dairy production.
ARCTOS Industriekälte AG builds refrigeration systems that meet the specific requirements of various cooling and freezing processes. One example is an NH3 refrigeration system used for ice water production (+1° C) and for cooling ethylene glycol to -3° C.
REFRIGERANT
The choice of refrigerant fell on the natural refrigerant ammonia, which is distinguished by its ecological sustainability and high volumetric cooling capacity.
REQUIREMENTS
The cooling capacity of 2,600 kW for ice water production is achieved using two frequency-controlled screw compressors from the manufacturer Gea Grasso. The water in the ice water basin is cooled to +1° C via two plate heat exchangers.
The ice water is then used for the production of whey protein concentrate and lactose. For a future expansion of the refrigeration system, an additional reserve space is planned for a third screw compressor to achieve a total capacity of approximately 4,000 kW.
| Refrigerant: | R717 (NH3) |
|---|---|
| Maximum allowable operating pressure: | 13.0 / 16.0 / 17.5 bar (ND / MD / HD) |
| Evaporation temperatures: | -1° C (for ice water production) -5° C (for cooling ethylene glycol) |
| Condensation temperature: | +32° C |
| Compressor types: | 2x Screw compressors RA-5B 1x Piston compressor V600 |
| Compressor cooling capacity: | 2x 1300 kW 1x 414 kW |
| Motor drive power: | 2x 219 kW 1x 84.5 kW |
| COP value: | 5.94 (t0 = -1° C) 4.90 (t0 = -5° C) |
The cooling of the ethylene glycol to -3° C is achieved through a frequency-controlled piston compressor. The current cooling capacity of 414 kW can be expanded by adding another piston compressor, bringing the total capacity to approximately 620 kW.
PLANNING
The refrigeration system is installed in a machine room with dimensions of 19 x 10 m. An evaporative condenser is located on the roof of the building. In the case of an expansion of the refrigeration system, a second evaporative condenser can be quickly placed there.