Abstract:
A purge processor for purging air and other noncondensibles from refrigeration systems or refrigeration handling systems includes: an inlet gas connector for receiving a gaseous mixture of noncondensibles and refrigerant; a first and second refrigerant receiver; a compressor; a condenser; and a differential pressure switch connected to a solenoid valve for automatically purging a predetermined percentage by volume of refrigerant. For low pressure refrigerant, a back pressure regulator maintains the second refrigerant receiver at a colder temperature than the first. For high pressure refrigerant, an additional compressor and condenser maintains the second refrigerant receiver at a colder temperature than the first. The present invention can continuously separate refrigerant and automatically purge an exhaust known to have less than 1% by volume of refrigerant.
Abstract:
A refrigerant handling system that includes an air purge chamber and a refrigerant pump for directing refrigerant into the air purge chamber so that the refrigerant collects in liquid phase at a lower portion of the chamber while air and other non-condensibles collect in the vapor space at the upper portion of the chamber over the liquid refrigerant. A purge valve is connected to the upper portion of the chamber for automatically or manually purging air and other non-condensibles from the chamber. A refrigerant outlet is positioned at the lower portion of the chamber for drawing liquid phase refrigerant from the chamber. Desiccant adsorbent material is disposed in a canister connected to the upper portion of the air purge chamber for adsorbing refrigerant vapor in air passing through the canister. The desiccant adsorption material thus prevents venting of refrigerant vapor with non-condensibles from the air purge chamber.
Abstract:
A purge apparatus for removing foreign non-condensable gases from a refrigeration system including a closed purge chamber adapted to receive the foreign gases together with a portion of the refrigerant from the high pressure region of the system. The purge chamber is cooled to condense the refrigerant, and a float actuated electrical switch is provided within the purge chamber to open a first valve for discharging the condensed refrigerant back to the evaporator of the refrigeration system upon the refrigerant reaching a predetermined level, and open a second valve for venting the non-condensable gases to the atmosphere through a gas discharge line upon a drop in the refrigerant level. A heated gas separating tank is positioned in the gas discharge line, which serves to separate any gaseous refrigerant entrained with the contaminating non-condensable gases and cause the gaseous refrigerant to be returned to the cool purge chamber where they may be condensed.
Abstract:
A closed loop refrigerant recovery system (10) having a primary purge condenser (20) and a secondary purge condenser (30 ). Non-condensible gas and refrigerant vapor is vented from condenser (8) to primary purge condenser (20). Non-condensible gas still containing refrigerant vapor is compressed by purge conpressor (50) and conducted to secondary purge condenser (30). The temperature of secondary purge condenser (30) is maintained low enough so that when relief valve (36) lifts, there will be no refrigerant vapor contained in the gas released.
Abstract:
A refrigerant handling system in accordance with the present invention includes a closed liquid refrigerant storage container and a pump for feeding refrigerant in liquid phase to the container so that any air carried by the circulating refrigerant is captured in the container over the refrigerant. A differential pressure gauge has a first input that receives a fluid pressure signal which varies as a function of saturation pressure of refrigerant in liquid phase fed to the container, and a second input that receives an associated fluid pressure signal as a function of air pressure within the closed container volume. An indicator dial on the gauge displays pressure differential between the refrigerant saturation pressure and the container vapor pressure at the first and second gauge inputs for observation by an operator. A valve is coupled to the container for venting air from the container when such pressure differential exceeds a preselected threshold.
Abstract:
A purge system for use in a refrigeration system utilizing more than one condenser, each of which operates at different pressures. The purge system includes a purge chamber having a cooling coil connected to the evaporator and adapted to condense refrigerant vapor. The purge chamber is connected to a main purge refrigerant line which includes a pressure reducing device. Either condenser in the refrigeration system is provided with a secondary purge refrigerant line connected to the main purge refrigerant line and having a one-way valve to prevent refrigerant flow from one condenser to another condenser. A pump is mounted in the system to remove the non-condensibles from the purge system. The pump is operatively connected to a pressure switch arranged between two sampling pressure lines, one of which is extending to the purge chamber and another one is extending to the main purge refrigerant line at a point ahead of the pressure reducing device. The pump is actuated when the pressure differential between the purge chamber and the main purge refrigerant line drops below a preset amount.
Abstract:
A purging arrangement for a refrigeration system operable to remove noncondensable gases mixed with refrigerant vapor and water vapor from the system to condense the water and refrigerant constituents, to separate condensed refrigerant vapor from condensed water vapor, and to recover a substantial amount of the condensed refrigerant vapor while venting the remaining noncondensables to the atmosphere. The arrangement includes a heat exchanger in which the mixture of noncondensable gases, refrigerant vapor, and water vapor is passed in heat transfer relation with liquid refrigerant to separate the noncondensable gases from the condensable constituents, refrigerant vapor and water vapor, by condensing the latter. The condensed refrigerant vapor is thereafter separated from the condensed water vapor. The noncondensable gases are discharged from the heat exchanger when a predetermined pressure differential exists between the heat exchanger and the condenser of the refrigeration system. Flow of the mixture from the system to the heat exchanger is prevented while the noncondensable gases are being discharged from the heat exchanger.