Refrigeration machines: the principle of operation, device and application

Refrigeration machines are widely used in various industries. They are designed to remove heat from objects, the temperature of which should be lower than that of the environment. The lowest threshold is minus 150 degrees, and the highest is plus 10.

The devices are used to cool food and liquids (for example, cabinets for shock freezing, chiller chillers). There is equipment for cooling plastics used in the chemical industry and other areas.

The principle of operation of devices is not difficult. Refrigeration machines and installations in their work use the principle of a heat pump that transfers heat energy from a transmitter to a heat sink. In most cases, the environment plays the role of a heat sink.

When it comes to devices that divert heat, the environment is a receiver and performs a cooling function. At the same time, the temperature is lowered due to the fact that the cooled body takes energy and is transferred to the receiving object. Therefore, it is more correct to say that refrigerating machines are intended for the transfer of mechanical or thermal energy, and not for cooling the system.

The process of energy transfer is made possible by the use of special refrigerants that can boil at a negative ambient temperature.

Refrigeration machines consist of eight basic elements, the main of which are the condenser, evaporator and compressor. The first produces a suction of refrigerant vapor at low pressure and temperature. Then in it through compression of vapors there is an increase of these parameters, after which the coolant enters the compressor. The most important characteristics of the compressor are the volume of the working refrigerant and the compression ratio. The condenser cools the heated vapor, as a result of which energy is transferred to the environment (into water or air).

The working medium (liquid or other element) is passed through the evaporator, as well as refrigerant vapors. In addition, the device includes a fan, a flow regulator, a reversible and solenoid valve.

Among all the devices used for cooling, the most interesting are refrigerating machines. This equipment is selected in a special way, taking into account the purposes of its use.

For example, devices are used for shock freezing of products, allowing to preserve consumer properties of goods; Devices for cooling liquids intended for chemical activity, etc. Such machines are installed in the location of the refrigerating chamber and can additionally be equipped with various components that expand the functionality of the devices.

Demand is also used such refrigerators as generators of flake ice. They are used in meat, fish, bakery and sausage industry. Chambers and cabinets for freezing (shock) allow you to store pelmeni, fish, meat, vegetables, berries and fruits.