Tumapon, Syreel D. BSMAR.

E 3

January 17, 2012 Auxiliary Machinery 2

REFRIGERANTS A refrigerant is a substance used in a heat cycle usually including, for enhanced efficiency, a reversible phase change from a liquid to a gas. Traditionally, fluorocarbons, especially chlorofluorocarbons, were used as refrigerants, but they are being phased out because of their ozone depletion effects. Other common refrigerants used in various applications are ammonia, sulfur dioxide, and non-halogenated hydrocarbons such as methane. Refrigerant 11 is a very low-pressure refrigerant which requires a large circulation for a particular cooling effect. It has particular advantages when used in air conditioning units, since it will have a low power consumption.

Refrigerant 12 was one of the first fluorinated hydrocarbon refrigerants, as these numbered substances are known, to become readily and cheaply available. A disadvantage is that evaporator pressures are below atmospheric and any system leaks draw in air and moisture.

Refrigerant 22 is now probably the most common refrigerant. It provides a considerable range of low-temperature operation before the evaporator pressure drops below atmospheric conditions. There is also a space saving as the compressor displacement is about 60% of that required for Refrigerant 22.

Refrigerant 502s particular advantages are that the displacement required is similar to that of refrigerant 22. Gas delivery temperatures from the compressor are and stressing of the delivery valves. greatly reduced and therefore there is less likely to be a break-up of the lubricating oil

All the above refrigerants are non-corrosive and ay be used in hermetic or semihermetic compressor units. Refrigerants 502, however, does have less effect on the lacquers and elastomers employed in the compressors and motors. At present Refrigerant 502 is still an expensive gas and not readily available worldwide. Most common refrigerants are chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) which have a damaging effect on the ozone layer, in addition to accumulating in the atmosphere and causing global warming. The Montreal Protocol, signed in 1987 and reviewed in 1990 and 1992, regulates the manufacture and use of CFC gases. The phasing-out of existing CFCs is likely to form part of a new Annex to Marpol 73/78 and alternatives are being sought for shipboard use.

OBSERVATION: Based on my observation I learned that most of the modern refrigerants today which have a damaging effect on the ozone layer, in addition to accumulating in the atmosphere and causing global warming. One example of this is the chlorofluorocarbons.

CONCLUSION: Therefore I conclude that there is no perfect refrigerant is known because there are certain factors which determine a refrigerants desirability for a particular duty and the one selected should possess as many possible of the following characteristics: it should be table chemically, it should be non-explosive and non flammable, the refrigerant should be non corrosive to all materials used in the construction of the refrigerating machinery and system and lastly it should be world wide availability, low cost and ease of handling are most desirable.