System design

Danger to life in case of refrigerant leakage!
danger

Danger to life in case of refrigerant leakage!

Ammonia (R717) is toxic and, when present in high concentration, causes burns to the skin, mucous membranes and eyes and leads to paralysis and suffocation!

In liquid form, it can cause frostbite on contact with the skin!

When working on the system: Wear personal protective equipment!

Equip the machinery room and the hazardous area according to EN378-3, 5.17!

Since ammonia (R717) is lighter than air, the contaminated air must be extracted below the ceiling and supply air is introduced at floor level.

Risk of bursting of components and pipes due to excess liquid pressure.

Risk of bursting of components and pipes due to excess liquid pressure.

Vessel and pipes may burst, small components may shoot out. The pressure wave may be lethal.

Leave sufficient gas volume above the liquids.

  1. Make sure not to exceed maximum admissible pressures!
  2. Avoid overcharging the system with refrigerant under all circumstances!
  3. Protect system areas where liquid refrigerant can be trapped during operation against excessive pressure! For this, overflow devices or pressure relief valves can be used.
Ammonia (R717) is strongly hygroscopic!
Work carefully and avoid penetration of water and/or air humidity into the system!

Ammonia (R717) is strongly hygroscopic!
Work carefully and avoid penetration of water and/or air humidity into the system!

A high water content in ammonia systems modifies the evaporation temperature and reduces system efficiency, especially for low temperature applications!

Moreover, water can only be removed with great effort using so-called system cleaners or by renewing the refrigerant charge!

 

Due to the special properties of R717, observe the following points when designing the system:

Installation

The system must be installed according to all applicable regulations and standards!

Pipe layout

Observe the following points for the design and pipe layout of systems with flooded evaporators:

Technical documents for further information: