Refrigeration Systems and Compressors Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What is a primary advantage of using a horizontal shell-and-tube condenser?

  • It uses air exclusively for cooling.
  • It is only suitable for small installations.
  • It operates silently and requires no maintenance.
  • It provides high cooling efficiency at reasonable cost. (correct)

How can routine maintenance costs for a horizontal shell-and-tube condenser be described?

  • They are extremely high due to complex design.
  • They are unnecessary as the unit never needs cleaning.
  • They are low because it can be cleaned easily. (correct)
  • They increase significantly over time.

What do evaporative condensers use for cooling?

  • Electric fans solely.
  • Both air and water. (correct)
  • Only refrigerant vapour.
  • Mechanical compression.

In what type of refrigeration installations is a horizontal shell-and-tube condenser commonly used?

<p>Ammonia installations of varying sizes. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a defining feature of the evaporative condenser?

<p>It contains condensing coils mounted in a cabinet. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of safety heads in reciprocating compressors?

<p>To prevent damage from high hydraulic pressure due to trapped liquid (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which bearing material is NOT suitable for ammonia compressors?

<p>Copper alloys (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the valve assembly in compressors with safety springs respond during excessive pressure?

<p>It lifts to allow the liquid to escape (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key feature of rotary compressors compared to reciprocating compressors?

<p>They utilize rotary motion for compression (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does the intercooler play in a compound refrigeration system utilizing a rotary compressor?

<p>It lowers the density of the refrigerant vapor (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of rotary compressor produces very low evaporator pressure for deep freeze applications?

<p>Helical rotor or screw (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a typical compressor configuration seen in a compound refrigeration system?

<p>A rotary booster followed by a reciprocating compressor (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary advantage of using rotary compressors in refrigeration systems?

<p>Efficiency in producing low evaporator pressure (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between the heat removed from the refrigerant and the heat added to the refrigerant in a compression refrigeration system?

<p>Heat removed is equal to the sum of heat added and the work done by the compressor. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why do industrial refrigeration systems often require multiple compressors?

<p>To ensure sufficient capacity during variable load demands. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In a refrigeration system, what role do multiple evaporators serve?

<p>They support different storage temperatures for product longevity. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of isolation and servicing valves in refrigeration plants?

<p>They isolate components for maintenance and repair. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of having multiple condensers in a refrigeration system?

<p>They ensure redundancy in case of condenser failure. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What do emergency discharge valves do in a refrigeration system?

<p>Release the refrigerant in case of emergencies. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the distributor pipes in the intercooler?

<p>To feed liquid ammonia into the booster compressor discharge (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of safety valves in a refrigerant system?

<p>To provide overpressure protection. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes centrifugal compressors from reciprocating and rotary compressors?

<p>They increase the velocity of the refrigerant with an impeller (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why might a refrigeration plant use booster compressors?

<p>To lower the pressure for the coldest evaporators. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How is kinetic energy transformed in a centrifugal compressor?

<p>Into potential energy at high pressure and low velocity (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key feature of scroll compressors?

<p>They are increasingly applied due to efficiency and quiet operation (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In which applications are helical rotor designs primarily used?

<p>Medium and high-capacity refrigeration compressors (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What drives the development of new compressor designs in the refrigeration industry?

<p>Emergence of new refrigerants and blends (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the vapor as it travels through the passages of a centrifugal compressor?

<p>Its velocity increases as it passes through expanding areas (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of compressor is typically associated with medium and high-capacity refrigeration?

<p>Centrifugal compressors (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic differentiates a scroll compressor from traditional compressors?

<p>It efficiently operates over a range of evaporator and condenser pressures. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of evaporator allows for the vaporization of refrigerant with the least liquid recirculation?

<p>Direct expansion evaporator (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the accumulator in a refrigeration system?

<p>To prevent liquid refrigerant carryover to the compressor suction (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the evaporator in refrigeration systems?

<p>To absorb heat from the medium being cooled. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes a direct refrigeration system?

<p>Liquid refrigerant is metered and evaporates directly from the medium being cooled. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What defines a flooded evaporator's operation in a refrigeration system?

<p>It constantly circulates both liquid and vapor refrigerants. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'brine' refer to in refrigeration systems?

<p>A liquid solution used for heat transmission without changing its state. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about heat exchangers is accurate?

<p>They facilitate heat transfer between two fluids without mixing. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In what context would you find a mechanical refrigeration system?

<p>When mechanical means are employed to transfer energy to and from the cooling medium. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What defines an indirect refrigeration system?

<p>It relies on a secondary coolant to transfer heat from the cooled substance. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which evaporator type is characterized by fluctuating liquid refrigerant levels with load demand?

<p>Dry evaporator (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is not a typical feature of an efficient refrigeration compressor?

<p>Design limited to a single temperature operational range (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary difference between a direct expansion evaporator and a flooded evaporator?

<p>Flooded evaporators maintain a significant liquid volume. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Energy Flow in Refrigeration Systems

The heat removed from the refrigerant by the condensing medium is equal to the heat added to the refrigerant in the evaporator plus the work done on the refrigerant by the compressor.

Multiple Evaporators in Industrial Refrigeration

Industrial refrigeration systems often have multiple evaporators to handle different cooling needs. For example, a plant may have separate rooms for freezing, long-term storage, and fresh produce storage, each with its own evaporator at a different pressure.

Multiple Compressors in Industrial Refrigeration

Industrial refrigeration systems often have multiple compressors to ensure redundancy and handle varying cooling demands. This is similar to having multiple boilers in case of a failure or to meet fluctuating needs.

Booster Compressors for Low Temperatures

Booster compressors are used in some industrial refrigeration systems to achieve the low temperatures and pressures required for the coldest evaporators.

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Multiple Condensers in Industrial Refrigeration

Industrial refrigeration systems often have multiple condensers for redundancy and to ensure continued operation even if one condenser fails.

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Isolation and Servicing Valves in Refrigeration Systems

Isolation and servicing valves are essential in refrigeration systems for maintenance and repair. They allow for isolating specific components, such as evaporators, condensers, receivers, and compressors, for safe access.

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Emergency Discharge Valves in Refrigeration Systems

Emergency discharge valves are crucial safety devices in refrigeration systems. They release all the refrigerant from the system in case of an emergency, preventing potential hazards.

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Safety Valves and Temperature Limit Controls

Refrigeration systems require safety valves and temperature limit controls for pressure and temperature regulation, ensuring safe operation and preventing dangerous situations.

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What is a safety head in a compressor?

A safety head is a device installed in reciprocating compressors to release trapped liquid refrigerant during compression, preventing damage caused by excessive pressure.

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How does a safety head work?

Safety heads are typically held in place by a strong spring. When excessive pressure builds up, the spring is overcome, allowing the liquid refrigerant to escape into the discharge line.

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What is different about a rotary compressor?

Rotary compressors use rotating components to compress refrigerant vapor, unlike reciprocating compressors that use piston movement.

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What is a booster compressor?

Rotary compressors are often used in compound refrigeration systems, where they act as 'boosters' to create very low pressure for deep freeze applications.

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How does a booster compressor work in a compound system?

In compound refrigeration systems, the booster compressor discharges intermediate pressure refrigerant into the suction of the main compressor. An intercooler lowers the refrigerant's density, reducing the workload of the main compressor.

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What material is NOT used for ammonia compressors?

Copper or copper alloys are not used in ammonia compressors because ammonia can react with them, causing damage.

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What is the purpose of compressor bearings?

Compressor bearings are essential components that allow the rotating parts to operate smoothly.

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What is important to consider with compressor bearings?

Compressor bearings must be compatible with the type of refrigerant used. For example, materials like copper are unsuitable for ammonia compressors.

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Centrifugal Compressor

A type of compressor that uses a rotating impeller to increase the velocity of the refrigerant, converting kinetic energy into potential energy, resulting in high pressure.

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Positive Displacement Compressor

A compressor that uses pistons, vanes, or gears to directly compress refrigerant by reducing its volume.

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Helical Rotor (Screw) Compressor

A type of compressor that uses two helical rotors to compress refrigerant, suitable for medium to high-capacity refrigeration systems.

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Scroll Compressor

A type of compressor that uses a pair of spiral-shaped scrolls to compress refrigerant. They are known for their efficiency and quiet operation.

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Intercooler

A component in a refrigeration system that cools down the refrigerant after it leaves the compressor, reducing its discharge temperature.

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Booster Compressor

A type of compressor that operates at a lower pressure stage in a refrigeration system, often used to boost pressure and further compress the refrigerant.

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Compression Refrigeration

The process of using a compressor to increase the pressure of a refrigerant vapor, which raises its temperature.

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Distributor Pipes

A component in a refrigeration system that distributes liquid ammonia to the booster compressor discharge, helping to lower refrigerant temperature.

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Accumulator

A vessel that separates liquid refrigerant from the vapor before it enters the compressor, preventing damage to the compressor.

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Brine

A liquid solution, often water-based, used to transfer heat without changing its state, commonly used to cool various processes.

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Direct System

A refrigeration system where refrigerant directly absorbs heat from the cooled medium, like a refrigerator where the refrigerant cools the food.

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Indirect System

A refrigeration system that uses a secondary coolant (brine) to transfer heat to the cooling medium, like an ice rink where brine cools the ice.

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Mechanical Refrigeration

A refrigeration system that uses mechanical devices like compressors to transfer heat from a cooling medium to a different location.

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Shell-and-Tube Condenser

A type of condenser commonly used in ammonia refrigeration systems and larger air conditioning systems. It features a horizontal cylindrical shell with tubes inside, providing efficient heat transfer at a reasonable cost. Its design allows for easy cleaning, minimizing maintenance.

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Evaporative Condenser

A condenser design that uses both air and water for cooling the refrigerant vapor. It typically involves condensing coils within a cabinet, allowing for efficient heat dissipation through evaporation.

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Condensation

The process of removing heat from the refrigerant vapor to convert it back into a liquid. Occurs in the condenser.

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Condensing Medium

The fluid used to cool the refrigerant vapor in the condenser. Examples include water or air.

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What happens inside a condenser?

The refrigerant is cooled and its vapor changes back into liquid.

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Evaporator

Refrigeration system component where liquid refrigerant absorbs heat from a medium to be cooled, transforming into vapor.

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Dry Evaporator

A type of evaporator where only enough liquid refrigerant enters to maintain the desired temperature. Liquid flows through, absorbs heat, evaporates, and exits as vapor. It contains a small amount of liquid at any time.

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Flooded Evaporator

Evaporator where liquid refrigerant is injected into an evaporator, often in larger volumes, leading to more liquid than vapor. It can be used for large refrigeration systems or when a higher cooling capacity is needed.

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Liquid Recirculating Evaporator

A type of evaporator that combines both liquid and vapor, recirculating refrigerant to maintain desired conditions. Liquid refrigerant enters the evaporator and is distributed to various sections.

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Heat Exchanger

Equipment that transfers heat from one fluid to another without mixing them. One fluid gains heat, the other loses heat.

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Condenser

The component of a refrigeration system where refrigerant vapor releases heat to the surrounding environment, transitioning back into a liquid.

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CO2 (R-744)

Refrigerant used in some systems that requires compressors designed for its high discharge pressure. It's often used for its environmental benefits.

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Study Notes

Learning Outcomes and Objectives

  • Students will be able to describe the operating principles of compression refrigeration systems.
  • Objectives include describing the basic layout of compression refrigeration systems, distinguishing between direct and indirect systems, describing packaged refrigeration systems, and the role of a refrigeration economizer.
  • Understanding the different types of refrigeration compressors and how they are similar to/different from air compressors.
  • Students will learn about the special designs of refrigeration system evaporators and condensers.

Chapter Introduction

  • Refrigeration is defined as a controlled process of cooling or removing heat from a substance.
  • Early methods included using porous jars to evaporate water and cooling water, and using ice chests.
  • Modern refrigeration utilizes thermodynamic principles, such as heat moving from hot to cold, and the relationship between pressure and boiling point.
  • Mechanical refrigeration works on a closed cycle principle, where refrigerant continuously circulates.
  • Two classes of closed cycle refrigerating systems are compression and absorption systems.
  • This study focuses on compression systems.

Objective 1: Basic Layout of Compression Refrigeration Systems

  • A closed-cycle compression system includes an evaporator, compressor, condenser, metering device, and liquid receiver.
  • The system is divided into high and low sides, with the high side having high-pressure refrigerant at high temperature, and the low side having low pressure refrigerant at low temperatures.

Objective 2: Direct vs. Indirect Refrigeration Systems

  • Direct Systems (also called DX):
    • Evaporator surface directly contacts the refrigerated material or space.
    • Examples: household refrigerators, air conditioners
    • Leak risks are higher as refrigerant could directly enter occupied space.
  • Indirect Systems:
    • A liquid (commonly brine, glycol or water) is cooled by the refrigerant, then circulated to the refrigerated space.
    • Refrigerant is contained in separate machinery room from occupied space.
    • Reduces refrigerant leak risks.
    • Less expensive refrigerant, like chilled water or brine, is circulated, reducing refrigerant charge needs.

Objective 3: Packaged Refrigeration Systems and Economizers

  • Packaged systems have all components, except the external condenser, mounted on a skid.
  • Multiple evaporators might be needed for different cooling requirements in a single plant (e.g., separate freezer sections, storage areas, etc.).
  • Multiple compressors might be included for high loads.
  • Economizers located between the condenser and evaporator.

Objective 4: Types of Refrigeration Compressors

  • Refrigeration compressors have three main functions:
    • Drawing refrigerant gas from the evaporator
    • Raising refrigerant gas pressure
    • Raising saturation temperature of gas to be above the condensing medium temperature
  • Refrigeration compressors can be classified as reciprocating, rotary, and centrifugal, among others.
  • Specific design considerations to avoid refrigerant leakage; special material types.
  • Safety heads for reciprocating compressors help prevent damage from liquid refrigerant ingress.
  • Different compressor types are suitable for different compressor functions and cooling requirements.

Objective 5: Refrigeration System Evaporators and Condensers

  • Evaporators vaporize refrigerant by absorbing heat from the medium to be cooled.
  • Three evaporator types exist:
    • Direct expansion (dry): Minimal liquid present, and only enough liquid to maintain set temperature.
    • Flooded: Large amount of liquid refrigerant ensuring complete surface wetting for higher heat transfer
    • Liquid recirculating: used in systems where liquid refrigerant is constantly circulated.
  • Condensers remove heat from compressed refrigerant, causing it to condense into a liquid.
  • Three condenser common types:
    • Air-cooled: Uses air to remove heat.
    • Water-cooled: Uses water to remove heat.
    • Evaporative: Utilizes water evaporation to draw heat away from gaseous refrigerant.

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