Ever wonder how does refrigeration work in commercial restaurants?
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Commercial refrigeration is an essential part of many businesses and industries. The process of commercial refrigeration involves the use of various components, including compressors, evaporators, condensers, and refrigerants, which work together to regulate the temperature and humidity inside the refrigerated space. PartsFe offers a wide selection of high-quality commercial refrigerator manufacturers' parts at competitive prices.
Compressors compressing and circulating the refrigerant, while evaporators and condensers help to absorb and release heat. The refrigerant absorbs heat from the refrigerated space and transfers it to the condenser, where it is released into the surrounding environment.
Understanding the basics of commercial kitchen refrigeration and how does refrigeration works is essential for businesses and individuals who rely on refrigeration systems to store and preserve temperature-sensitive products. It enables them to make informed decisions when it comes to selecting, installing, and maintaining commercial refrigeration units, ensuring that they operate efficiently and effectively over time.
What are the different types of commercial refrigeration?
There are various types of commercial refrigeration systems available, each with its own unique features and advantages. They are:
Walk-In Coolers and Freezers
In a walk-in cooler or freezer, you can store large quantities of perishable goods. These systems are ideal for restaurants, supermarkets, and other businesses that require cold storage for their inventory. Walk-in coolers and freezers are available in a range of sizes and can be customized to meet your specific needs.
Reach-In Refrigerators and Freezers
Commonly found in commercial kitchens and retail stores, these units are designed to fit in tight spaces. Reach-in refrigerators and freezers come in a variety of configurations including single, double, and triple door models.
Display Cases
Display cases are commercial refrigeration units that are commonly used in retail environments to display and store products. These units are typically designed with glass doors and are perfect for showcasing perishable items like meat, dairy, and produce. Display cases come in various sizes and configurations, including open-air models that do not have doors.
Beverage Coolers
Beverage coolers are a popular type of commercial refrigeration unit used in restaurants, bars, and convenience stores. These units are designed to keep drinks at a specific temperature, making them ready for immediate consumption. Beverage coolers are available in a variety of sizes and configurations, including countertop models and larger units that can hold a large inventory of drinks.
Ice Machines
Ice machines are essential in any commercial kitchen or bar that requires a constant supply of ice. They come in various sizes and configurations, including countertop models and larger units. Also, they can produce hundreds of pounds of ice per day. These commercial kitchen refrigerators are available in both air-cooled and water-cooled models.
Refrigerated Prep Tables
Refrigerated prep tables are commonly found in commercial kitchens and are used for preparing salads, sandwiches, and other cold dishes. These units are designed with a refrigerated compartment where ingredients can be stored, and a prep area where food can be prepared. Refrigerated prep tables are available in various sizes and configurations, including models with cutting boards, drawers, and shelves.
Blast Chillers
Blast chillers are commonly used in food service environments. These units are designed to rapidly cool down hot food to a safe temperature, preventing bacterial growth and preserving the quality of the food. Blast chillers come in various sizes and configurations, including countertop models and larger units that can hold multiple pans of food.
Components of a commercial refrigeration system
These systems consist of several essential parts of refrigeration systems that work together seamlessly to achieve this goal. Here are the key components of a typical commercial refrigeration system:
Compressor
One of the essential parts of a refrigeration system is the compressor, which plays a crucial role in circulating the refrigerant and maintaining the desired temperature. It pushes the compressed refrigerant gas through the system. The gas releases heat as a result of being squeezed because it becomes hotter. The refrigerant must be transferred from the evaporator to the condenser by the compressor in order to release heat into the environment.
Condenser
The heat that is taken from the chilled compartment is released by the condenser. It is a heat exchanger that radiates heat out into the environment from the refrigerant. The condenser, which is often found on the building's outside, is made up of a number of coils or fins that enable the refrigerant to release heat to the surrounding air or water.
Evaporator
The evaporator is in charge of taking heat out of the commercial restaurant refrigerator. The evaporator, which is often found inside the refrigerator, is made up of a number of coils or fins that enable the refrigerant to collect heat from the surrounding air or water.
Expansion Valve
The expansion valve is in charge of controlling the refrigerant flow into the evaporator. It is a device that lowers the pressure and temperature of the refrigerant to regulate the flow into the evaporator. The evaporator receives the refrigerant at the proper pressure and temperature to absorb heat from the chilled space thanks to the expansion valve.
Refrigerant
The substance that absorbs and releases heat in the commercial kitchen refrigeration system is known as the refrigerant. It is a chemical substance that, under particular pressures and temperatures, condenses and evaporates.
Thermostat
It controls the temperature in the refrigerator. By detecting the temperature in the area, it sends signals to the control board to turn on/off the compressor. The thermostat makes sure that the interior temperature of the commercial restaurant refrigerator is stable and stays within the appropriate range.
What is the difference between commercial and industrial refrigeration?
Commercial refrigeration refers to the cooling systems used in businesses that deal with food and beverages, such as restaurants, grocery stores, and supermarkets. These are smaller and have lower cooling capacities.
Industrial refrigeration, on the other hand, refers to the cooling systems used in large-scale operations such as chemical manufacturing plants, cold storage facilities, and pharmaceutical production facilities. These are typically larger and have higher cooling capacities.
Differences in Design and Components
Commercial and industrial refrigeration systems differ significantly in their design and the components they use. For instance, commercial refrigeration systems typically have a single compressor, while industrial refrigeration systems have multiple compressors. This is because industrial systems are larger and require more cooling power, so multiple compressors are used to provide the necessary cooling capacity.
Refrigerants also differ significantly. Commercial refrigeration systems typically use hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerants. They are suitable for small-scale operations since they have low global warming potential. Industrial refrigeration systems, on the other hand, use ammonia, carbon dioxide, or other natural refrigerants. These refrigerants are more environmentally friendly and have higher cooling capacities than HFCs.
In terms of components, commercial refrigeration systems typically use standard components such as thermostats, evaporators, and condensers. Industrial refrigeration systems, on the other hand, may require custom-made components to meet specific cooling requirements.
Differences in Applications
Commercial kitchen refrigerators are designed for use in small-scale operations where food and beverages need to be kept at low temperatures. These systems are commonly used in restaurants, convenience stores, and supermarkets. They are used to cool and store food items such as meat, fish, and dairy products, as well as beverages such as beer and soda.
Industrial refrigeration systems, on the other hand, are used in large-scale operations where large volumes of products need to be kept at very low temperatures. Facilities such as cold storage, chemical manufacturing, and pharmaceutical production normally use these systems. They are used to cool and store products such as chemicals, vaccines, and other pharmaceuticals.
Differences in Maintenance and Repair
Commercial kitchen refrigerators are typically simpler and require less maintenance than industrial systems. They are designed to be serviced quickly and efficiently, so businesses can resume their operations as soon as possible.
Industrial refrigeration systems, on the other hand, are more complex and require more maintenance. They typically have more components and larger cooling capacities, which means they need to be serviced more frequently. Additionally, because they are used in critical applications such as pharmaceutical production, they must be maintained to the highest standards to prevent any downtime or product loss.
Also, read to know more about Better To Repair Or Replace A Refrigerator.
What are the common issues of commercial refrigeration?
Like any other system, commercial kitchen refrigerators can have issues that may impact its performance, efficiency, and longevity.
Refrigerant Leaks
Refrigerant is a chemical that is used to cool the air inside the system. If it starts to leak, it can cause the system to lose its cooling power, which can lead to spoilage of products. Leaks can also make the compressor work harder than it should, increasing energy costs and sometimes even leading to system failure.
Electrical Problems
Commercial refrigeration systems rely on electrical components to function, which can also cause problems if they fail. It could be anything from a malfunctioning thermostat to a blown fuse or circuit breaker. The system may be shut down completely or unevenly managed.
Compressor Failure
The refrigeration system will completely stop operating if the compressor malfunctions. Many things, such as overuse, overheating, or mechanical problems, can lead to compressor failure.
Dirty Coils
The coils in the refrigeration system are responsible for transferring heat out of the system. If they become dirty or clogged, they may not be able to do their job effectively, which can lead to a reduction in the cooling power of the system. Causes the compressor to work harder and leads to increase in energy bills and potential system failures.
Improper Maintenance
Regular maintenance is crucial to the longevity and performance of commercial refrigeration systems. Without proper maintenance, small issues can go unnoticed and turn into larger, more costly problems.
Regular inspections by a trained technician can help prevent and address these issues.
Top commercial refrigeration manufacturers in USA
When it comes to commercial refrigeration manufacturers in the USA, there are a few top players in the industry. Some of the well-known brands include True, Manitowoc, Turbo-Air, Traulsen and Beverage-Air.
True is a leading manufacturer of commercial refrigeration equipment and is known for their quality and durability. They offer a wide range of refrigeration products, including reach-in refrigerators, display cases, and under-counter refrigerators.
True commercial refrigerator parts at PartsFe are readily available for those in need of replacement parts. Manitowoc and Beverage-Air are also popular brands that offer a variety of refrigeration solutions for different industries. With PartsFe, you can invest in high-quality equipment and utilize reliable commercial refrigeration parts to ensure the longevity of your investment, regardless of the brand.
How to choose the right type of commercial refrigerator for your business needs?
Choosing the right type of commercial restaurant refrigerator can be a challenging task. Here are some key things to keep in mind when choosing a commercial refrigerator for your business needs:
Consider your space and layout: Before selecting a refrigerator, you need to consider the amount of space available in your kitchen and how the refrigerator will fit into your layout. Measure the space where the refrigerator will be located and ensure that the unit you choose will fit in the available space. Also, consider the type of door that will work best for your kitchen space. Will you need a reach-in or walk-in unit? Will a sliding door be more practical than a swinging door?
Determine your storage needs: Determine the amount of storage space required for your food products. It is influenced by the size of your restaurant, the volume of food prepared, and the types of food you need to store. For example, if you specialize in fresh produce, you may need a larger refrigerator with separate compartments for fruits and vegetables. If you need to store frozen products, you may need a freezer with multiple compartments and adjustable shelving.
Choose the right type of refrigeration system: There are different types of refrigeration systems available, and the one you choose will depend on your needs and preferences. The most common types of refrigeration systems are top-mounted, bottom-mounted, and side-mounted. Top-mounted systems are ideal for areas with high humidity, while bottom-mounted systems are easier to maintain and clean. Side-mounted systems are ideal for kitchens with limited ceiling height.
Look for energy-efficient models: Energy costs can be a significant expense for any restaurant, and choosing an energy-efficient refrigerator can help reduce your costs. Look for models that have an Energy Star rating, which means they meet energy-efficiency guidelines set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Consider the quality of the unit: A commercial restaurant refrigerator is a significant investment, and you want to choose a model that is built to last. Select units with high-quality materials and features such as digital thermostats, adjustable shelves, and self-closing doors.
Consider the warranty and service: A good warranty can give you peace of mind that your investment is protected. Search for models with a warranty that includes both parts and labor. The accessibility of service and maintenance assistance is another important factor. Make sure the model you select is one that a skilled technician can simply service.
Commercial refrigeration plays a crucial role in preserving perishable goods and ensuring their safe consumption. Understanding the commercial refrigeration basics is essential for anyone who deals with refrigeration equipment, from business owners to technicians, to ensure the proper functioning and maintenance of the system.
FAQs
What are the key elements of commercial refrigeration basics?
Commercial refrigeration basics encompass understanding the core components and principles of refrigeration systems used in various businesses. It involves knowledge of components like compressors, evaporators, condensers, and the principles of heat transfer and refrigerant cycles.
What is the ideal commercial refrigerator temperature range for food safety?
The ideal commercial refrigerator temperature range for food safety typically falls between 34°F to 40°F (1°C to 4°C) to slow bacterial growth and maintain food quality.
How has commercial refrigeration technology advanced in recent years?
Commercial refrigeration technology has advanced significantly in recent years with the adoption of energy-efficient compressors, digital temperature controls, and smart monitoring systems, leading to improved performance and sustainability.
Can you recommend some reputable commercial refrigeration manufacturers in the USA?
Some reputable commercial refrigeration manufacturers USA include True Manufacturing, Beverage-Air, etc are known for their quality and innovative cooling solutions.
Commercial Refrigeration Systems
In this module, we will learn about commercial refrigeration. We’ll also learn about the parameters considered while choosing a commercial refrigeration system. Skip to quiz!
Introduction to Commercial Refrigeration Systems
Commercial refrigeration systems are found in places like supermarkets, hotels, malls, and pharmaceutical facilities. These work with larger loads and for longer periods of time. If a commercial refrigeration system does not work properly, the entire business is at risk.
Some businesses that require commercial refrigeration are:
Food and beverage companies,
Supermarkets,
Convenience stores, and
Restaurants.
Commercial refrigeration systems come in different shapes and sizes.
Some of the commercial refrigeration systems are:
Rack refrigerators,
Walk-in coolers, and
Ice plants.
We’ll learn about these refrigeration systems in upcoming modules.
Commercial refrigeration systems work on the basic refrigeration cycle. The four components of the basic refrigeration cycle are:
Compressor,
Condenser,
Metering device, and
Evaporator.
Let’s watch a video to recall the basic refrigeration cycle.
A refrigeration system generally consists of basic refrigeration cycle components. We connect all these components in a series to get a cooling effect.
How to Choose?
Some of the parameters we consider while choosing a commercial refrigeration system are:
Space needs,
Storage type, and
Cost.
Let’s look into each of these in detail.
First, we need to measure the available space. Recall that commercial refrigeration systems are available in all sizes and shapes. We have to make use of the greatest possible space to maximize the commercial refrigeration system storage capacity.
There are many types of commercial refrigeration systems. One’s preferred refrigeration system depends on what type of business they are running. A shop will probably require display units, while a restaurant is more likely to require high capacity refrigerators and freezers.
The two costs we consider while buying the new commercial refrigeration system are:
Initial cost and
Operating cost.
Initial cost is the amount of money that’s needed to buy and install a new system. Operating costs generally include costs that are a direct result of the system being used.
Commercial refrigeration systems work with larger loads and for longer periods of time. Some of the businesses that require commercial refrigeration are:
Food and beverage companies,
Supermarkets,
Convenience stores, and
Restaurants.
Rack Refrigeration Systems
In this module, we will learn about rack refrigeration systems. We’ll also learn about the components of a rack refrigeration system. Skip to quiz!
Introduction
The display of food items in a supermarket is very important. Shopping for food items in a supermarket is based on instinct decisions. So it’s important that the food is presented well, and is easily accessible for customers.
All items must be presentable and readily available. However, a system should be ready to provide sufficient cooling in spite of the door of the system being opened multiple times. This calls for high cooling and a large amount of refrigerant flow in these systems.
A rack refrigeration system has multiple compressors. They all share a common source of refrigerant. All these compressors work together to create a cooling effect. These systems can maintain different temperatures in different cases.
In places like supermarkets and malls, we have to cool multiple refrigerated cases. Food items are kept in refrigerated cases and displayed. In these cases, rack refrigeration systems perform better compared to traditional refrigeration systems.
Rack refrigeration systems consist of multiple compressors. Rack refrigeration systems allow the use of multiple compressors and condenser fans for more efficient cooling. We’ll learn in detail about this system in later slides.
Components
The main components of rack refrigeration system are:
Compressors,
Condensers,
Metering devices, and
Evaporators.
Let us learn about these components in detail.
Recall that a compressor’s main job is to increase the pressure of a refrigerant. The compressor in the residential HVAC systems turns on and off to meet the set temperature value. This type of system is good for smaller cooling loads.
For larger loads, turning a single big compressor on and off is not energy efficient. Instead of one big compressor, we use multiple compressors in compressor racks. A compressor rack consists of multiple compressors that may or may not be operating at the same time.
This can be better understood with the example of a delivery truck. Instead of having a big truck deliver 100 parcels a day, we can have 10 bike riders deliver 10 parcels each. This can be better understood with the example of a delivery truck. Instead of having a big truck deliver 100 parcels a day, we can have 10 bike riders deliver 10 parcels each.
The parcels will be delivered more quickly. Similarly, the refrigerant can be delivered faster and in more quantity by multiple compressors. Also, at a time when there may be 60 parcels instead of 100 parcels, we can rest two bike riders.
Compressors in rack refrigeration systems are connected in parallel. This means that all suction lines of the compressors are connected to a single inlet, and all discharge lines of the compressors are connected to a single outlet. Multiple compressors are piped together and connected to multiple refrigerate cases.
Using multiple compressors in a rack is very useful. They operate depending on how much cooling is required. This is not the case with single compressors, in which there are only two options. Either the compressor is on or off.
Multiple compressors are useful when a supermarket stays open at night, but there are not many customers. The doors of refrigerated cases are not opened frequently overnight, and their cooling requirement is low.
Compressors are placed in a mechanical room in a remote part of a store. Mechanical rooms can be on the floor, on the roof, in the basement, or in the storage room of a supermarket.
Recall that a condenser’s main job is to cool down refrigerant. Condensers in a rack refrigeration system are usually placed on the roof or outside of a building. We generally use air-cooled type condensers in rack refrigeration systems.
Recall that a metering device’s job is to decrease the pressure of refrigerant. We use electronic expansion valves in rack refrigeration systems as metering devices. Electronic expansion valves are also called EEVs or EXVs.
EEVs can adjust refrigerant flow according to the cooling demand very quickly. Rack refrigeration systems have multiple EEVs. Every evaporator coil in a refrigerated case will have one EEV. EEVs control the flow of refrigerant in the evaporator coils of refrigerated cases.
Recall that an evaporator’s job is to absorb heat from a space in order to cool the space. In rack refrigeration systems, evaporator coils are placed inside the refrigerated cases where food is stored. Refrigerant travels through these evaporator coils to provide cooling.
Plate type evaporators are generally used in rack refrigeration systems. These evaporators are made up of two plates that are joined together. Liquid refrigerant flows through a tube made between the two plates. An evaporator cools the food items inside refrigerant cases by evaporating.
A rack refrigeration system has multiple compressors. This is called a parallel compressor system. These compressors are piped together and connected to multiple refrigerative cases.
Walk-in Refrigerators
In this module, we will learn about walk-in refrigerators. We’ll also learn about the components of a walk-in refrigerator. Skip to quiz!
Introduction
Walk-in refrigerators are very large, insulated, enclosed, box-type structures with doors large enough for people to enter. These are similar to the refrigerators you have at home, except we can walk into this one.
Some materials stored inside the walk-in refrigerators are:
Food,
Beverage,
Meat, fruits,
Vegetables,
Chemicals,
Pharmaceutical drugs.
Walk-in refrigerators provide large amounts of storage space. They make it easy for us to store large amounts of food at safe holding temperatures and prevent them from spoiling as quickly.
Walk-in refrigerators are manufactured in standard sizes, but can be customized or built into kitchens or supermarkets. They can be placed inside or outside of a building and built with or without floors.
Most walk-in refrigerators are made using insulated panels. Polyurethane insulation is sandwiched between stainless steel. Recall that polyurethane foam is commonly known as spray foam. It’s found in mattresses, home furniture, and car seats.
Identification
Walk-in refrigerators are identified by their:
size, and
temperature application.
Their size is based on the outside dimensions of length, width, and height. For example, a walk-in refrigerator is 12 feet in length, 10 feet in width, and 8 feet in height. It’s represented as 12 x 10 x 8.
Walk-in refrigerators are divided into two types based on temperature applications.
The two types of walk-in refrigerators are:
Walk-in coolers, and
Walk-in freezers.
Walk-in coolers operate above 0°C and at or below 13°C, whereas walk-in freezers operate at or below 0°C.
Food should be kept below 40°F. Higher temperatures make food spoil quickly. However, we should not set the temperature below 34°F. This might freeze items in a walk-in cooler. Freezing can ruin the texture and quality of items like dairy products.
Walk-in coolers are used to store consumable products that will be used within a few days. They’re used to store products at low temperatures above freezing temperature. We store products like fresh food, hospital medical supplies, and human remains before their funeral.
We set the temperature of walk-in freezers between 0 and -10°F for most frozen items. Walk-in freezers are used to store consumable products for months or even years.
Components
A walk-in refrigerator works on the basic refrigeration cycle.
The main components of a walk-in refrigerator are:
Compressor,
Condenser,
Metering device, and
Evaporator.
Let’s look into each of them.
Compressors and condensers of walk-in refrigerators are placed separately in a condensing box. This arrangement is similar to residential split systems. Recall that a compressor’s main job is to increase the pressure of refrigerant. Recall that a condenser’s main job is to cool down refrigerant.
Metering devices and evaporators are placed inside walk-in refrigerators near the ceiling. Recall that a metering device’s job is to decrease the pressure of refrigerant. Recall that an evaporator’s job is to absorb heat from a space in order to cool it.
A fan draws warm air inside a walk-in refrigerator onto the evaporator coils through the grille. The evaporator coils cool the air. Now cool air is circulated inside the walk-in refrigerator. This process is repeated to maintain the desired temperature inside a walk-in refrigerator.
In comfort cooling, return air entering an evaporator is about 75°F and evaporator coil temperature is about 40°F. The temperature difference between these two is about 35°F. This helps in maintaining the humidity in a room in a comfortable range by condensing the moisture in the air.
In a walk-in refrigerator, the return air entering an evaporator is about 35°F, and the evaporator coils’ temperature is about 25°F. The temperature difference between these two is about 10°F. This helps in maintaining the humidity in a walk-in refrigerator by about 85 percentage.
High humidity is very good for foods like meat. Moisture in a walk-in refrigerator prevents food from drying out. High moisture in a walk-in refrigerator reduces the evaporation of the water in food.
Walk-in refrigerators are very large, insulated, enclosed, box-type structures with access doors large enough for people to enter. Walk-in refrigerators provide large amounts of storage space. They can be placed inside or outside of a building and built with or without floors.
Walk-in refrigerators are identified by their:
size, and
temperature application.
Walk-in coolers operate above 0°C and at or below 13°C, whereas walk-in freezers operate at or below 0°C.
Ice Plants
In this module, we will learn about what an ice plant is. We’ll also learn about their components and how they work. Skip to quiz!
Introduction
People have used ice to cool foods, beverages, and other products from the earliest periods of civilization. We used natural ice in the beginning. However, artificial ice production has now become an important part of the HVAC industry.
Recall that ice is water frozen into a solid state. The demand for ice blocks is even great today. Storage, handling, and transport can be simplified if ice is made in the form of large blocks.
Ice blocks are large in size and have a small surface area, so they are not easily melted. They can be made into different forms of ice according based on the requirement.
Some industries that use ice blocks are:
Healthcare,
Hotels,
Restaurants, and
Convenience stores.
Ice blocks keep medical equipment and drugs safe, and they cool drinks and foods for future use. They’re also used to create ice sculptures.
Ice plants make ice blocks. They’re also referred to as ice machines or ice generators. The function of an ice plant is to make ice in large quantities.
Components
Ice plants work with the basic refrigeration cycle.
The main components of any ice plant are:
Compressor,
Condenser,
Metering device, and
Evaporator.
Let’s look into each of these components.
Recall that a compressor’s main job is to increase the pressure of refrigerant.
The main types of compressors used in ice plants are:
Reciprocating compressors, and
Screw compressors.
Recall that reciprocating compressors are driven by a motor, so they work similarly to an automobile engine. They are unpopular nowadays because of noise, efficiency, and maintenance issues. They are more so used in smaller capacity ice plants.
Recall that screw compressors have two shafts that are shaped like wooden screws. In these, we can have one or two screws that rotate to compress refrigerant. Screw compressors are normally used in large capacity ice plants.
Recall that a condenser’s main job is to cool down refrigerant.
The main types of condensers in ice plants are:
Fin and tube condensers,
Microchannel condensers, and
Shell and tube condensers.
Fin and tube condensers are similar to a residential air conditioner’s condenser. Generally, fins are made of aluminum, and tubes are made of copper. Hot refrigerant flows through these tubes, while fins help to cool refrigerant by distributing heat to the outside air.
Microchannel condensers are made of thin zig-zag aluminum fins. These condensers work similarly to fin and tube condensers, but are more efficient.
Shell and tube condensers consist of a series of copper tubes inside a larger shell. Water flows in the tubes, and hot refrigerant flows in the shell. Running water in the tube cools down refrigerant inside the shell. A cooling tower supplies water to shell and tube condensers.
The device used to cool hot water from a condenser is a cooling tower. Recall that cooling towers are large boxes designed to remove heat from water by spraying it down through the tower.
Recall that a metering device’s job is to decrease the pressure of refrigerant.
Ice plants mainly use two types of metering devices:
Thermal expansion valves, and
Electronic expansion valves.
Thermostatic expansion valves are also called TEV or TXV. These are used in residential HVAC systems, as well as ice plants. This controls the amount of refrigerant that flows into an evaporator based on the evaporator outlet temperature.
Electronic expansion valves are also called EEVs or EXVs. These are evolved TEVs. They provide the best performance because they are electrically operated metering devices. They allow a very accurate amount of refrigerant into an evaporator.
An evaporator’s job is to absorb heat, which provides cooling.
The types of evaporators used in ice making plants are:
Bare tube evaporators, and
Shell and tube evaporators.
Bare tube evaporators are the simplest type of evaporator. These evaporators are generally just refrigerant tubes. These evaporators are placed inside a brine tank where ice is produced.
Bare tube evaporators in ice plants are made of either copper or steel. Copper bare tube evaporators are used for small evaporators where refrigerant other than ammonia is used. Ammonia costs less but is highly toxic in nature. The leakage of ammonia can be very dangerous.
Ammonia rapidly reacts with copper tubes and forms leaks, so it is not compatible with copper. Steel bare tube evaporators are for large ice plants where ammonia is used as the refrigerant. Ammonia is compatible with steel piping.
Shell and tube evaporators are used with large capacity ice plants. Recall that shell and tube evaporators consist of a bundle of copper tubes inside a large metal shell.
In ice plants, evaporator coils are filled with refrigerant and have brine flowing over them instead of air. This is how refrigerant cools the brine.
Brine Cycle
Recall that brine is a solution formed by mixing a soluble substance in water. The soluble substance could be a salt like a table salt, calcium chloride, or glycol.
By mixing soluble substances in water, its freezing point decreases. This allows the mixing solution to remain liquid at 0ºC. Brine works as a medium that transfers the cold from refrigerant to water filled cans.
Brine tanks are usually made up of mild steel sheets with tie rods welded in the ends. Brine tanks are well insulated around the four sides and from the bottom. Brine in the tanks acts as a medium of contact. The temperature of brine in tanks is maintained at about -10°C to -110°C.
Ice cans are made up of galvanized steel, and a chromium layer is applied to prevent corrosion. Ice cans are filled with fresh water and kept in a brine tank. Brine is cooled by refrigerant, which in turn cools the water in the cans.
People have used ice to cool foods, beverages, and other products from the earliest periods of civilization. Storage, handling, and transport can be simplified if ice is made in the form of large blocks. The function of an ice plant is to make ice in large quantities.
Ice plants also work with the basic refrigeration cycle. Brine tanks are usually made up of mild steel sheets with tie rods welded in the ends. Brine is cooled by refrigerant, which in turn cools the water in the cans.
Question #1: Where can we find commercial refrigeration systems? (Select all that apply)
Supermarkets
Convenience stores
Food companies
All the above
Scroll down for the answer...
Answer: All the above
Some businesses that require commercial refrigeration are:
Food and beverage companies,
Supermarkets,
Convenience stores, and
Restaurants.
Question #2: Which of the following are commercial refrigeration systems? (Select all that apply)
Rack refrigeration systems
Window air conditioners
Walk-in refrigerators
Water softener
Scroll down for the answer...
Answer: Rack refrigeration systems
Walk-in refrigerators
The main commercial refrigeration systems that find are:
Rack refrigerators,
Walk-in coolers, and
Ice plants.
Question #3: Which of the following parameters do we consider while choosing a commercial refrigeration system? (Select all that apply)
Storage type
Cost of the system
Space needs
All the above
Scroll down for the answer...
Are you interested in learning more about four door commercial refrigerator? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!
Answer: All the above
Some of the parameters we consider while choosing a commercial refrigeration system are:
Space needs,
Storage type,
Cost, and
Brand names.
Question #4: How many compressors does a rack refrigeration system consist of?
One
Two
Four
Multiple
Scroll down for the answer...
Answer: Multiple
Rack refrigeration systems consist of multiple compressors.
Question #5: In a rack refrigeration system, compressors are connected in _______.
series
parallel
circular
square
Scroll down for the answer...
Answer: parallel
In a rack refrigeration system, compressors are connected in parallel.
Question #6: In a rack refrigeration system, compressors are placed in a _______.
Mechanical room
Civil room
Storage room
Drawing room
Scroll down for the answer...
Answer: Mechanical room
In a rack refrigeration system, compressors are placed in a mechanical room.
Question #7: Which of the following types of condensers are used in rack refrigeration systems?
Air-cooled condensers
Water-cooled condensers
Refrigerant-cooled condensers
Brine-cooled condensers
Scroll down for the answer...
Answer: Air-cooled condensers
Air-cooled condensers are used in rack refrigeration systems.
Question #8: Which of the following metering devices is usually found in rack refrigeration systems?
Capillary tube
Thermal expansion valve
Electronic expansion valve
Scroll down for the answer...
Answer: Electronic expansion valve
We use electronic expansion valves in rack refrigeration systems as metering devices.
Question #9: Which components are placed in the refrigerated cases in the rack refrigeration system?
Compressors
Condenser coils
Evaporator coils
Electronic expansion valves
Scroll down for the answer...
Answer: Evaporator coils
In rack refrigeration systems, evaporator coils are placed inside the refrigerated cases where food is stored.
Question #10: Which of the following refrigeration systems provide large amounts of storage space?
Residential refrigerator
Walk-in refrigerator
Top freezer refrigerator
French door refrigerator
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Answer: Walk-in refrigerator
Walk-in refrigerators provide large amounts of storage space.
Question #11: Which of the following insulation materials is sandwiched in between walk-in refrigerator panels?
Wood
Glass fiber
Polyurethane
Cellular glass
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Answer: Polyurethane
Most walk-in refrigerators are made using fabricated panels. Polyurethane insulation is sandwiched between stainless steel.
Question #12: Walk-in refrigerators are divided into walk-in freezers and walk-in coolers based on the ______
volume of airflow
temperature application
size of it
number of doors
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Answer: temperature application
Walk-in refrigerators are divided into walk-in freezers and walk-in coolers based on temperature application. Walk-in coolers operate above 0°C and at or below 13°C, whereas walk-in freezers operate at or below 0°C.
Question #13: Which of the following components are placed inside walk-in refrigerator? (Select all that apply)
Compressor
Metering device
Evaporator
Condenser
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Answer: Metering device
Evaporator
The metering device and evaporator are placed inside walk-in refrigerator near the ceiling.
Question #14: What is the approximate humidity we maintain in a walk-in refrigerator?
10%
25%
50%
85%
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Answer: 85%
We maintain humidity in a walk-in refrigerator at about 85 percentage. This high humidity keeps food from drying out.
Question #15: Which of the following are benefits of large ice blocks?
Storage
Handling
Transport
All the above
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Answer: All the above
Storage, handling, and transport can be simplified if ice is made in the form of large blocks.
Question #16: Which of the following refrigeration systems are used for making ice?
Walk-in coolers
Ice plants
Rack refrigeration systems
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Answer: Ice plants
Ice plants are used to produce ice.
Question #17: Ice plants are used to produce ice in _______ quantities.
small
medium
large
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Answer: large
Ice plants are used to produce ice in large quantities.
Question #18: Which of the following types of refrigerant compressors are generally used in ice plants? (Select all that apply)
Reciprocating compressors
Scroll compressors
Screw compressors
Centrifugal compressors
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Answer: Reciprocating compressors
Screw compressors
The main types of compressors used in ice plants are:
Reciprocating compressors, and
Screw compressors.
Question #19: Which of the following types of condensers are connected with cooling towers?
Fin and tube condensers
Shell and tube condensers
Microchannel condensers
Spine fin condensers
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Answer: Shell and tube condensers
Shell and tube condensers are connected with cooling towers. Cooling towers supply water to cool down refrigerant in the condenser.
Question #20: Which of the following metal evaporators is used with ammonia as the refrigerant?
Copper
Steel
Aluminum
Gold
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Answer: Steel
Steel evaporators are used with ammonia as a refrigerant. Ammonia is compatible with steel piping.
Question #21: Ice cans are filled with _______ and kept in a brine tank.
Refrigerant
Brine
Water
Petrol
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Answer: Water
Ice cans are filled with fresh water and kept in a brine tank.
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