Flooded Evaporator Operation

Flooded chillers submerge heat exchanger tubes in liquid ammonia. Refrigerant boils absorbing heat. Vapor rises to separator while liquid remains feeding coils. Proper separation maintains liquid level over tubes ensuring efficient heat transfer while keeping compressor suction dry.

Separator Function

Vessel mounted above chiller evaporator. Liquid ammonia from feed line maintains level covering tubes. Boiling generates vapor bubbling upward. Separator provides disengagement space. Vapor exits to compressor suction. Liquid recirculates to evaporator.

Vessel Design

Horizontal or vertical configuration depending on system layout. Vapor space sized preventing liquid entrainment. Baffles reduce turbulence. Mist eliminator captures droplets. Liquid zone maintains inventory. Suction outlet positioned preventing liquid carryover.

Operating Pressure

Evaporator pressure typically -1 to +2 bar depending on refrigeration temperature. Low pressure operation requires vacuum-rated construction if below atmospheric. Design accommodates pressure variations during load changes.

Material Selection

Carbon steel construction per IIAR standards for ammonia refrigeration. Design handles ammonia liquid and vapor phases. Materials resist corrosion from ammonia and moisture. Thermal insulation reduces heat gain maintaining refrigeration efficiency.

Level Control

Float-operated valves or level transmitters maintain liquid height. High level prevents flooding compressor. Low level exposes tubes reducing capacity. Automatic control maintains optimal level despite varying heat load.

Applications

Cold storage warehouses, food processing plants, ice manufacturing, beverage cooling, chemical process refrigeration, and any industrial ammonia system using flooded evaporators. Capacities from 50 to 5000 tons refrigeration.

Liquid Recirculation

Some systems pump liquid ammonia through evaporator coils. Separator receives mixture allowing vapor separation. Liquid returns maintaining circulation. Pumped recirculation improves heat transfer compared to gravity systems.

Safety Features

Pressure relief protects against overpressure from heat input or blocked discharge. Level safety switches prevent dangerous conditions. Design meets IIAR and ASME codes for ammonia refrigeration safety.

Performance Benefits

Ensures efficient evaporator operation through proper liquid level. Protects compressor from liquid damage. Maintains refrigeration capacity across load variations. Simple proven technology in industrial refrigeration.

Construction Standards

Design per ASME Section VIII and IIAR 2 ammonia refrigeration standards. Materials suitable for ammonia service. Relief sizing per refrigeration codes. Complete documentation with capacity calculations.

ERGIL ammonia chiller separators provide reliable phase management ensuring efficient refrigeration while protecting compression equipment in industrial ammonia systems.