Receiver Function

Refrigeration systems require liquid storage between condenser and evaporator. Receivers hold excess refrigerant during low-load conditions when less circulates. Provide pump-down capacity for maintenance isolating refrigerant. Buffer seasonal charge variations in systems with outdoor condensers.

Vessel Design

Horizontal or vertical pressure vessel with liquid inlet from condenser, vapor space above liquid level, liquid outlet to expansion valves or pumps, equalizer connection to condenser, safety relief valve, liquid level gauge. Sizing provides adequate storage for system charge plus working margin.

Operating Pressure

Matches condenser pressure typically 150-300 psig for ammonia refrigeration, varies for other refrigerants. Design pressure per refrigeration codes. Temperature follows ambient or condenser conditions. Materials rated for refrigerant and operating conditions.

Refrigerant Types

Ammonia industrial refrigeration requiring carbon or stainless steel. R-134a, R-404A, R-410A in commercial systems using carbon steel. Hydrocarbon refrigerants like propane. Material compatibility critical for refrigerant service.

Liquid Management

Level instruments monitor inventory. High level indicates condenser issues or overcharge. Low level warns of refrigerant loss or inadequate condensation. Some systems use sight glass for visual verification. Level control coordinates with refrigeration operation.

System Functions

Stores excess refrigerant during defrost cycles when evaporators offline. Accommodates seasonal charge migration to cold areas. Provides pump-down storage isolating system sections. Enables refrigerant recovery for maintenance without system evacuation.

Material Selection

Carbon steel for ammonia with proper specifications. Steel or aluminum for freon systems. Materials resist refrigerant chemistry and moisture. Internal cleanliness critical preventing contamination. External coating protects against environment.

Applications

Industrial ammonia refrigeration in cold storage and food processing, commercial refrigeration systems, HVAC chillers, petrochemical refrigeration, and any system requiring liquid refrigerant storage and inventory management.

Safety Features

Relief valves protect against overpressure from thermal expansion or condenser failure. Pressure gauges monitor conditions. Rupture disc backup protection. Installation follows refrigeration safety codes.

Charge Management

Initial system charge partially fills receiver providing working space. Insufficient storage causes high head pressure. Excessive receiver size increases refrigerant inventory costs. Proper sizing balances operational needs versus capital.

Service Access

Isolation valves enable receiver removal without evacuating entire system. King valve at outlet provides pump-down capability. Service ports allow refrigerant addition or recovery. Design facilitates maintenance.

Performance Benefits

Provides essential refrigerant storage for system stability. Enables efficient operation across load variations. Simplifies maintenance through isolation capability. Protects system from charge issues.

Construction Standards

Design per ASME Section VIII and refrigeration codes. Relief protection per refrigeration standards. Materials for refrigerant compatibility. Complete documentation with capacity calculations.

ERGIL refrigerant receiver vessels provide reliable liquid storage managing refrigerant inventory in industrial and commercial refrigeration systems.