Recovery Function

Ammonia refrigeration systems generate vapor during operation, maintenance, or emergency venting. Recovery heat exchangers condense these vapors back to liquid using cooling water or refrigerant, capturing ammonia for system reuse. This prevents atmospheric release reducing emissions, eliminates refrigerant replacement costs, and ensures regulatory compliance with ammonia handling standards.

Design Configuration

Shell-and-tube construction with ammonia vapor on shell side condensing to liquid and cooling medium on tube side. Vertical orientation enables gravity drainage of condensed ammonia. ERGIL engineers exchangers based on vapor flow rate, condensing temperature, and available cooling capacity with typical duties 0.5-10 MMBTU/hr serving refrigeration systems across industrial facilities.

Material Selection

Carbon steel construction suitable for anhydrous ammonia service. Welded construction eliminates gasket leak paths. Design per ASME Section VIII with materials meeting ammonia refrigeration codes. Pressure ratings accommodate refrigeration system operating conditions typically 150-300 psig. Proper venting and drainage provisions for safe ammonia handling.

Applications

Industrial refrigeration plants for food processing, cold storage, chemical manufacturing, and ice production. Ammonia recovery during system purging, maintenance, or defrost cycles. Emergency vapor condensing preventing atmospheric release. Serves facilities with refrigeration capacities 50-5,000 tons using ammonia as primary refrigerant.

Safety Features

Closed-loop design contains ammonia preventing exposure. Pressure relief protection against blockage scenarios. Leak detection integration with facility ammonia monitoring. Construction meets IIAR and OSHA ammonia refrigeration safety standards. Proper ventilation and emergency procedures for safe operation.

Control Integration

Temperature and pressure monitoring ensures proper condensation. Level control in collection vessel manages recovered liquid ammonia. Integration with refrigeration system controls automates recovery during planned operations. Alarm systems alert operators to recovery system issues requiring attention.

Performance Benefits

Eliminates ammonia atmospheric emissions meeting environmental regulations. Recovers refrigerant reducing operating costs from makeup ammonia purchases. Protects facility personnel and surrounding community from ammonia exposure. Simple reliable operation with proven condensing technology. Materials and design for safe long-term ammonia service.

Construction Standards

Design per ASME Section VIII with ammonia refrigeration code compliance. Materials rated for anhydrous ammonia service. Welded construction per AWS standards. Pressure testing validates integrity. Complete documentation includes safety considerations and operating procedures.

ERGIL ammonia recovery heat exchangers deliver safe reliable vapor condensing ensuring refrigerant recovery and environmental compliance in industrial ammonia refrigeration systems.