Extending the Life of Ammonia Refrigeration Systems: Part I

This article is based on a paper presented at an IIR conference, Ammonia Refrigeration Technology for Today and Tomorrow, held in Ohrid, Macedonia, on April 19-21, 2007. It addresses issues related to the useful working life of ammonia refrigeration equipment. It considers the economic case for extending the life of equipment and reviews the factors which affect the condition of equipment. Key issues in the design, operation and maintenance of plants are explained, with examples to illustrate the effect of earlier decisions on later life. Some recommendations are given as guides to good practice when equipment is being modified or reconfigured, with the objective of finding ways in which existing systems can be brought into line with current international safety standards without incurring an excessive investment cost.

Part II will deal with operating issues, maintenance priorities, modifi cation of existing systems, recommendations and conclusions.