When the installation of industrial refrigeration systems is to be carried out, the latest technological innovations must be taken into account to achieve the greatest energy savings and environmental protection.
The main objective of all refrigeration systems is to maintain the modified temperature, thus achieving suitable conditions for product preservation.
For this reason, when installing refrigeration systems, it is necessary to calculate the required cooling load, choose the correct equipment according to the type of product, and have the support of experts with the appropriate training to perform this task.
To install refrigeration systems, it is advisable to have the advice of an industrial air conditioning and refrigeration company like Inditer, which, in addition to being comprised of a group of expert professionals, also offers high-quality equipment. In fact, Inditer equipment guarantees environmental protection and energy savings.
How to install equipment correctly
It is of utmost importance that the installation of refrigeration systems is carried out correctly, as the desired results, the absence of failures, and the longevity of the equipment depend on it.
Now, to install the equipment that makes up the refrigeration system, it is necessary to perform a series of preliminary tasks to obtain the desired results. These are listed below:
1. Understanding the system
Research the equipment to be installed according to your needs, and rely on professional advice to calculate the refrigeration load required for your products, based on the available space.
There is equipment that comes pre-assembled from the factory, which reduces potential failures during installation and facilitates the process.
2. Verification of material quality
It must be verified that the quality of the materials matches what the distributor offered. It is also necessary to confirm that the equipment has not suffered damage during transport and that no components, such as piping, are missing.
Regarding the piping, it is recommended that it be kept dry to optimize startup time. Accessories should be stored in a dry place, free from humidity. To avoid contamination, the ends of all equipment must be covered.
3. Location
Equipment must be placed in the location indicated by experts according to the design. Condensers should be placed in a well-ventilated area, ensuring there are available areas for water drainage during maintenance.
Regarding the location of evaporators, it must be verified that the walls have adequate separation to guarantee ventilation, and that the ceilings where they will be mounted have the mechanical resistance to support their weight.
4. Pipe placement
You must have all the necessary tools on hand to perform this process; otherwise, damage could be caused to the equipment and the safety of the personnel performing the work could be at risk.
When installing accessories, it is recommended that they be covered to prevent damage. To properly cool the component, the equipment manuals must be reviewed, as each has specific procedures.
Once all accessories are installed, the entire system must be checked for flow, using a dry gas such as nitrogen to purge it. This will also serve to expel any moisture or particles.
5. System startup
Before starting the system, verify that it is pressurized. Check all electrical connections following the manufacturer’s instructions and taking technical aspects into account.
Proceed to evacuate the system using a suitable industrial vacuum pump. Connect the vacuum pump to the high and low evacuation valves using copper tubing, and use an electronic device to measure the pressure until it reaches 500 microns.
Pressure transducers and compressor valves must remain closed until the vacuum is broken with dry nitrogen. Then, the compressor valves should be opened and the vacuum process repeated until 500 microns is reached. At that point, the process is stopped.
Regulations to be met for the installation of an industrial refrigeration system
In Spain, to proceed with the installation of industrial refrigeration systems, compliance with the Safety Regulations for Refrigeration Installations (RSIF) and its technical instructions is mandatory.
These regulations establish the minimum conditions that refrigeration installations must meet to guarantee the safety of property and persons, as well as environmental protection.
This regulation, also known as RSIF, consists of a single article and 19 technical instructions or additional provisions, which regulate aspects related to design, insulation, materials, testing, and trials prior to startup.
With the RSIF, the classifications of refrigeration systems and premises have been restructured, maintaining the classification of indirect and direct systems according to the contact with the corresponding refrigerant.
Regarding classification based on safety criteria, it will depend on its location:
- Surrounding or ventilated
- Open air or machine room
- Compressors in a machine room or in the open air
- Placement of equipment in inhabited areas
Classification of premises
According to safety criteria, the premises or establishments where industrial refrigeration systems are located can be classified into three categories:
- Category A: general access areas such as theaters, hospitals, and courts, among others.
- Category B: supervised access areas such as laboratories, business establishments, and offices.
- Category C: authorized access areas, such as general industries (food, chemical, etc.).
It is important to note that under the RSIF, constant maintenance is mandatory and must be performed by a duly authorized specialist company.