What safety hazards can tube leaks in the liquefier of Freon refrigerators cause?
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Now, many manufacturers have switched from ammonia-based refrigeration units to Freon-based refrigeration units for the liquefaction of liquid chlorine, thereby completely eliminating the formation of nitrogen trichloride that could result from external factors. But what adverse consequences might occur if its tube bundle ruptures? Please share your views – those with kind hearts may see one thing, while those with wisdom may see another – and let’s discuss it.
My sister’s question is very practical. But I have never encountered it, so I don’t dare to form an opinion based on imagination. I would appreciate insights from experienced colleagues.
The last edit to this post was made by pqj527 on 2009-11-9 at 17:57. 1. If the tubes in the liquefier break, a small amount of chlorine can leak into the fluorine system, where it reacts to form an oily compound. This leads to an increase in the unit’s energy level and a decrease in its efficiency. Such issues can be detected in a timely manner during operation, allowing for appropriate corrective actions to be taken； 2. If the cooling coil tubes rupture, ice blockage may occur, along with a significant leakage of Freon; this will also lead to reduced efficiency. The water flow in the circulating water system will be interrupted, the oil temperature will rise, and the unit will shut down ； 3. If the evaporator tubes break, the liquefaction efficiency will also decrease ； Among the above, leaks in oil coolers and evaporators are relatively common, while leaks in liquefiers are not common.
Inside the liquefier, the pressure of chlorine is generally higher than that of Freon; if chlorine leaks from the tube bundles, it will enter the Freon system and react. At the same time, chlorine will also enter the oil system, causing the lubricating oil to carbonize and causing serious damage to the system. But we have also never experienced such a phenomenon.
When the chiller is in operation, the chlorine pressure inside the liquefier is generally higher than the Freon pressure. Chlorine will enter the Freon system. Chlorine does not react with Freon, but it does react with lubricating oils. It causes the oil to chlorinate and turn black, resulting in insufficient lubrication for the compressor. Failing to detect this in time can lead to shaft seizure in the compressor. At the same time, the decline in oil quality contaminates the entire Freon system, affecting the proper operation of solenoid valves, expansion valves, and other components. It is difficult to carry out post-task cleanup. When the chiller is shut down, the chlorine pressure inside the liquefier is generally lower than the Freon pressure. Freon can enter the chlorine system. Chlorine contains Freon, affecting users of chlorine, and the consequences are difficult to estimate.
Ah, my apologies. We’ve encountered this kind of problem twice here while driving before. In the first liquefier, due to prolonged use, one row of tubes ruptured, and there were several leakage points in the tube sheet welds; since the chlorine pressure was higher than that of fluorine, chlorine entered the fluorine system and reached the compressor. Due to the late discovery of the reaction between large amounts of chlorine and refrigerant oil, which resulted in the formation of a carbide substance that adhered to the walls of the compressor units and various equipment pipes, this led to damage to the internal components of the compressor. During major repairs, it was extremely difficult to remove this carbide substance. Moreover, all the Freon present during operation had to be discarded because of the presence of chlorine; the compressor required several oil changes before its oil color returned to normal. This not only caused significant financial losses but also severe damage to the compressor head. After the second leak was stopped immediately due to its early detection and the unit was shut down, in addition to performing maintenance on the unit’s front section and changing the oil, the Freon was not discarded through the vented non-condensable gases. Additionally: if the first obvious symptom of a liquefier leak is an increase in discharge pressure, followed by rises in oil temperature and unit temperature, the evaporation efficiency will significantly decline. (I hope this can serve as a reference for fellow sailors.)
Ah, my apologies. We’ve encountered this kind of problem twice here while driving before. In the first liquefier, due to prolonged use, one row of tubes ruptured, and there were several leakage points in the tube sheet welds; since the chlorine pressure was higher than that of fluorine, chlorine entered the fluorine system and reached the compressor. Due to the late discovery of the reaction between large amounts of chlorine and refrigerant oil, which resulted in the formation of a carbide substance that adhered to the walls of the compressor units and various equipment pipes, this led to damage to the internal components of the compressor. During major repairs, it was extremely difficult to remove this carbide substance. Moreover, all the Freon present during operation had to be discarded because of the presence of chlorine; the compressor required several oil changes before its oil color returned to normal. This not only caused significant financial losses but also severe damage to the compressor head. After the second leak was stopped immediately due to its early detection and the unit was shut down, in addition to performing maintenance on the unit’s front section and changing the oil, the Freon was not discarded through the vented non-condensable gases. Additionally: if the first obvious symptom of a liquefier leak is an increase in discharge pressure, followed by rises in oil temperature and unit temperature, the evaporation efficiency will significantly decline. (I hope this can serve as a reference for fellow sailors.)