Introduction and Background

Refrigeration sTce Making NOTE TO THE READER TE NEADER FRAGILE THE PAPER IN THIS VOLUME {5 BRITTLE | PLEASE HANDLE WITH CARR NH CARE ICE TANK. WMC 8 IN INE QUESTION; THE INFURMATIUN IK IN TUE ANSY ER Refrigeration é Tce Making A PRACTICAL TREATISE with ILLUSTRATIONS BY GIDEON HARRIS, +s .«. and Associates VOL. THEO. AUDEL & CO., Pus isners IMPERIAL ARCADE, LONDON 63 FIFTH AVENUE, NEW YORK 1911 ICE TANK, ‘Tux Tuovost 1s IN THe QuEsTION; THE INYORMATION 18 IN THE ANSWER > Audels J ANSWERS © Refrigeration éIce Making A PRACTICAL TREATISE with ILLUSTRATIONS BY GIDEON HARRIS, punt and Associates C.&.Becoth VOL. TWO THEO. AUDEL & CO., PusiisHERs 7 IMPERIAL ARCADE, LONDON 63 FIFTH AVENUE, NEW YORK Igit ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Copyright, 1911. by ‘THEO. AUDEL & CO., NEW YORK, Entered at Stationers Hall, London, England, Protected by International Copyright in Great Britain, andall her Colonies, and, under the provisions of the Berne Convention, in Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, Tunis, Hayti, Luxembourg, Monaco, ‘Montenegro and Norway. “GOLS NOTIFICATION ‘Kuom all Men by these Presents : Parties desiring to make any undue use of any part of this publication are hereby formally requt to communicate with the Publishers. Failing in this respect it will not only be considered discourteous, but an infringement of the International Copyright and Common Law, THE PUBLISHERS. Printed in the United States, It should be understood that the subject matter of this work relates to a growing industry. Men have died from the extremes of cold and heat, and their lives have been made miserable or happy by a very few degrees variation of the mercurial scale. Hence the power to control an urdue rise and fall in temperature may be instrumental in prolonging life and adding to its comfort. The idea intended to be conveyed is that, in the near future, homes will be cooled in tropical countries, just as they are heated in the north. While this humanitarian view of the subject is perhaps the broadest which the subject affords, it is equally true that in a thousand ways in the near future will the control of temperatures influence society, for it would seem that a new factor—refriger- ation—is now added to those forces which tend to uplift mankind—and increase not only his comfort, but his power of production. As by the aid of added heat the human race has made homes amid the ice and snow of the arctic and antarctic regions, so by the aid of artificial refrigeration tropical countries will be brought to the healthful occupation of mankind, v ee Z What Herbert Spencer wrote of kindred industries in England may be truthfully be said ofthe main subject matter of this book- “The vital knowledge—that by which we have grown as a nation to what we are, and which now underlies our whole existence, is a knowledge that has got ttself taught in nooks and corners; while the ordained agencies for teaching have been mumbling little else but dead formulas.”’ “That which our school courses leave almost entirely out, we thus find to be that which most nearly concerns the business of life. All our industries would cease, were it not for that information which men begin to acquire as they best may after their education is said to be finished. And were it not for this information, that has been from age to age accumulated and spread by unofficial means, these industries would never have existed.” So, while it is well to know what books say about the various processes of an industrial art, it is not the whole story. Actual experience and actual experiment are equally necessary for a sound and masterful acquaintance with the great problem of refrigeration in its application. As Herbert Spencer indicated in the above paragraphs, the steps of advancement may be expected to be taken by practical men. | CONTENTS VOLUME TWO. FOR ALPHABETICAL INDEX, SEE PAGE 651. PAGES Carsonic Acip System . ‘ . . : - 871-378 Vacuum System é Fi : Fi Fi . ‘ 379-380 CompresseD Arr SysTEM : : : : - 381-392 SutpHurous Acip System “ « * ‘ “ 393-394 ErHer System : . . 2 ‘ = « 895-395 CircuLatTion SYSTEMS. E : F a . 396-434 MecHanicaL Ick MAKING F : . . 435-460 VaRIED Uses oF REFRIGERATION . . * * 461-500 Goons SroracE = c ? . z 7 * 501-528 Sroracg House OPERATION . : 5 a‘ ¥ 529-552 MEASUREMENTS : 5 é é zi é i 553-560 Cotp Sroracz Houses . : : . . : 561-583 REFRIGERATING Pipe Lines. “ ‘ “ ° 584-588 EMERGENCIES AND ACCIDENTS . . : a 589-599 Ick From RAW WATER . ‘ é . ‘ : 600-602 TasBLes AND Data . s i 3 ‘ —_ 603-650 INDEX - : . 5 i F . . . 651-Enp CARBONIC ACID SYSTEM. What other type of compression machine beside the ammonia is used and why ? The Carbonic Acid machine is used very largely in marine service on passenger and freight steamers, war vessels, etc. It is also used to a considerable extent abroad, partly because carbonic acid is made cheaply as a by-product in German brew- eries; in this country it has found favor, principally in hotels and restaurants, because in case of a leak no harm would be done to perishable goods ; then, too, the presence of one-half of one per cent. of ammonia in the atmosphere would be decidedly dangerous, while air containing as high as eight per cent. of carbonic acid could be breathed for a short time without any serious results. Are most compression plants alike in theory ? The ammonia, sulphurous acid, carbonic acid, ether, and Pictet liquid machines require substantially the same manage- ment. The third type, on account of the lack of smell, makes the detection of a leak difficult, but, however, if the joints are smeared with soapsuds a leak may be detected. ‘What are the important parts of the carbonic acid machine ? The general plan is the same as the ammonia compression plants, that is the main parts are the compressor, condenser and refrigerator. How does the compressor compare in size with ammonia com- pressors ? It is considerably smaller, but as it is necessary to carry a very much higher pressure the various parts of the apparatus must be made stronger and heavier. 371 372 AUDELS ANSWERS. How is the compressor made ? It is usually horizontal, except in case of small machines, when it may be vertical. In one leading make it has a jacket through which the return gas passes, which tends to keep the cylinder cool. How are the compressors built ? The larger ones are bored out of solid steel forgings ; the smaller ones are cast in a special bronze. Low Pressure, High Pressure Gauge. Gauge. Evaporat. iq Water Outlet, 3 Brie tte WAVE | Brine Outlet. gg) Water tote Regulating Valve. —is= Diagrammatic explanation of a Carbonic Acid Refrigerating machine with brine circulation. = — = What is frequently done in testing a carbonic acid machine ? The whole charge is blown into the room, without its harm- ing the workmen, as the carbonic acid being heavier than air tends to drop to the floor. What very important advantage has a carbonic acid machine in marine service ? Copper pipes can be used in the condensers. CARBONIC ACID SYSTEM. 373 What is the most marked feature of the carbonic acid system ? “The heavy pressure required, varying from 750 pounds in temperate climates, with water at 50 degrees Fahr., to 1,200 pounds in the tropics where water is from 80 to 90 degrees Fahr. To what degree are carbonic acid machines tested ? Those subject to high pressure are tested to 3,000 pounds hydraulic pressure, and again in warm water, by air, to 1,350 pounds. On what does the safety of a machine depend ? The safety of any machine does not depend on the pressure at which it works, but on its suitability for the pressure, so that a machine properly constructed for working at even 2,000 pounds per square inch is safer than a machine improperly designed working at only 200 pounds pressure per square inch. Has a high pressure in this system a compensating feature ? Owing to the non-poisonous nature of the gas, and its low cost, a safety valve may be introduced in the system, which is a desirable feature in any high pressure system. Where is the use of a carbonic acid machine specially favorable ? It is the gas that is used for aerating table waters, producing the sparkle in wines, beer, etc., and being perfectly inodorous, cannot under any circumstances taint or damage the most easily affected goods. What advantage has the carbonic acid machine in the way of condensers ? The condensers are usually of the submerged or open air type, and in marine service copper pipe may be used which is more durable than iron, carbonic acid having no effect on copper. 374 AUDELS ANSWERS. What is the danger in a leak of carbonic acid ? As it has no odor a leak might not be detected until a work- man was so affected by it that he fell to the floor in a feint; as it is heavier than air, this gas also drops to the lower part of the room and the workman might be suffocated if he was alone. Regulator E ati vaporator Compressor qi Patent hyllow ie Ou Gland Condenser — a] coil qf b 1 | 5 t— Connecting Rod bo}: i Condenser g e si ig 5 0 casing 4 3 ung Insulated division j Bi Crank between Condenser i f ~~ Shaft & Evaporator E x 4 — Brine circulating pump ‘The Hall Marine Carbonic Acid Refrigerating Machine. The compressor is directly attached to the body of the condenser which is of the submerged type. The cooler consists of a shell concentric with the condenser, well insulated from same, and containing the evaporating coil. ‘The condenser coil connects with the evaporator coil through the expansion valve shown at the top within easy reach, and each coil is provided with a pressure gauge, the one at the right being the low pressure and at the left the high pressure gauge. ‘The brine is circulated through the cooler by means of a small brine pump attached to the crank shaft. CARBONIC ACID SYSTEM. 375 How is the Hall stuffing box kept gas tight ? The compressor gland is made gas-tight by means of cupped leathers on the compressor rod. Glycerine is forced into the space between these leathers at a pressure superior to the greatest pressure in the compressor, so that should a slight leakage take place at the gland it is a leakage of glycerine, either into the compressor or out into the atmosphere, and not a leakage of gas. What little leakage of glycerine takes place into the compressor is advantageous, inasmuch as it in the first place lubricates the compressor, and in the second it fills up all clear- ances, thereby increasing the efficiency of the compressor. In order to replace the glycerine which leaks out of the lubricator, a small hand pump is provided, a few strokes of which are required every two to four hours. Describe the safety valve of carbonic acid machines. In order to open up the compressor for examination of piston and valves, it is necessary to fit a stop valve on both suction and delivery side, so as to confine the carbonic acid to the condenser and evaporator. As the machine might be started again without opening the delivery valve it is necessary to have a safety-valve on the delivery pipe. This is an ordinary spring safety valve, having at its base a thin copper disc, gas-tight and liable to rupture at about 1,350 pounds pressure, Describe the Evaporator. It consists of extra heavy iron pipe welded into long lengths inside of which the carbonic acid evaporates. The heat required for evaporation is furnished by brine which surrounds the Pipes, or by air, according to which method is used. How is the flow regulated in carbonic acid machines ? By a so-called expansion valve between the condenser and evaporator. 376 AUDELS ANSWERS. What becomes of the glycerine which gets into the compressor ? The gas as it leaves the compressor passes into a separator where the glycerine impinges against the sides of the vessel and adheres to it as it has no affinity for carbonic acid ; the glycerine then falls to the bottom of the separator and is drawn off from time to time, while the gas passes on into the condenser. Is a slight leakage objectionable ? A slight leakage into the compressor would be of advantage as a matter of lubrication, and to seal the clearance space. How is an excess of glycerine provided for ? Any beyond what is needed to fill the clearance spaces passes through the delivery valves with the gas and drains through a trap to the bottom. Are there any chemical and mechanical difficulties in the use of glycerine in this way ? Ne, as carbonic acid and glycerine have no affinity for each other. How are leaks of glycerine made good ? In large machines by a belt-driven pump, and in small ones by a hand pump which can be operated every few hours. Is some leakage of glycerine unavoidable ? Yes, ard it must be replaced by a hand pump occasionally, How is the gland made gas-tight ? By means of two cupped leathers on the compsessor rod, When will some refrigerant escape ? When a compressor is opened up far the inspection of valves, etc. CARBONIC ACID SYSTEM. 37 What is to be said about the joints ? It is claimed that these can be made absolutely tight with leather or any other suitable material, except where there is a high temperature. Here the difficulty has been overcome by using joining rings turned out of a copper alloy. The tightness may be tested by brushing them over with soap and water. ‘What is one of the uses of the carbonic acid machine ? The manufacture of