Household Refrigerators. — The following pertains to the description of the general type and a detailed description of some of the leading household refrigerators on the market at present. The different makes of household refrigerators which are described have been selected promiscuously, and do not include all of the makes which are produced at present. However, the description of the following makes will convey an idea of the general types, as well as the various details of construction used in some of the leading makes at present. Special attention is given to wall construction, linings, outer case construction, construction of doors, etc.
Bohn. — In Fig. 171 is shown a typical refrigerator made by the Bohn Refrigerator Company of St. Paul, Minnesota, for electrical refrigeration. The exterior is of white porcelain on steel. The lining also is made of porcelain. The walls and doors contain eleven insulating members, including two thicknesses of flaxlinum. The insulation is framed in with heavy members, insuring permanency of position and long life. It is so constructed as to present a complete refrigerator before the outer steel, porcelained case is installed. The porcelain steel case is added to beautify its appearance and as an added protection to the inner walls. The walls are 2 inches thick and the doors 3 inches. Doors are built on the safe door principle, with several rabbets to hold back the air leakage and in addition are furnished with cushion gaskets.
<Callout type="important" title="Insulation Importance">Proper insulation is crucial for maintaining low temperatures inside a refrigerator.</Callout>
331 332 HOUSEHOLD REFRIGERATION All hardware is solid brass, nickeled in the company's plant. Corners are trimmed with solid brass tubing, heavily FIG. 171.— TYPICAL BOHN REFRIGERATOR. nickeled. Underneath this trim are white wood mouldings, which seal the porcelain plates together— an additional moisture proofing.
HOUSEHOLD REFRIGERATORS 333 The food chamber lining is one-piece heavy steel, porcelained, with full rounded corners and rolled door edges. All porcelain steel, inside and outside, has one ground coat on both sides of the sheet and then two additional coats of white, each coat fused on separately, in its own plant, in ovens carrying two thousand degrees of heat.
<Callout type="tip" title="Cooling Chamber">The cooling chamber is lined with high-quality galvanized steel with a copper alloy base.</Callout>
The drain pipe is solid brass, with a spun copper funnel top and solid brass base, all heavily nickeled. The drain trap is double — a large opening if ice should be used, and an auxiliary, removable, smaller trap within the larger trap, for defrosting drainage.
<Callout type="warning" title="Defrost Drainage">Defrosting drainage should be carried away from inside the refrigerator to prevent bacterial growth.</Callout>
The provision shelves are meshed wire, heavily tinned. There are proper circulation principles, inbuilt, leading the air in a complete circulating course throughout every part of the provision and cooling chambers.
Equipment includes a porcelain shield for cooling chamber door opening. Stud bolts in ceiling of cooling compartment with basket hanger, where necessary, and a sleeved hole in back; complete equipment for installation of cooling unit. A full line of household refrigerators, with or without sub-bases, is manufactured. The porcelain base may be used to house the refrigerating machine.
When the machine is not placed in the base, the base can be used for the storage of water bottles, kitchen ware or canned goods.
Key Takeaways
- Different refrigerator models use various insulation methods and materials to maintain low temperatures.
- Door designs include multiple rabbets for air sealing, enhancing the overall efficiency of refrigerators.
- Proper drainage is essential to prevent bacterial growth inside the refrigerator.
Practical Tips
- Ensure your refrigerator has adequate insulation to reduce energy consumption.
- Check door seals regularly to maintain proper air tightness and temperature control.
Warnings & Risks
- Improper defrosting can lead to bacterial contamination, posing health risks.
- Poorly sealed doors can significantly increase the workload on cooling units.
Modern Application
While modern refrigerators have advanced in terms of efficiency and technology, understanding historical construction methods provides valuable insights into maintaining and repairing older appliances. Knowledge of insulation materials and door sealing techniques remains crucial for both preservation and emergency situations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What types of insulation are mentioned in the Bohn refrigerator?
The Bohn Refrigerator uses eleven insulating members, including two thicknesses of flaxlinum.
Q: How is the porcelain lining applied to the Bohn refrigerator?
All porcelain steel inside and outside has one ground coat on both sides of the sheet followed by two additional coats of white fused separately in ovens at 2000 degrees Fahrenheit.
Q: What are some features of the Cavalier refrigerator's construction?
The Cavalier Refrigerator uses a steel frame with angle iron joints, an exterior case of porcelain enameled steel sheets backed by wallboard and cork insulation. The door surface is covered with metal cases held in place by flanges.