Safety in refrigeration plants and cold storages

Abstract

Refrigerants used in refrigerating plants become hazardous only in the event of leakage or of bursting or explosion as a result of internal over pressure. Problems resulting from mechanical failure of pressurised components or pipes, excessive temperatues, fire or explosion, corrosion, erosio and vibration are common causes of reduced component stregth, work hardening and metal fatigue. Although freon refrigerants are non-flammable, ammonia is preferred to freon for reasons of economy. Ammonia leaks in refrigeration systems are commo and amonia is flammable in the rage 15% to 28% by volume in air . With the advent of newer materials for construction and insulation, use of better methods of materials handling and increased emphasis on energy conservation, great care is going into the planning, designing and construction of cold storages. These new systems and materials, while improving the operating efficiency, also increase the problems of fire safety in cold storages.