Cold storage evaporator

Types of Cold Storage Evaporators

A cold storage evaporator is a fundamental element of refrigeration systems used to maintain low temperatures. Refrigeration systems typically come in various designs to meet different needs.

• Crossflow Evaporators: Crossflow evaporators are the most common cold evaporators. A crossflow cold evaporator works by having the air flow in a perpendicular direction to the refrigerant. This type of evaporator can be further divided into two widely known models– the fin-tube heat exchanger and the bare-tube heat exchanger. Because of its simplistic design, crossflow cold evaporators are easier to manufacture and install, which makes them more cost-effective than other options.
• Coil Evaporators: Coil evaporators, also referred to as fin tube evaporators, are common cold storage evaporators typically found in ducted systems. Coil evaporators feature copper tubes with aluminum fins. Refrigerant flows through the tubes, and heat is absorbed through the fins from the surrounding air, which causes the air to cool and dehumidify. The cooled air is then circulated through the space that needs to be cooled. Coil evaporators can be horizontal or vertical, depending on how they are installed to work with the refrigerating system.
• Combined Air-Water Evaporators: Combined air-water evaporators work by having both air and water evaporating simultaneously. This result is achieved through the use of suitable heat exchangers. The combined air-water evaporator is also known as an air-water finned tube heat exchanger. It has significant advantages over typical air evaporators, such as faster heat transfer rates, lower pressure drops, and compact sizes.
• Drip Pan Evaporators: A drip pan evaporator is an evaporator fitted with a drainage tray at the bottom. The drainage tray or pan collects water generated during the dehumidification process of the evaporator. If used in an air-conditioning system, the water that drip pans collect can be recycled, used for irrigation, or channeled through the usual drainage system.
• Inline and Bar Evaporators: Inline evaporators are cold storage evaporators mostly used for horizontal airflow applications. They can be directly fitted in air ducts between zones and air handlers. The bar evaporator type is commonly used in power-vented furnaces and makes for a great replacement part for trusted brands.

Specification and Maintenance

Cold storage evaporators specifications vary depending on the type and application. Here are some typical specifications for guidance.

• Airflow

  The airflow generally expresses the air volume the evaporator blows in cubic feet per minute (CFM). Different cold storage evaporators have airflow differences to suit various needs. For instance, a walk-in cold storage evaporator may have an airflow of about 1,500 CFM, while a commercial refrigerator might have a 500 CFM airflow.

• Coil Size

  It usually discusses the height and length of the evaporator coil. For example, the coil sizes of a walk-in cold storage evaporator may be 30 inches and 96 inches respectively. And for under-counter refrigerators, they may be 6 inches and 20 inches, respectively.

• Fan Size

  The size of the evaporator fan will directly affect the airflow and cooling capacity. A typical cold storage evaporator may have a 24-inch fan.

• Refrigerant

  The refrigerant that a cold storage evaporator uses affects its efficiency and environmental friendliness. For example, R22 or R404A may be used in a commercial cold storage evaporator, while R134A may be preferred for portable cold storage solutions.

• Power Consumption

  This is typically expressed in watts used by the evaporator or the total annual electricity cost. A walk-in cold storage evaporator may consume 500 watts, while a commercial one could consume around 1,200 watts.

Maintenance

Regular maintenance can ensure cold storage evaporators run continuously and efficiently.

• Inspect and Clean the Fan:

  Users should check the cold storage evaporator fan periodically. They should inspect its operation for any loose, worn, and damaged parts. If there are debris and dust on the fan blades, they should be cleaned promptly. Also, if the evaporator comes with a filter, users need to check and clean it to ensure the air smoothly flows.

• Regularly Check the Temperature:

  Users should regularly check the temperature of the evaporator. They should ensure the temperature control system works well and the set temperature is accurate. Maintaining the required temperatures promptly can help prevent potential damages to perishables and products.

• Inspect the Refrigeration System:

  It involves checking the condition of refrigerant pipes and valves, ensuring there are no leaks or blockages. Users should also monitor the operating pressure and temperature of the refrigeration compressor to ensure they are within the normal range.

Uses of cold storage evaporators

Cold storage evaporator is useful in numerous industries, including agriculture, food processing, healthcare, and pharmaceuticals. Here's how the different sectors use cold storage evaporators.

• Agriculture

  Agricultural produce such as fruits, vegetables, and flowers, require cold storage to preserve their quality. Refrigeration evaporators provides the appropriate temperature for storage. The cold storage also reduces spoilage rates.

• Food processing

  Cold storage is important in food processing plants that produce canned, preserved, or frozen food. Cold storage can hold raw materials before processing them. It can also store finished products to maintain their freshness.

• Food distribution

  Supermarkets and other food distributors use cold storage evaporators to keep perishable items like dairy products, meat, and produce. The cold storage allows distributors to manage inventory efficiently and minimize food waste.

• Hospitality industry

  Hotels, restaurants, and catering services rely on cold storage evaporators for keeping fresh ingredients, beverages, and frozen foods. Cold storage helps in menu planning and maintaining consistent food quality.

• Pharmaceuticals

  Pharmaceutical companies use cold storage evaporators to store drugs that need specific temperature ranges to maintain potency and efficacy. This includes vaccines and other medications with chemical components that degrade easily.

• Meat & poultry processing

  Meat processing facilities use cold storage evaporators for chilling and freezing meat products. The equipment helps in controlling temperatures during meat processing to prevent microbial growth and extend shelf life. It also aids in managing production flow by allowing seamless processing of meat during convenient periods.

• Chemical industry

  In the chemical industry, cold storage evaporators are used to preserve temperature-sensitive chemicals and reagents. They can also be incorporated into the manufacturing process to control temperatures during reactions and separations.

• Logistics & transportation

  Cold storage evaporators are essential in the logistics and transportation sector for managing refrigerated warehouses and cambers. They provide temperature-controlled environments for temporarily storing perishable goods before shipment to their final destinations.

• Bombardier Automotive Industry

  Cold storage evaporators are used in the automotive industry, specifically in Bombardier Automotive. They are employed in the manufacturing process of automotive parts and components that need to be stored at low temperatures to maintain their quality and integrity.

In commercial space, cold storage evaporators can also be used to store specific equipment and tools that need to be maintained in particular temperature ranges. Additionally, research institutions like scientific labs use cold storage evaporators for preserving biological samples, chemicals, and research materials. Some of the materials include DNA, tissue samples, and chemical reagents.

How to choose cold storage evaporators

Consider the following factors of cold storage evaporators before purchasing them:

• Room Temperature:

  The refrigerating temperature of the cold storage is closely related to the refrigerating temperature needed by stored goods. Different food has different cold storage requirements, such as frozen meat, which needs to be below -18 degrees Celsius, while fresh fruits and vegetables only need to be 0-8 degrees Celsius. Also, the cold storage must be below -18 degrees Celsius to store frozen goods like frozen cement.

• Heat load:

  The heat load of the cold storage includes the heat transfer caused by the temperature difference between the inside and outside of the cold storage, the heat produced by the equipment and lighting in the cold storage, and the heat produced by the stored goods. A force storage evaporator with sufficient refrigerating capacity must be chosen to refrigerate the cold storage.

• Humidity control:

  Some stored goods need to be refrigerated and dehumidified; thus, it's essential to select a cold storage evaporator that can control humidity.

• Energy efficiency:

  Selecting a cold storage evaporator with a high energy efficiency ratio can reduce the operating costs of the cold storage.

• Noise:

  If the cold storage is located in a noise-sensitive area, it's essential to select a cold storage evaporator with a low noise level to reduce the impact on the surrounding environment.

Q&A

Q: How does a cold storage evaporator work?

A: The cold storage evaporator works by making the refrigerant evaporate. When the refrigerant gets into the evaporator, cold storage air blows over the evaporator coil. The heat includes warm air that makes the refrigerant become cold and warm in the process. This is how the refrigerant gets to evaporate and why the environment around the evaporator coil becomes cool.

Q: Why is an evaporator important in a cold storage room?

A: The evaporator is important in a cold storage room because it is the location where the heat is extracted from the refrigerant. The evaporator allows the cold storage room to maintain a specific temperature and prevent spoilage products and perishable items.

Q: What are the signs of a bad cold storage evaporator?

A: Some signs of a bad cold storage evaporator are frost buildup, decreased cold storage room efficiency, strange noises, leakage, or warm storage room temperatures. When one notices these signs, it's a good idea to seek professional assistance and have the cold storage evaporator checked.

Q: How long does a cold storage evaporator last?

A: A cold storage evaporator can last up to 10 to 15 years or more, depending on the maintenance practices and the usage of the cold storage room. Regular maintenance and servicing of the evaporator can help prolong its lifespan.