Method and apparatus for non-atmospheric venting of evaporator over-pressure in a refrigeration system
US5319945A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 29, 1992 |
| Grant date | Jun 14, 1994 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 29, 2012 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF25B2400/16
- WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An over-pressure control apparatus for a refrigeration system provides for non-atmospheric venting of an evaporator during over-pressure conditions. The control apparatus includes a sensor for indicating evaporator pressure, a storage vessel for receiving liquid refrigerant from the evaporator, and a controller responsive to the sensor. The controller acts in response to the reading of the sensor to selectively open and close at least one control valve coupling the storage vessel to the evaporator and condenser of the refrigeration system. Liquid refrigerant is vented from the evaporator to the storage vessel in response to a detected over-pressure condition. The over-pressure control method hereof acts to vent liquid refrigerant from the evaporator at a predetermined pressure above normal operating pressure, but below the pressure where emergency venting of refrigerant vapor from the evaporator to the atmosphere is required. The liquid refrigerant vented from the evaporator can be returned from the storage vessel to the refrigeration system after the evaporator is restored to normal operating pressure.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.