GEA AWP has developed a new high-pressure float valve for NH₃ and CO₂ refrigeration and cooling processes. The HSX high-pressure float valve is designed for industrial applications such as cold storage, transportation, chemical processing, cement production, and the pharmaceutical industry. The purely mechanical operation of the HSX high-pressure float valves works without electricity and therefore no electrical voltage. This means that no additional cabling and control systems or regular maintenance cycles are required. By operating with HSX high-pressure float valves, low condensation temperatures can be utilized without regard to the control system, especially in cold seasons. For example, a 5 °C lower condensing temperature already saves over 13 percent energy.
HSX high-pressure float valves as a simple and cost-effective solution for refrigerant expansion: How it works
HSX high-pressure float valves by GEA AWP have a welded shut-off valve at the inlet and outlet, as well as a vacuum nozzle and an externally operated transport lock with manual adjustment. In addition, service valves for draining and discharging non-condensable gases can be installed via two G¼” threaded connections. The principle is as simple as it is effective. If the cooling capacity increases, the liquid level in the high-pressure float regulator rises and the refrigerant is expanded via the purely mechanical throttle opening. As a result of this expansion (pressure reduction) in the outlet, there is a liquid-vapor mixture behind the high-pressure float regulator, which is discharged to the separator. A high-pressure collection tank is generally not required. The continuous expansion of the refrigerant prevents pressure fluctuations and reduces the amount of flash gas. This reduces the electrical power consumption of the compressor.
Effective hot gas defrosting with HSX high-pressure floats
HSX high-pressure float valves for NH₃ and CO₂ can also be used to optimize the energy efficiency of hot gas defrosting of evaporators. As the high-pressure float valve only allows condensed liquid to pass through to the low-pressure side, energy is prevented from being wasted by hot gas flowing unused to the low-pressure side. Compared to other defrosting methods, the high-pressure float can save up to 50 percent of energy.
Technical features
- Available in steel
- Housing material: Selection according to DIN EN 12284, AD-2000 series W
- For natural refrigerants (ammonia, NH₃ , R717 & carbon dioxide, CO₂ , R744)
- Cooling capacity up to 2.646 kW
- Mechanical mode of operation
- Self-regulating for optimized condensation conditions (energy-saving operation of the refrigeration system)
- Nominal diameter: DN 50 and DN 80
- Nominal pressure stage: PS 40
- Temperature range for standard valves: -60 °C to +75 °C
- Connections: Weld ends according to DIN and ANSI
- Additional information: integrated manual adjustment/transport lock
TRplus – Reliable, automatic, and precise liquid temperature control
GEA AWP has also optimized its thermostatic 3-way valves. The TRplus is now easier to maintain, as the control elements can now be replaced much more easily. The thermostatic 3-way valves are easy to install, operate and maintain. In addition, they operate trouble-free at all times with reliable temperature control without the need for an external power supply. The thermostatic 3-way valves are designed to control processes in the refrigeration and heating industry where fluids need to be mixed or diverted according to the required temperatures. TRplus is available in steel, stainless steel, and cryogenic steel. They are suitable for a temperature range from -60 °C to +200 °C and for a pressure rating of up to PS 63.