Improving Condenser Safety In Cold Chain Facilities

Improving Condenser Safety In Cold Chain Facilities

Gerald Anderson, PE Eastern Regional Sales Manager, Refrigeration 30 plus years in the refrigeration industry

AGENDA Overview and Goals Basic Definitions Design for Safety Key Points Question

GOALS Familiarization with important considerations for safe selection and operation of evaporative equipment Minimize risks to safety by selection of proper equipment

DEFINITIONS What is an evaporative condenser? PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION The vapor to be condensed is circulated through a condensing coil, which is continually wetted on the outside by a recirculating water system... The evaporation removes heat from the vapor in the coil, causing it to condense.

EVAPORATIVE CONDENSER

COUTNERFLOW FORCED DRAFT AXIAL FAN

DEFINITIONS Safety The condition of being safe from undergoing or causing hurt, injury, or loss Safe 1. Free from harm or risk 2. Secure from threat of danger, harm, or loss

DEFINITIONS Safety not only applies to people, but by the broadest definitions: 1. Employees 2. General populace 3. Physical property 4. Product 5. The environment

EVAPORATIVE CONDSENER DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS Materials of Construction Maintenance Considerations Location and local environment Water quality Improper material selection can cause premature failures: Coil leaks Refrigeration loss Water leaks } Unsafe for employees, general populace, environment, product, physical property

MATERIALS OF CONSTRUCTION Location and environment Water quality Air quality

CONDENSING COIL Continuous serpentine coil Carbon steel hot-dip galvanized after fabrication (HDGAF) Stainless Steel Copper

STAINLESS STEEL C O N S T R U C T I O N Thermosetting Hybrid Polymer Stainless Steel

MAINTENANCE CONSIDERATIONS Maintenance is imperative for safety Easy and safe access Equipment designed to not impede ease of service Skill set available

MANUALS Always follow the manufacturer s operation & maintenance manual and rigging & assembly instructions Follow all Dangers, Warnings, and Cautions Wear proper protective gear

10 TIPS FOR EASY CONDENSER MAINTENANCE 1. Check the overall condition of the unit 2. Follow proper lock out tag out procedures and disconnect motor switches 3. Inspect and clean debris from strainers 4. Inspect the water distribution system 5. Flush dirt and debris from the cold water basin

10 TIPS FOR EASY CONDENSER MAINTENANCE 6. Check the make-up water supply 7. Adjust the bleed rate accordingly for your local water quality and evaporation rate 8. Fix any tension problems on the belt 9. Inspect coils for scale, rust and failure 10. Lubricate fan shaft bearings every 3 months at a minimum

EVAPORATIVE CONDSENER DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS Accessibility Need to access all surfaces safely Confined space concerns Proper inspection and maintenance Always follow OEM recommendations

OPTIONAL SERVICE ACCESSORIES Protection for service personnel OSHA requirements External service platform and ladder Internal ladder

ACCESSIBILITY Pre-Assembled Platform, Ladder, with Safety Cage

ACCESSIBILITY Pre-Assembled Platform and Access Door Ladders

ACCESSIBILITY Pre-Assembled Handrail Packages

MECHANICAL SERVICEABILITY Oversize access door Built-in interior walkway Large internal plenum Easily adjustable drive system

ACCESSIBILITY Motor Removal System with Davit Arm(s)

WATER TREATMENT GUIDELINES Largest single cause of coil failure and refrigerant leaks Large variable across the country Materials of construction are important Due to continually wet surfaces, very important

WATER TREATMENT GUIDELINES

No Water Treatment Proper Water Treatment

Corrosion and Scale Buildup on Coils

KEY POINTS Considerations for safe equipment Design for the application Design for safe, easy access Maintain the equipment

Q&A Gerald Anderson