Cleaner reduces energy

the rate of deposition of ice. Periodically, samples are removed for density analysis. The chamber is available to industry for testing of equipment. British Aerospace, Road, Weybridge,

Brooklands Surrey, UK

The energy consumption of chillers can be reduced by adding a brush cleaning system to the unit. Designed for the Westinghouse chiller installations, the system removes deposits from chiller condenser tubes and the improved fouling factors permits the chiller to consistently operate at 100% of rated capacity throughout its working life. This can result in a 15-25% reduction in energy consumption, according to tests carried out by the manufacturers, Water Services of America Inc. Elimination of the need for period chiller shutdown for tube cleaning provides another saving. The system comprises a nylon brush inserted in each tube and a catch basket attached to each end of the tube. A special four way valve is installed to permit reversing the

direction of the flow in the condenser. When the flow direction is reversed, water pressure pushes the brush through the full length of the tube, removing any deposits inside the tube walls. The brush is caught in the basket, where it remains until the flow direction is reversed and the process is repeated. The frequency of the cleaning cycle will depend on the condition of the water being used. Heat-Frig Limited, Torrie Lodge, Portsmouth Road, Esher, Surrey

Low-energy wneulllpfionand refrigeratorfreezers The development of a new refrigerator-freezer providing all the conveniences of conventional models, but using much less energy, is being managed by the Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Tennessee. Computer analyses (conducted by Arthur D Little) were used to establish which aspects of the appliance would be most susceptible to modification. Improvements were made in the areas of insulation, door design, the evaporator design and the control system. An automatic

defrost feature has been included in the evaporator without the usual increase in energy consumption. The preliminary tests have shown that the prototype (built and tested by Amana Refrigeration) uses less than half the energy allowed under California’s minimum energy efficiency standards. These standards are based on a value of 4 kWh per day for a 16 cu ft refrigerator-freezer. It is claimed that the prototype preserves food as well as or better than currently available models. Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Tennessee 37830, USA

Ddmst

timed

A defrost time clock designed to operate at four voltage supply situations (24OV/5OHz; 24OV/6OHz; 1 lOV/5OHz; 1lOV/6OHz) is available from Rabtherm.

The clock has a variable number of pre-set defrost periods from 1 to 12 per 24 hrs. Actual defrost time can be programmed for between 5 and 60 minutes. A standard openon-rise defrost termination thermostat and standard fan delay thermostat can be incorporated. A fail-safe mechanism will ensure revertion to the refrigeration circuit should the clock fail. Publicity Officer, The Rabtherm Group, Boatmans Lane, Walsall Wood, Walsall WS9 9AZ, UK

Modular panels have been designed to build cold-rooms for a range of applications and climates. The K2 cold-rooms are suited for butchers, abattoirs, supermarkets and frozen food manufacturers in the EEC and Middle East.

Brush

188

cleaning

system

for chillers

avaIlable

from

Heat-Friy

Panels are manufactured in various lengths from 2.100 m to 3.600 m widths of 300 mm, 600 mm, 900 mm and 1.200 m and thickness 75 mm, 100 mm and 150 mm. Each panel comprises internal and external facings of sheet metal in the appropriate finish and

International

Journal of Refrigeration