Valves and flow equipment for the refrigeration industry

Industrial refrigeration installations operate with refrigerant, glycol, chilled water, condenser water, compressed air and auxiliary service circuits. Valves in these systems are selected according to operating temperature, pressure, fluid type, differential pressure, operating frequency and sealing requirements.

Cold rooms, food processing plants, refrigeration units, heat exchangers, condensers, evaporators and distribution networks require controlled flow and stable operation. Correct valve selection helps limit pressure losses, unwanted reverse flow, temperature deviations and shutdowns caused by maintenance or component failure.

Typical applications

• Glycol and chilled water circuits in industrial refrigeration and air conditioning.
• Condenser water lines on chillers, condensers and cooling towers.
• Cold room, low-temperature storage and processing area networks.
• Heat exchanger, evaporator and condenser systems.
• Draining, filling, venting and bypass lines.
• Compressed air networks for pneumatic actuators and control instruments.
• Auxiliary circuits in pumping stations, refrigeration plant rooms and HVAC units.

Equipment selection criteria

• Minimum and maximum operating temperature.
• Operating pressure, differential pressure and start-up conditions.
• Material compatibility with glycol, chilled water, condenser water or refrigerant.
• Low-temperature tightness and behaviour of gaskets or packing materials.
• Required flow rate and allowable pressure drop.
• Isolation, control, non-return, balancing or protection function.
• Risk of condensation, ice formation or external corrosion at the installation point.
• Access for inspection, section isolation and maintenance.

Indicative equipment

• Isolation valves for chilled water, glycol and auxiliary circuits.
• Control valves for flow, pressure and temperature regulation.
• Balancing valves for hydraulic cooling circuits.
• Check valves for pump protection and backflow prevention.
• Safety and relief valves for protection of network sections.
• Line strainers for protection of valves, pumps, heat exchangers and instruments.
• Pressure reducing valves and pressure regulators for auxiliary networks.
• Pneumatic and electric actuators for connection to an automation system.

For each application, the circuit operating data, refrigerant or secondary fluid, temperature range, differential pressure, available installation length and control system requirements should be reviewed. These parameters define the valve type, nominal size, pressure class, construction materials, sealing arrangement and suitable actuation method.