Glycol Evaporators for Cold Rooms

Glycol Evaporators for Cold Rooms

Glycol evaporators work based on the principle of heat exchange. In a cold room, the glycol - water mixture, which has been cooled by a chiller, circulates through the evaporator. As the cold glycol passes through the evaporator coils, it absorbs heat from the surrounding air in the cold room. This heat transfer causes the air temperature in the cold room to decrease, while the glycol temperature rises. The warmed glycol then returns to the chiller to be cooled again, completing the cycle.

Glycol evaporators usually consist of a series of finned tubes or coils. The tubes are often made of materials with good thermal conductivity, such as copper or aluminum, to enhance heat transfer. The fins, typically made of aluminum, increase the surface area of the coils, allowing for more efficient heat exchange between the glycol and the air in the cold room.

To improve the efficiency of heat transfer, most glycol evaporators are equipped with fans. The fans blow air over the evaporator coils, ensuring that the air in the cold room is constantly circulated and comes into contact with the cold surfaces of the coils. This helps to maintain a uniform temperature throughout the cold room.

Advantages

Efficient Heat Transfer: The combination of finned coils and fans in glycol evaporators enables efficient heat transfer from the air in the cold room to the glycol. This allows for quick and effective cooling of the cold room, even at low temperatures.

Low - Temperature Operation: Glycol has a lower freezing point than water, which makes it suitable for use in cold rooms where temperatures may be well below the freezing point of water. The glycol - water mixture can operate at temperatures as low as - 30°C to - 40°C, depending on the concentration of glycol, without freezing and causing damage to the evaporator.

Corrosion Resistance: The materials used in the construction of glycol evaporators, such as stainless steel and aluminum, are highly resistant to corrosion. This is important because the glycol - water mixture may contain additives that could potentially cause corrosion over time. The corrosion - resistant materials ensure the longevity and reliable operation of the evaporator.

Flexibility in Installation: Glycol evaporators come in a variety of sizes and configurations, making them suitable for different types and sizes of cold rooms. They can be installed as ceiling - mounted, wall - mounted, or free - standing units, depending on the specific requirements of the cold room.