Abstract: A method and control system are disclosed for minimizing the number of recycle starts of a compressor in a refrigeration system to thereby reduce wear and tear on the mechanical and electrical systems of the refrigeration system thereby prolonging the operating life and improving the reliability of the refrigeration system. The rate at which the refrigeration system compressor's capacity is increased upon the recycle start is greatly reduced compared to a normal, relatively fast rate of increase which is provided when the capacity of the compressor is controlled directly in response to the load placed on the refrigeration system. This prevents the refrigeration system from quickly satisfying a new, increased load placed on the refrigeration system upon a recycle start which will then require a relatively quick shutdown of the refrigeration system compressor due to excess cooling capacity and require a relatively quick subsequent recycle start of the compressor.

Abstract: A refrigeration system which has a heat exchanger wherein refrigerant is evaporated to absorb heat from a fluid to be cooled, said heat exchanger receiving refrigerant from a vapor condensing economizer. The vapor condensing economizer receives liquid refrigerant from a condenser and has an orifice or a series of nozzles to maintain a pressure drop between the condenser and economizer so that a portion of the liquid refrigerant flashes to a vapor in the economizer to absorb heat from the remaining liquid refrigerant in the economizer. Condensing coils containing a cool heat exchange medium are positioned in the economizer to reduce the temperature and pressure in the economizer and to condense the refrigerant vapors back to a liquid for use in the refrigeration cycle.

Abstract: A vapor compression refrigeration system which has a multi-stage compressor, a condenser, a flash economizer, an economizer-condenser, a thermal economizer and a chiller. Liquid refrigerant is flashed in the flash economizer such that part of the liquid refrigerant changes state from a liquid to a gas absorbing heat from the remaining liquid refrigerant, the gaseous refrigerant being drawn into the compressor between stages or being condensed by the economizer-condenser within the flash economizer. An economizer damper valve is provided between the compressor and the flash economizer to regulate this flow of gaseous refrigerant to the compressor depending upon the thermal capability of the economizer-condenser to recondense the flashed refrigerant of the flash economizer.

Abstract: A subcooler for use in a refrigeration system wherein liquid refrigerant is flashed such that part of the refrigerant changes state from a liquid to a gas absorbing heat from the remaining liquid refrigerant. An economizer condenser is provided in the subcooler such that the flashed refrigerant gas may be recondensed within the subcooler. Liquid refrigerant enters the subcooler through the casing and is flashed through an orifice into a distribution box. The distribution box has perforated end plates such that the flashed gaseous refrigerant is distributed throughout the subcooler to evenly contact the economizer condenser mounted therein. Liquid refrigerant is collected in the bottom of the subcooler and therefrom conducted to the next component of the refrigeration system.

Abstract: A vapor compression refrigeration system which has a compressor, a condenser, a low temperature flash economizer, a high temperature flash economizer and a chiller connected to form a primary refrigerant loop and a second compressor and economizer condenser connected to partially form a secondary refrigerant loop. Gaseous refrigerant from the high temperature flash economizer is condensed by the economizer condenser and then flashed in the low temperature flash economizer. The gaseous refrigerant from the low temperature flash economizer is recompressed by the second compressor and thereafter recondensed by the economizer condenser. The recondensed refrigerant is then circulated to the low temperature flash economizer together with the remaining liquid refrigerant from the condenser.

Abstract: A refrigerant flow control assembly for metering the flow of refrigerant, under low load and normal operating conditions, from the high pressure side to the low pressure side of refrigeration machine. The assembly includes a valve plate defining a circular port for the flow of refrigerant therethrough. A valve plug is provided having a conical surface at one end for communication with the circular port, and a stem at the other end. A valve plug support is operatively connected to the valve plate for mounting thereon the valve plug for slidable movement between a closed position and an open position along a line coincident with the axis of the valve plug, which line is perpendicular to and intersects the plane of the circular port at its center.