Abstract: Device for oil cooling forming part of a mixture of compressed gas and oil from a compressor and directed to separator in a compression unit comprising an evaporator connected to said compressor, said separator being connected both to a condenser, in turn connected to said evaporator, and to said compressor by a conduit for oil supply to the compressor, characterized in that said conduit is connected by a line comprising an ejector to the conduit connecting the compressor to the separator, means being provided connecting the tank of the refrigerating fluid from the condenser to said ejector, so that a portion of oil from the separator passes through said ejector where vacuum is built up drawing a portion of the refrigerating fluid which is accordingly mixed with said mixture of compressed gas and oil to suitably cool down the oil forming part of said mixture.

Abstract: Refrigerant liquid containing a little oil dissolved is vaporized while cooling the motor and a portion of the vaporization products is sent into the bearings to be lubricated.The large excess of available heat permits dispensing with an oil recirculating pump and keeping in the motor casing, acting as a sump, the major part of the oil present.

Abstract: An oil return device for a refrigeration system which is placed in the suction line between the evaporator and the compressor to insure that the lubricant oil in the gases is returned to the compressor to prevent damage to the compressor. The device includes an inner tube within an outer tube each of which are connected to a tee fitting so that fluid flows downwardly between the two tubes and upwardly in the inner tube only. A venturi effect is produced at the end of the inner tube which speeds the fluid sufficiently to carry the oil along with the refrigerant.

Abstract: A compressor having an oil sump, an external oil reservoir, a conduit connecting the bottom of the oil reservoir to the compressor sump, a pump in the conduit for pumping excess oil from the reservoir to the compressor sump, and an overspill from the compressor sump back to the oil reservoir and a high side or a low side oil separator for removing oil from the refrigerant flow stream and returning it to the reservoir.

Abstract: A probe for measuring electrical conductance to determine water concentration in a fluid is disclosed. The probe comprises a pair of spaced apart electrodes and a bridge of protein gel between the electrodes. The probe is especially useful for monitoring water concentration in the lubrication oil for a compressor drive train of a hermetic vapor compression refrigeration system. In such a refrigeration system the water concentration in the lubrication oil corresponds to water concentration in the refrigerant of the refrigeration system.

Abstract: In the operation of a refrigeration system comprising a compressor, a condensor, an expansion valve and an evaporator which form a circulation circuit containing NH.sub.3 refrigerant as a first medium, the compressor being lubricated by a second medium, oil, part of the oil quantity being continuously discharged from the compressor together with compressed NH.sub.3 -gas into the circulation circuit for recirculation of oil to the compressor, continuously or batchwise, from the low pressure region of the circulation circuit, that is, the region located between the expansion valve and the compressor, the part of the oil transferred to the low pressure region (5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11) of the circulation circuit is contacted with a third medium, added to the circulation circuit and which is substantially insoluble in liquid NH.sub.

Abstract: A method for controlling the energization of a crankcase heater for use in a refrigeration circuit is disclosed. The crankcase heater is energized through normally closed relay contacts except when the compressor is operating and except for a delay period after compressor operation. A microprocessor control is utilized to calculate the delay period based on the length of the period of compressor operation and to control the energization of the crankcase heater.

Abstract: In a single circuit refrigeration plant, a refrigerant gas stream while flowing in the circuit is compressed by a compressor, circulated from the pressure side of the compressor through a condenser, then an evaporator and finally back to the suction side of the compressor. A housing is provided having two concentrically located contiguous compartments. Of these, the first compartment is interposed between the pressure side of the compressor and the condenser. The second compartment is interposed between the first compartment and the refrigerant gas return line to the suction side of the compressor. In the first compartment, the compressed refrigerant is degassed and forwarded to the condenser and the separated oil, still having some gas dissolved in it is forwarded under pressure to the second compartment.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for effectively managing the refrigerant charge in a heat pump, and for separating a gaseous refrigerant from liquid refrigerant and oil mixture in a manner that allows oil entrapped with the refrigerant to transfer to the compressor, and to insure that only refrigerant in gaseous phase is allowed to enter the compressor through the suction line.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to prevent oil pump cavitation in a hermetically sealed vapor compression refrigeration system are disclosed. A hermetically sealed housing containing the refrigeration compressor transmission and oil supply reservoir is connected to the suction side of the compressor to equalize the pressure in the housing and the suction to the compressor is constructed with a restriction such as an orifice or a venturi to create a pressure drop or is of a size small enough to create a pressure drop when refrigerant flows through the line. The pressure drop is sensed by a pressure differential switch to anticipate sharp drops in pressure in the housing. The flow of refrigerant to the compressor is throttled in response to predetermined pressure drops to prevent a sharp drop in pressure within the transmission housing and thus prevent vigorous boiling of refrigerant from the oil reservoir.

Abstract: A method of regulating startup operation of a vapor compression refrigeration system to prevent oil pump cavitation during startup of the refrigeration system is disclosed. The method comprises monitoring the rate of decrease in evaporator pressure or temperature or monitoring compressor suction line pressure and then comparing this monitored rate to a rate of pressure or temperature decrease which is predetermined to prevent oil pump cavitation. If the monitored rate exceeds the predetermined rate control action is taken to adjust the capacity of the compressor to provide a desired rate of pressure drop which prevents oil pump cavitation. A microprocessor control system and a mechanical control system are disclosed for carrying out the disclosed method.

Abstract: The invention pertains to method and apparatus for servicing refrigeration circuits wherein the refrigerant is removed from the circuit and the circuit recharged. In accord with the invention the recovered refrigerant may be reprocessed for recharging the circuit, or the recovered refrigerant may be stored and fresh refrigerant employed for circuit charging purposes. Further, the invention contemplates the removal of oil from recovered refrigerant, and the charging of a predetermined amount of lubricating oil into the recharged circuit.

Abstract: The single circuit refrigeration plant includes a housing which provides three concentrically located contiguous compartments including a first one interposed between the pressure side of the compressor and the condenser, a second one interposed between the first and the third, the third compartment being interposed between the second compartment and the evaporator. The first compartment is axially centrally located; it is directly ringed by the third compartment and is also ringed by the second compartment.

Abstract: A freezing or cooling plant comprises a compressor for compressing a refrigerant, and a condenser for condensing the refrigerant. Moreover, the plant comprises an apparatus to be cooled, e.g. a continuously driven ice cream freezing apparatus. An oil separator is connected with the lowermost part of the evaporator compartment of the apparatus by means of a pipe wherein a shut-off-valve is provided. If the risk should arise that the apparatus stops due to a too hard freezing of the material treated in the apparatus, the evaporator compartment may rapidly be emptied by opening the valve.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for the continuous separation of oil from the refrigerant in a vapor compression refrigeration apparatus. The separation is accomplished by centrifuging the liquid refrigerant, while cooling the refrigerant to facilitate the separation of the oil. There is also provided an oil still for removing and recovering any refrigerant remaining in the separated oil, and a heat exchanger is provided for initially cooling the refrigerant prior to being centrifuged, and heating the refrigerant after being centrifuged.

Abstract: In an apparatus for use for servicing air conditioning equipment, particularly in an automobile, the apparatus includes a container or cannister having a flow tube centrally located within it, extending from its upper closure member to within proximity of its base, with the upper section of the container being removable, and having a filter located therein. During usage, the container is useful for draining the refrigerant and lubricant from an automobile air conditioning system, with the refrigerant filtering through the filter, while the lubricant is collected within the container, and can be reused. The container also includes a magnetic member associated with the base to assure stable attachment of the apparatus to any metallic supporting surface during usage.

Abstract: A replaceable float oil separator, for installation in large refrigeration systems of the vapor compression type using refrigerant-immiscible lubrication oils, comprises a compact float assembly that is disposed transversely to the axis of its vessel and a removal assembly on the side of the vessel through which the float assembly can be removed for repair or replacement. The float assembly is compact in its design because a counterweight supports up to 90%, preferably 60%, of the weight of the float ball, in accordance with an energy balance equation. The removal assembly includes a flange cover, an o-ring, and a flange which is attached to the cylindrical side of the vessel, near its bottom where temperature cycling is minimal, whereby the vessel is semi-hermetically sealed. The float assembly is entirely supported by its oil return line which is attached to and passes through the flange cover of the removal assembly.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing oil from the refrigerant in a vapor compression refrigeration system comprising a compressor, a condenser, an evaporator, and a vertical oil separation and heat exchange column into which hot compressed refrigerant vapors containing entrained oil are introduced to flow upwardly countercurrently with cool refrigerant liquid introduced to flow downwardly in direct intimate mutual contact, said column comprising (1) an inlet vapor distributor to disperse vapors throughout the cross section of the column to flow upwardly around baffles and to be removed in the top of the column and be directed to said condenser, (2) an inlet liquid line comprising an hydraulic leg wherein the liquid is of sufficient pressure to resist the pressure of said vapors, (3) a means for distributing said liquid throughout the cross section of said column to fall by gravity to a pool of liquid in the bottom of the column, (4) an outlet from said pool of liquid directed to said evaporator and (5) an outl

Abstract: A cascade heat exchange system in which the heat given off in condensing a superheated vaporized refrigerant is used to vaporize carbon dioxide and to add sensible heat to a water system. The superheated discharge vapor of a refrigeration system is pumped into the shell side of a heat exchange vessel, where evaporative tube bundles absorb heat from the refrigerant. In one tube bundle, liquid carbon dioxide flowing through the tubes is vaporized. Another tube bundle receiving heat from the refrigerant is used to heat water for industrial use. The vaporized refrigerant leaving the heat exchange vessel shell having become desuperheated and de-oiled since giving off heat to the tube bundles is then condensed for continued use in the refrigeration cycle.

Abstract: A compression refrigeration system having means for causing the accumulation of refrigerant in a selected area when the refrigeration system is inactive by providing a reservoir having a material therein that has greater miscibility with refrigerant than the compressor lubricating oil so that the liquid refrigerant within the inactive sealed system will migrate by gaseous transfer into the lower pressure area in the reservoir and go into solution with the material.

Abstract: A gas compression system and method utilizing an oil-injected rotary compressor, an oil separator in the discharge line thereof, and an oil supply line between the oil separator and the working space of the compressor. Said oil line conducts oil and gas dissolved in the oil to a throttling device incorporated in the line which causes a decrease in the temperature of the oil due to boiling off of the gas dissolved in the oil, which cooled oil is then conducted into the working space of the compressor. The invention applies to refrigeration systems.

Abstract: A control for selectively energizing a heater provided to raise the temperature of lubricating oil of a compressor employed in a refrigeration unit. The control includes a thermostatically operated switch provided to sense a temperature indicative of lubricating oil temperature. The switch connects the heater to a source of electrical energy when the sensed temperature falls below a predetermined value and the compressor is inoperable. When the compressor is operable, the heater is rendered inoperable irrespective of the sensed temperature.

Abstract: In a gas compression system employing a positive-displacement rotary compressor, liquid is injected into the compressor which is the liquid phase of the gas or vapour being compressed and the compressor temperatures are maintained at about the saturation temperatures of the gas or vapour. The quantity of liquid injected is sufficient to fill, at least partially, the internal compressor clearance gaps. An electric driving motor is contained with the compressor in another chamber of the same of casing and the motor windings are cooled by being bathed in the wet gas mixture leaving the compressor discharge.

Abstract: This invention relates to a compression refrigeration system having means for removing some of the oil refrigerant foam which is formed in a crankcase at startup. The removal of foam with entrained oil from the crankcase is to reduce the amount of oil pumped with the refrigerant through condenser and evaporator and at the same time rapidly return oil to the crankcase during startup. In one embodiment of the invention, oil refrigerant foam goes from the crankcase to a foam trap where the foam collapses, the oil drains back to the crankcase, and the refrigerant vapor is drawn to an intake of the compressor. In another embodiment, oil refrigerant foam passes to a suction accumulator where the foam collapses, refrigerant vapor is drawn to an intake of the compressor and the vapor carries droplets of separated oil to a point where they drain back to the crankcase.

Abstract: The specification and drawings disclose a method and apparatus for taking a sample of oil from the refrigerant fluid circulating in a refrigeration unit of the type including a compressor, a condenser, and an evaporator. A pressure chamber is provided which may be conveniently connected to cause the hot vapor gas coming from either the compressor or condenser and pass through the chamber. As the hot vapor gas enters the chamber it is impinged against a baffle causing the oil within the vapor gas to collect as droplets and flow to the bottom of the chamber. The oil free refrigerant vapor gas is thereafter extracted from the chamber and returned to the refrigeration unit at a point on the low pressure side of either the compressor or condenser. The extraction from the chamber takes place at a point below the level at which the vapor gas is supplied to the chamber and at the opposite side of the baffle. The collected oil level within the chamber is regulated by the level of extraction.

Abstract: Vehicle air-conditioning and other refrigerator systems utilizing specified helical screw compressors and operated under specified conditions and using specified refrigerants and oils. Also disclosed are improved hydrocarbon compressor systems which also utilize specified helical screw compressors and are operated under specified conditions using specified oils selected in relation to the hydrocarbon being compressed.

Abstract: A high lift energy reclaiming circuit for use in a vapor compression refrigeration system, the circuit being interposed in the system between the compressor discharge line and the condenser inlet line. Refrigerant vapors discharged from the compressor are exposed to, and condensed into, a strong absorbent solution to develop temperatures within the mixture that are in excess of the saturation temperature of the discharge vapors. The mixture is brought into a heat exchanger where the high temperature energy is recovered by a heat reclaiming substance, such as water or the like. The diluted absorbent in the mixture is then separated from unabsorbed refrigerant vapors and the dilute solution flash cooled by expanding the solution to the inlet pressure of the compressor.

Abstract: A refrigeration plant including an oil-injected compressor, an oil separator, a condenser and an evaporator. The plant comprises means to introduce liquid refrigerant to the compression phase of the cycle ahead of the oil separator. The plant further comprises means to adjust the amount of liquid refrigerant introduced in response to the temperature difference between the condenser and the oil separator, in order to keep the difference on a constant level of 5.degree. C. to 15.degree. C.