What occurs during a hot gas defrost cycle?

During a hot gas defrost cycle, high-pressure gas from the compressor discharge is indeed piped through the evaporator. This process is crucial for removing any ice buildup on the evaporator coil. By circulating the hot, high-pressure gas through the coil, the heat from this gas warms the evaporator, causing the ice to melt and effectively defrosting the unit.

This method is commonly employed because it avoids using additional energy solely for the defrosting process, instead utilizing the heat energy already produced by the refrigeration system. This ensures that the system can maintain its efficiency while addressing the ice accumulation that can hinder performance.

Understanding this process is essential for effective industrial ammonia refrigeration management, as it directly impacts the system's efficiency and reliability during operation.