What style of compressors is commonly used in industrial ammonia refrigeration systems?

Positive displacement compressors are commonly used in industrial ammonia refrigeration systems due to their efficiency in handling large volumes of refrigerants at varying pressures. These compressors operate by trapping a fixed amount of refrigerant and then reducing its volume to increase its pressure, making them highly effective for applications requiring significant cooling capacity.

In industrial settings, positive displacement compressors, such as reciprocating and screw compressors, are particularly well-suited for ammonia refrigeration. They can provide the necessary capacity and adapt to the varying load conditions often encountered in such applications. Additionally, these compressors are capable of functioning efficiently across a range of operating conditions, which is crucial when dealing with the demands of industrial refrigeration processes.

Other types of compressors, such as centrifugal, screw, or scroll compressors, may also be utilized in specific circumstances, but they do not match the versatility and reliability that positive displacement compressors offer in the context of ammonia refrigeration systems. Centrifugal compressors, for instance, are more efficient at high flow rates and are commonly used in larger installations but do not perform as well in low flow conditions. Meanwhile, screw and scroll compressors have their applications as well, but positive displacement compressors remain the predominant option for the industrial ammonia refrigeration sector.