Trade press release
New HSX high-pressure float valve from GEA AWP for refrigeration processes – TRplus termostatic 3-way valves optimized
November 26, 2024
GEA AWP has developed a new high-pressure float valve for NH₃ and CO₂ refrigeration and cooling processes. The HSX high-pressure float valve is designed for industrial applications such as cold storage, transportation, chemical processing, cement production and the pharmaceutical industry. The purely mechanical operation of the HSX high-pressure float valves works without electricity and therefore no electrical voltage. This means that no additional cabling and control systems or regular maintenance cycles are required. By operating with HSX high-pressure float valves, low condensation temperatures can be utilized without regard to the control system, especially in cold seasons. For example, a 5 °C lower condensing temperature already saves over 13 percent energy.
The HSX high-pressure float valve is designed for industrial applications such as cold storage, transportation, chemical processing, cement production and the pharmaceutical industry. (Photo: GEA)
HSX high-pressure float valves as a simple and cost-effective solution for refrigerant expansion: How it works
HSX high-pressure float valves have a welded shut-off valve at the inlet and outlet, as well as a vacuum nozzle and an externally operated transport lock with manual adjustment. In addition, service valves for draining and discharging non-condensable gases can be installed via two G¼" threaded connections. The principle is as simple as it is effective. If the cooling capacity increases, the liquid level in the high-pressure float regulator rises and the refrigerant is expanded via the purely mechanical throttle opening. As a result of this expansion (pressure reduction) in the outlet, there is a liquid-vapor mixture behind the high-pressure float regulator, which is discharged to the separator. A high-pressure collection tank is generally not required. The continuous expansion of the refrigerant prevents pressure fluctuations and reduces the amount of flash gas. This reduces the electrical power consumption of the compressor.
Effective hot gas defrosting with HSX high-pressure floats
HSX high-pressure float valves for NH₃ and CO₂ can also be used to optimize the energy efficiency of hot gas defrosting of evaporators. As the high-pressure float valve only allows condensed liquid to pass through to the low-pressure side, energy is prevented from being wasted by hot gas flowing unused to the low-pressure side. Compared to other defrosting methods, the high-pressure float can save up to 50 percent energy.
Technical features
- Available in steel
- Housing material: Selection according to DIN EN 12284, AD-2000 series W
- For natural refrigerants (ammonia, NH₃ , R717 & carbon dioxide, CO₂ , R744)
- Cooling capacity up to 2.646 kW
- Mechanical mode of operation
- Self-regulating for optimized condensation conditions (energy-saving operation of the refrigeration system)
- Nominal diameter: DN 50 and DN 80
- Nominal pressure stage: PS 40
- Temperature range for standard valves: -60 °C to +75 °C
- Connections: Weld ends according to DIN and ANSI
- Additional information: integrated manual adjustment / transport lock
TRplus - Reliable, automatic and precise liquid temperature control
GEA AWP has also optimized its thermostatic 3-way valves. The TRplus is now easier to maintain, as the control elements can now be replaced much more easily. The thermostatic 3-way valves are easy to install, operate and maintain. In addition, they operate trouble-free at all times with reliable temperature control without the need for an external power supply. The thermostatic 3-way valves are designed to control processes in the refrigeration and heating industry where fluids need to be mixed or diverted according to the required temperatures. TRplus are available in steel, stainless steel and cryogenic steel. They are suitable for a temperature range from -60 °C to +200 °C and for a pressure rating of up to PS 63.
With TRplus, GEA AWP presents a reliable, automatic and precise liquid temperature control system. (Photo: GEA)
Background information:
GEA AWP Prenzlau
GEA AWP develops and produces valves and components for industrial refrigeration systems and machines. In particular, the company manufactures valves that are specially designed for heat pump applications. Available for operating temperatures up to 200 °C, for pressure ratings up to PS 160 and for nominal sizes up to DN 500, the main products include safety valves, shut-off valves, ball valves, suction filters and oil management valves. The components are used for all types of heating and cooling systems, for example in the heat pump industry, in cooling and freezing technology in the food industry, in cooling in the dairy industry, in component equipment for oil drilling platforms and ships, as well as in cooling processes in the brewing industry, in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries and also in special cooling applications such as indoor winter sports facilities, artificial ice rinks and indoor ski slopes.
Dr. Michael Golek
About GEA
GEA is one of the world’s largest suppliers of systems and components to the food, beverage and pharmaceutical industries.
GEA is listed on the German MDAX, the European STOXX® Europe 600 Index and is also a constituent of the leading sustainability indices DAX 50 ESG, MSCI Global Sustainability and Dow Jones Best-in-Class World.
