Rink

May / June 2018

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44 / MAY.JUNE.2018 USICERINKS.COM F OR BOTH NEW AND OLD ICE RINKS, one area of preventative maintenance that often gets overlooked is the secondary refrigerant system. Secondary refrigerant is the fluid that flows through the pipes in the rink floor in an in-direct refrigeration system. Secondary refrigerant used in ice rinks is most commonly a solution of calcium chloride and water or ethylene glycol and water. For the purposes of this article, we will be referring to secondary refrigerant as brine (calcium chloride and water). One of the keys to ensuring an in-direct refrigeration system is operating safely and efficiently, is to have the brine solution tested by a lab that specializes in the analysis of secondary refrigerants. Without lab testing every 6 to 12 months, it is not possible to know what steps may be needed to maintain the brine. One of the main benefits of lab testing is identifying wear and corrosion of steel parts in the refrigeration system such as liquid pumps, piping and evaporators. Controlling corrosion increases the life cycle of equipment, decreases costly repairs, maintains system efficiency and increases safety. A lab analysis report will provide you the following information about the current condition of the brine in your system: Specific Gravity Specific gravity of brine is defined as the ratio or concentration of calcium chloride to water. Specific gravity is important because it is an indication of both the freezing point and the viscosity of the brine. Knowing the viscosity is particularly important because it affects energy efficiency. The higher the viscosity, the more energy is needed to pump the brine through the system. It is generally recommended that a specific gravity of 1.21 be maintained to maximize the performance of the refrigeration system. Iron Content High levels of iron indicate corrosion of the steel components such as headers, pipes, evaporator (chiller) tubes and brine pumps. Suspended Solids Suspended solids can be contaminants in the brine and rust from corrosion. These solids can build up in the rink floor piping causing decreased flow and blockages. pH Level pH is a measure of the alkalinity of the brine solution. A value of 7 is neutral. pH below 7 is acidic and above 7 is alkaline. The ideal pH level is 8.5 to 9.5. Corrosion Inhibitor Corrosion inhibitor is critical for controlling rust and corrosion in the secondary refrigerant system. Corrosion inhibitors are now organic in nature and breakdown as needed, therefore they must be replenished over time to the proper concentration. Primary Refrigerant Content Brine samples that show some level of primary refrigerant (i.e. Ammonia, Freon) could indicate that there is a leak in the evaporator (chiller), that would need to be addressed immediately. Maintenance Recommendations The lab analysis report should also include a list of maintenance recommendations. The recommended maintenance or corrective actions should be passed along to your refrigeration contractor so that they can be addressed by a qualified refrigeration technician. Regardless, whether your ice is in for a short season or is in for the whole year, it is important to have your rink's brine solution tested regularly, preferably every 6 months, to maximize the life of your ice equipment, decrease energy bills, ensure high safety standards and provide the best product for your customers. J Quincey Hardwicke-Brown is the Sales Manager of Zeotec Ltd. Secondary Refrigerant Testing RINK ISSUES Refrigeration System Maintenance PHOTOS: RINK ARCHIVES h Control costly and damaging corrosion to your refrigeration system by having the brine solution tested every 6 to 12 months.

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