Galipo

PermaFrost Case Study: Refrigerator System- November 2004

An Evaluation of the effects of PermaFrost treatment on a Refrigeration System
for a Cool Room at Galipo Foods, Australia
Prepared by Andrew Pang - November 2004

NOTE: The following is the executive summary of a 19-page report avail-able at Galipo Foods
Cool Room Refrigerator System Test. Tables and appendices referred to in this summary are available in this PDF

INTRODUCTION
The aim of this report is to examine the effects of a product known as PermaFrost upon the refrigeration system of the cool
room at Galipo Foods. The refrigeration system utilized a Bitzer reciprocating air-cooled condensing unit, 4FC-52Y running on
R-404A refrigerant.

PermaFrostLiterature states that

It further states: "When PermaFrost’s Thermo-Conductive compound is added to the compressor, it blends with the oil and
moves through the system. As each molecule attaches itself to metal surfaces within the system, it displaces dirt, carbon
deposits, and stagnant oils, eventually forming a thin layer. As a result, the system can move more heat for the same amount of
compressor action. Energy demand and consumption can be reduced."

METHODOLOGY
The testing procedure included an analysis of the refrigeration system on two occasions:

Before the addition of PermaFrost,
After the addition of the PermaFrost.

To measure the performance of the refrigeration system, an "ETM" refrigeration system analyser was used to data log the
operating conditions of the systems during testing. For each test, the analyser collected the data on the following operating
conditions over a 1 to 2 hour period at one minute interval:

Power input
Cooling capacity
Coefficient of performance (COP)
Suction superheat
Liquid subcooling
Compressor discharge temperature
Evaporating temperature & pressure
Condensing temperature & pressure

TESTING
The refrigeration system was first tested on October 18, 2004 before the product, PermaFrost was introduced into the system
and then on November 1, 2004 after the treatment.

RESULTS OF TESTING

Detailed results of the operating conditions are provided in the following charts, all found in Appendix A (of full report):

Pre-treatment Test (October 18, 2004)

Cooling Capacity, Power Input & Coefficient of Performance
Evaporating Temperature, Superheat, & Subcooling
Condensing and Discharge Temperatures.
Evaporator & Condenser Pressures

2. Post-treatment Test (November 1, 2004)

Cooling Capacity, Power Input & Coefficient of Performance
Evaporating Temperature, Superheat, & Subcooling
Condensing and Discharge Temperatures.
Evaporator & Condenser Pressures

OBSERVATIONS
A comparison of the mean operating conditions for each of the tests are summarised in table below:

Test Results : Operating Mean Values
      Pre-treatment                         Post-treatment                         % change
Cooling Capacity (kW)                             10.57                                      11.84                                    12.02
Power Input (kW)                                       4.06                                        4.07                                      0.25
Coefficient of Performance, COP              2.60                                        2.91                                     11.92
Discharge Temperature (°C)                   95.90                                      70.13                                     -3.14
Discharge Temperature (°C)                   67.80                                      65.74                                     -3.04
Evaporating Temperature (°C)               -10.63                                     -10.56                                    -0.66
Condensing Temperature (°C)                15.11                                      14.77                                     -2.25
Subcooling (K)                                           1.92                                        2.68                                    39.58
Condensing Pressure (bar)                     15.07                                      14.74                                     -2.19
Evaporating Pressure (bar)                       3.26                                        3.27                                      0.31

From this table, a number of observations can be made about the effects of PermaFrost on the refrigeration system of the cool
room:

Cooling capacity increased significantly by 12%. This indicates a significant improvement in heat transfer in the
evaporator.
The COP (a ratio of the cooling capacity and power input) increased significantly by a corresponding 12%. This indicates
a significant improvement in system performance.
Liquid subcooling also increased significantly by 39%. This indicates significant improvement in heat transfer in the
condenser.
The compressor discharge temperature was reduced by 3%. This may indicate an improvement in the lubricity of the
refrigerant oil in the compressor.
Insignificant changes in suction superheat, evaporating and condensing temperatures and pressures were noted.

CONCLUSION
The tests carried out on the refrigeration system of the cool room indicated an improvement in the cooling capacity of 12 % and
an increase in system performance of a similar 12 % after treatment with PermaFrost. The increase in cooling capacity and
system performance will result in the compressor using less energy to achieve the same cooling effect in the cool room. The
decrease in energy usage by the compressor will correspond approximately to the increase in the system performance. This is
achieved by a reduction of the compressor run time to produce the same cooling effect in the cool room.

NOTE: The following is the executive summary of a 19-page report available at Galipo Foods Cool Room Refrigerator System
Test: November 2004. Tables and appendices referred to in this summary are available in this PDF