Ammonia: An Excellent Alternative

Abstract Ammonia has been used as a refrigerant for more than 100 years in absorption as well as compression systems, so there is a tremendous amount of practical experience. Today it is applied largely in heavy industrial plant with reciprocating or screw compressors. It has a number of important advantages related to its low molecular weight and high evaporation enthalpy, some of which are not as yet fully exploited. The problems due to its toxicity and flammability are often overestimated and can be easily controlled by suitable design.