Dichloromethane As Freezer Refrigeration

Dichloromethane

Molecular Formula

CH₂Cl₂

Molecular weight

84.93 g/mol

Dichloromethane as freezer refrigeration

As a refrigerant, dichloromethane has excellent thermodynamic properties, making it an effective refrigerant for low-pressure refrigeration systems. It has a boiling point of -40.8°C and a critical temperature of 96.2°C. It is non-toxic, non-flammable, non-corrosive, and chemically stable. These properties make it a safe and reliable refrigerant for various applications.

In low-pressure refrigeration systems, dichloromethane is used as the working fluid in a vapor compression cycle. The refrigerant is compressed, which increases its temperature and pressure. The high-pressure, high-temperature refrigerant flows through a condenser where it releases heat to the environment and condenses into a liquid. The liquid refrigerant then flows through an expansion valve, where it undergoes a pressure drop and expands into a low-pressure, low-temperature vapor. This vapor is then transported back to the compressor, where the cycle begins again.

One of the advantages of dichloromethane is its high efficiency in low-pressure refrigeration systems. It has a low vapor pressure and a high latent heat of vaporization, which means that it evaporates quickly and easily absorbs heat. This makes it an ideal refrigerant for systems that require high cooling capacity.

However, the use of dichloromethane as a refrigerant has been phased out in many countries due to its high global warming potential (GWP). The production and consumption of dichloromethane contribute to the depletion of the ozone layer and to climate change. As a result, many countries have adopted regulations aimed at reducing the use of fluorinated gases such as dichloromethane.

In conclusion, dichloromethane is an effective refrigerant for low-pressure refrigeration systems. It has excellent thermodynamic properties, is non-toxic, non-flammable, non-corrosive, and chemically stable. However, the use of dichloromethane as a refrigerant is being phased out due to its high GWP. Alternative refrigerants such as hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) and natural refrigerants are being developed and implemented to reduce the environmental impact of refrigeration and air conditioning systems.