Valve manufacturer GEA AWP said it 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 company said. 

According to GEA, 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.

“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 company said in a statement. “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.”