Vacuum Refrigeration

Abstract

A brief history is given of the process of chilling liquids by partial evaporation under high vacuum, with reasons for its recent wide commercial application. The steam-jet type of vacuum apparatus for applying the process is described. Curves give actual operating data with figures for steam and water consumption at different chilled water and condenser water temperatures. The discussion includes: vacuum cooling of liquids by direct exposure to vacuum and by an indirect method with a heat-exchanger bundle submerged in chilled water in the vacuum chamber; continuous and batch cooling, with mention of operating economies provided by the latter; and chemical engineering applications, including vacuum crystallization, air-conditioning, chilling mash for distilleries, simultaneous chilling and degasifying of miscellaneous liquids, etc. © 1936, American Chemical Society. All rights reserved.