Recent Blog Posts

Refrigeration Cycle: Capacity Control

October 13th, 2026

Most refrigeration systems are subject to variable system loads caused by weather and product load fluctuations. For this reason, refrigeration systems must be capable of operating at “part load”. Engineers and plant operators achieve this, in part, by utilizing capacity control in compressors.  In reciprocating compressors, capacity control is accomplished by what is called “cylinder […]

Refrigeration Cycle: Oil Separators

October 6th, 2026

Most compressors are configured with an oil separator downstream of the compressor. An oil separator is a vessel that is specially designed to “separate” any oil in the discharge vapor and return it back to the compressor where it is wanted. Oil that escapes the separator is unwanted and results in fouling on heat exchange surfaces and […]

Refrigeration Cycle: Rotary Vane Compressor

September 15th, 2026

“Rotary vane compressors” are a third type of positive displacement compressor. The design of these machines makes them well suited for “high volume”, low-pressure differential applications. As such, rotary vane compressors are essentially limited in application as “booster compressors” in two-stage systems. The maximum compression ratio of a rotary vane compressor is 4:1.  Like screw compressors, […]

Refrigeration Cycle: Screw Compressors

September 8th, 2026

The most common type of screw compressor is the ‘rotary screw compressor’. This type of compressor utilizes two rotors which are often called helical screws. One screw is designated the “male” screw and the other is a “female” screw. Vapor is drawn into the screw and captured in the space between the screws. The screws are precisely […]

Ammonia Week in Review | September 4, 2026

September 4th, 2026

Ammonia Disturbs Production in this week’s edition of the Ammonia Week in Review… Ammonia Leak at Turkish Poultry Plant Hospitalises 15 Workers – Fifteen workers were taken to hospital after an ammonia gas leak at a poultry slaughtering facility in Sakarya, north-west Turkey, on 28 August 2026. The release happened during routine maintenance. […keep reading] Refrigeration Cycle: Reciprocating Compressors […]