Ammonia Evaporative Condenser Calculator
Calculate total heat of rejection (THR), design selection factors, water evaporation loss, blowdown bleed rate, and recirculating spray GPM.
Plant Load & Operating Pressures
Water Treatment & Cycles of Concentration
Heat Rejection & Sizing Rating
Water Consumption & Bleed Demands
Operating Efficiency Insight
Recommended Tools & Equipment
Tested hardware and components for high reliability
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Total Heat of Rejection (THR) in an ammonia refrigeration system?
THR is the sum of the thermal energy absorbed in the evaporator coils (the net refrigeration duty) plus the heat equivalent of the electrical and mechanical work imparted by the compressors. For typical ammonia systems, the Heat Factor ranges between 1.20 and 1.45 times the evaporator TR.
Why are evaporative condensers widely preferred over air-cooled condensers for ammonia?
Evaporative condensers reject heat against the ambient wet-bulb temperature rather than dry-bulb. Because ambient wet-bulb is typically 15°F to 30°F lower than summer dry-bulb, condensing temperatures can be maintained at 90°F to 95°F instead of 115°F to 125°F. Every 10°F reduction in condensing temperature cuts compressor power consumption by roughly 15%.
What is the purpose of bleed-off (blowdown) in an evaporative condenser?
As pure water evaporates from the falling spray, dissolved minerals (calcium, silica, carbonates) remain behind in the sump water. Without continuous bleed-off, mineral concentrations escalate until they precipitate as hard scale on the heat exchange tubes, which severely impedes heat transfer and drives up head pressure.
What are Cycles of Concentration (CoC) and what is the optimal range?
Cycles of Concentration is the ratio of dissolved solids in the sump water relative to the incoming makeup water. Most water treatment programs maintain between 3.0 and 5.0 CoC. Higher cycles conserve water but increase scaling risks, while lower cycles waste water and expensive scale inhibitor chemicals.