POTASSIUM FORMATE AS A SECONDARY REFRIGERANT

The properties of aqueous fluid of potassium formate were studied theo retically and experimentally in order to find an improved secondary re frigerant for indirect refrigeration systems. The most important advan tages compared to the traditional aqueous solutions of alcohols and gl ycoles are good thermodynamic properties, low toxicity and non-flammab ility. A remarkable benefit is a reduced change of a laminar flow. Vol umetric heat is lower, which brings about a higher rate of mass flow, if the temperature change of the fluid is maintained constant. However , because of the clearly lower values of viscosity, the pumping power demand is at same level. Good thermal conductivity promotes good heal transfer. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd and IIR.