What is a key consideration when using ammonia as a refrigerant?

When working with ammonia as a refrigerant, the use of welded joints is a key consideration due to the chemical properties of ammonia. Ammonia is a highly corrosive substance, especially to certain materials and connections. Welded joints provide a robust and secure seal that minimizes the risk of leaks, which is crucial for maintaining system efficiency and ensuring safety. Additionally, welded connections can withstand the high pressures and temperatures typically associated with refrigerant systems.

Moreover, relying solely on soldered joints, compression fittings, or plastic piping may not provide the same level of reliability or effectiveness for ammonia systems. Soldered joints might not hold up under the intense stresses and potential leaks caused by ammonia’s corrosive qualities, while plastic piping may not be designed to handle the pressures that ammonia refrigeration systems encounter. Therefore, using welded joints is the preferable method for ensuring the integrity and safety of systems utilizing ammonia as a refrigerant.