Which piping material is required for a refrigeration system using ammonia?

In refrigeration systems that utilize ammonia as a refrigerant, carbon steel is often the required piping material. One of the main reasons for this preference is that ammonia can be corrosive to certain materials, and carbon steel has properties that make it more suitable for handling ammonia safely and effectively.

Carbon steel is known for its strength and durability, and it can withstand the pressures typically found in ammonia refrigeration systems. Additionally, it can be easily welded and fabricated into various fittings and connections, which is essential when creating a comprehensive piping system.

While copper is sometimes used in certain applications, its high cost and the risk of ammonia's corrosive effects on copper limit its use in larger refrigeration systems. PVC is not suitable for ammonia due to its inability to withstand the pressures and temperature variations found in refrigeration systems. Galvanized steel, while more corrosion-resistant than bare steel, does not provide the same strength and compatibility with ammonia as carbon steel does. Therefore, carbon steel is the optimal choice for ammonia refrigeration systems due to its compatibility, strength, and reliable performance.