Condensation of a refrigeration medium in the presence of an inert gas

Experimental investigations of the process of condensation of refrigeration medium R404A in a tubular channel in the presence of an inert gas (air) are conducted in the paper. The results confirm the negative effect of the air present in the condenser on the process of condensation of the refrigeration medium, which leads to a decrease of the heat transfer coefficient, enlargement of the condensation zone, and increasing the flow resistance in the multi-phase multi-component flow system. The obtained results show the necessity of maintaining clean conditions and leak tightness of refrigeration installations. Otherwise, in the case of aeration unfavourable changes of operational parameters will take place, thus decreasing the efficiency of the entire refrigeration unit.