Top hot-gas feed
Figure 10-16 shows a modification of the system shown in Fig. 10-15. In the system shown in Fig. 10-16, top-fed hot defrost gas forces the evaporator fluid directly to the bottom of the large surge drum. The defrost regulator (valve A), which is normally open, is de-energized during the defrost to act as a relief regulator.
To minimize heating of the ammonia that accumulates in the surge drum during defrost, a thermostat bulb should be used to sense the temperature rise in the bottom header. This thermostat can be used to terminate the defrost cycle. Once again, the gas-powered check valve isolates the evaporator from the surge drum until the gas pressure is shut off.
Hot-gas feed through surge drum
Figure 10-17 shows a simple defrost. It is a setup for the refrigeration system shown in Fig. 10-16. However, both the evaporator and surge drum are emptied during the defrost, necessitating the use of an ample suction accumulator to protect the compressor. In this system the pilot solenoid valve in conjunction with the reverse-acting pressure regulator limits the system pressure. This permits the use of a simple solenoid valve and globe valve for rate control in the relief line.
