EP3168555B1 - Refrigeration facility - Google Patents

Refrigeration facility Download PDF

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Publication number
EP3168555B1
EP3168555B1 EP15841886.3A EP15841886A EP3168555B1 EP 3168555 B1 EP3168555 B1 EP 3168555B1 EP 15841886 A EP15841886 A EP 15841886A EP 3168555 B1 EP3168555 B1 EP 3168555B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
condensate
container
corrosive gas
refrigeration
drain hose
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Active
Application number
EP15841886.3A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
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EP3168555A1 (en
EP3168555A4 (en
Inventor
Kazuma Yokohara
Kazuhide Mizutani
Makoto Ikemiya
Noritaka KAMEI
Naohiro Tanaka
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Daikin Industries Ltd
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Daikin Industries Ltd
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Publication date
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Publication of EP3168555A1 publication Critical patent/EP3168555A1/en
Publication of EP3168555A4 publication Critical patent/EP3168555A4/en
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Publication of EP3168555B1 publication Critical patent/EP3168555B1/en
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Classifications

    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25DREFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F25D21/00Defrosting; Preventing frosting; Removing condensed or defrost water
    • F25D21/14Collecting or removing condensed and defrost water; Drip trays
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25BREFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
    • F25B13/00Compression machines, plants or systems, with reversible cycle
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25DREFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F25D11/00Self-contained movable devices, e.g. domestic refrigerators
    • F25D11/003Transport containers
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25DREFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F25D29/00Arrangement or mounting of control or safety devices
    • F25D29/003Arrangement or mounting of control or safety devices for movable devices
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25DREFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F25D2321/00Details or arrangements for defrosting; Preventing frosting; Removing condensed or defrost water, not provided for in other groups of this subclass
    • F25D2321/14Collecting condense or defrost water; Removing condense or defrost water
    • F25D2321/142Collecting condense or defrost water; Removing condense or defrost water characterised by droplet guides
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25DREFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F25D2321/00Details or arrangements for defrosting; Preventing frosting; Removing condensed or defrost water, not provided for in other groups of this subclass
    • F25D2321/14Collecting condense or defrost water; Removing condense or defrost water
    • F25D2321/143Collecting condense or defrost water; Removing condense or defrost water characterised by means to fix, clamp, or connect water pipes or evaporation trays
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25DREFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F25D2321/00Details or arrangements for defrosting; Preventing frosting; Removing condensed or defrost water, not provided for in other groups of this subclass
    • F25D2321/14Collecting condense or defrost water; Removing condense or defrost water
    • F25D2321/146Collecting condense or defrost water; Removing condense or defrost water characterised by the pipes or pipe connections
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25DREFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F25D2400/00General features of, or devices for refrigerators, cold rooms, ice-boxes, or for cooling or freezing apparatus not covered by any other subclass
    • F25D2400/36Visual displays
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25DREFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F25D2700/00Means for sensing or measuring; Sensors therefor

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a refrigeration facility, which includes a refrigeration device cooling an interior of a storage chamber, and more specifically to a technique for lowering the risk of corrosion of components installed in the interior of the storage chamber.
  • Refrigeration containers used in, e.g., marine transportation are known in the art as refrigeration facilities provided with a refrigeration device for cooling an interior of a container.
  • Such refrigeration containers include a container refrigeration device cooling the interior of a container body.
  • Refrigeration storages and cold storages are also known in the art as a refrigeration facilities cooling an interior of a container.
  • JP2004325022 discloses a container refrigeration device.
  • This container refrigeration device is installed at a front opening of a container.
  • the container refrigeration device includes a frame, at a lower side of which an outside storage space facing an exterior of the container is formed.
  • a compressor, a condenser, an exterior fan, and other components are installed in this outside storage space.
  • an inside storage space facing an interior of the container is formed at an upper side of the frame.
  • An evaporator and an interior fan are installed in this inside storage space.
  • the compressor, the condenser and the evaporator are connected by a refrigerant pipe thus forming a refrigerant circuit.
  • a refrigerating cycle is operated as a refrigerant is circulated through this refrigerant circuit, and air inside the container is cooled by the evaporator.
  • JP2012229904 (A ) aims at obtaining a cooling device that can prevent the leakage of a coolant resulted from metal corrosion.
  • the cooling device including a coolant circuit in which a compressor for compressing and discharging sucked coolant, a condenser for condensing the coolant by heat exchange, a throttle device for depressurizing the coolant for condensation, a cooler for cooling a target for heat exchange by exchanging heat with the coolant are connected through pipe, a metal corrosion detector formed of the same material with a heat transfer tube composing the cooler, and having a thickness thinner than that of the heat transfer tube so that a penetration by corrosion occurs faster than the heat transfer tube, is provided at a position where drained water from the cooler can adhere to the detector.
  • JPH09189475 (A) aims at preventing the humidity of chamber air from rising by setting a recooling coil inside a drain pan when the rise is due to reevaporation of the drain produced by an evaporator and heated by a reheating heater during dehumidification operation.
  • a recooling coil is set and connected in parallel with an evaporator in the refrigerant circuit.
  • the chamber air is dehumidified by being cooled by an evaporator and, after a fall of the absolute humidity, heated to a set temperature by the reheating heater simultaneously with fall of the relative humidity.
  • the drain produced by the evaporator undergoes reevaporation by being heated by the reheating heater as the drain falls in drops but, by being cooled again by the recooling coil, the vapor condenses to water and falls into the drain pan in drops.
  • This method enables preventing rise of chamber air humidity caused by reevaporation of the drain.
  • JPH08136058 (A) aims at preventing corrosion of a structure of a building, pollution of an environment, etc., due to drainage in combustion equipment having a heat exchanger for recovering a latent heat.
  • a burner and a combustion fan are provided on the lower side of a combustion chamber of an appliance, while a heat exchanger of a first stage is provided on the upper side thereof, and a heat exchanger of a second stage for recovering a latent heat which recovers the latent heat in an exhaust gas and raises the temperature of water passing through a water supply pipe is provided on the exhaust chamber side above the heat exchanger.
  • a neutralizing tank which holds drainage produced in the heat exchanger and introduced thereinto is provided and a first electrode of aluminum having a larger ionization tendency than a hydrogen ion and a second electrode of titanium having a smaller ionization tendency than the hydrogen ion are disposed oppositely with a space between them in the tank.
  • the electrodes and are connected respectively with a voltage impression control means which impresses a positive voltage on the first electrode and a negative voltage on the second electrode on receiving a combustion start signal of a combustion part and impresses the negative voltage on the first electrode and the positive voltage on the second electrode on receiving a combustion stop signal.
  • fumigation is applied to sterilize an interior of the container.
  • cases have occurred where components installed inside the container have suffered from corrosion due to fumigants released during fumigation, as well as due to gases (e.g., SO 2 ) emerging from disinfectant wipes.
  • Corrosion may occur on components made of copper (pipes, temperature thermistors etc.), aluminum (fan blades, plate members etc.), or stainless steel.
  • Components suffering from corrosion need to be repaired or exchanged. Moreover, while the corrosion of components can be detected after the fact, it is difficult to estimate in advance whether corrosion is imminent. A procedure is conceivable where, for example, a worker surveys whether the air inside the container contains SO 2 and, based on results of this survey, estimates the possibility of corrosion. This, however, is no realistic procedure.
  • the corrosion of components is a problem occurring not only in refrigeration containers. It may also occur in refrigeration facilities such as refrigeration storages and cold storages.
  • the present invention attempts to provide a technique for easily surveying corrosion of components installed inside a refrigeration facility.
  • a first aspect of the present disclosure relates to a refrigeration facility including a refrigeration device (10), which is configured to cool an interior of a storage chamber and has an evaporator (24) configured to allow air inside the storage chamber to pass through, the refrigeration facility including: a condensate treatment unit (40) including a condensate collection unit (41) configured to collect condensate water generated by the evaporator (24) and a condensate disposal unit (42) configured to dispose condensate water from the condensate collection unit (41); and a corrosive gas detector (50) installed in the condensate treatment unit (40) and configured to to detect corrosive gas in the air inside the storage chamber based on the properties of the condensate water.
  • a condensate treatment unit (40) including a condensate collection unit (41) configured to collect condensate water generated by the evaporator (24) and a condensate disposal unit (42) configured to dispose condensate water from the condensate collection unit (41); and
  • the corrosive gas detector (50) is installed in the condensate disposal unit (42).
  • the refrigeration device (10) is container refrigeration device (10) including a casing (12) mounted to a container (11), the condensate disposal unit (42) is a drain hose (42) connected to the condensate collection unit (41), the drain hose (42) has a part at a condensate disposal side located in an external storage space (S1), which is formed in the casing (12) so as to house refrigerant circuit components of the refrigeration device (10), and the corrosive gas detector (50) is installed in the drain hose (42) at a location inside the external storage space (S1).
  • the corrosive gas detector (50) to examine the properties of the condensate water, it may be detected whether corrosion of components installed inside the storage chamber is imminent.
  • the corrosive gas detector (50) is installed in the condensate disposal unit (42). Since the condensate disposal unit (42) may be installed at an arbitrary spot in the refrigeration facility, corrosive gas detection may be performed easily at an arbitrary location.
  • corrosive gas inside the container may be detected by using the corrosive gas detector (50) installed in the drain hose (42) provided in the exterior storage space (S1), which is easy to access for maintenance.
  • a condensate trap (44) may be formed in the drain hose (42) at a location inside the external storage space (S1), and the corrosive gas detector (50) may be installed in the condensate trap (44) of the drain hose (42).
  • the condensate trap (44) is installed in the drain hose (42). As condensate accumulates in the condensate trap (44), corrosive gas detection may be performed easily based on the properties of the accumulated condensate water.
  • the condensate trap (44) may include a first U-turn (44a) curving downward and a second U-turn (44b) curving upward, which are formed in the run of the drain hose (42) and connected from upstream to downstream, and the corrosive gas detector (50) may be installed in the second U-turn portion (44b) and located above a level of condensate water accumulated in the first U-turn (44a) when the condensate water flows through the second U-turn (44b).
  • condensate water accumulates in the first U-turn (44a) of the condensate trap (44).
  • the corrosive gas detector (50) may perform corrosive gas detection based on the water properties gained from information regarding the condensate water.
  • the condensate water seals off an end of the drain hose (42) inside the container from an end of the drain hose (42) at a disposal side.
  • pressure inside the container lowers and air tends to enter from the condensate disposal side.
  • condensate water accumulated in the first U-turn (44a) serves as a seal and keeps air from entering the container.
  • the corrosive gas detector (50) may be a condensate port (43) including a portable pH sensor (45), which is configured to measure a pH value as a property of the condensate water.
  • installing the portable pH sensor (45) in the condensate port (43), which is provided for a refrigeration facility such as a refrigeration container or a refrigeration storage, allows for detecting corrosive gas inside the container.
  • the corrosive gas detector (50) may include a stationary pH sensor (47) configured to measure the pH value as the property of the condensate water, and the refrigeration facility may further include a measurement result display (48) connected to the pH sensor and configured to display measurement results provided by the sensor.
  • the pH sensor (47) is permanently installed in a refrigeration facility such as a refrigeration container or a refrigeration storage and detects corrosive gas inside the refrigeration facility. Measurement results provided by the pH sensor (47) are displayed on the measurement result display (48).
  • the corrosive gas detector (50) by using the corrosive gas detector (50) to examine properties of the condensate water, it may be easily determined whether corrosion of the components installed inside the container is imminent. Thus, an imminent corrosion of the components inside the container may be delayed by cleaning the interior of the container. Further, in the first aspect of the present disclosure, simply installing the corrosive gas detector (50) in the condensate disposal unit (42) may reduce the risk of failures of the refrigeration device and may cut costs to a minimum.
  • the corrosive gas detector (50) is installed in the condensate disposal unit (42), the installation location of which may be chosen relatively freely within the refrigeration device. Therefore, corrosive gas detection for the interior of the container may be performed even outside the container, which improves efficiency in performing the detection procedure.
  • drain hose (42) in the external storage space (S1) of the container refrigeration device (10) and installing the corrosive gas detector (50) in the drain hose (42) allows for performing corrosive gas detection for the interior of the container (11) in the external storage space (S1), which is easy to access for maintenance.
  • installing the condensate trap (44) in the drain hose (42) and having the condensate water accumulate in the condensate trap (44) may allow for easily performing corrosive gas detection based on the properties of the accumulated condensate water as well as for maintaining an uncomplicated configuration.
  • the corrosive gas detector (50) is installed above the level of the condensate water accumulated in the first U-turn (44a) of the condensate trap (44) when the condensate water flows out of the second U-turn (44b).
  • this corrosive gas detector (50) may allow for easily and accurately performing corrosive gas detection based on the properties of the condensate water gained from information regarding the condensate water level.
  • it is superfluous to provide a sealant for preventing water leakage from the condensate port (43), an uncomplicated configuration may be maintained.
  • installing the condensate port (43) in a refrigeration facility such as a refrigeration container or a refrigeration storage allows for easily detecting corrosive gas in an interior of the refrigeration facility by using the portable pH sensor (45).
  • the pH sensor (45) is permanently installed in a refrigeration facility such as a refrigeration container or a refrigeration storage, and measurement results provided by the pH sensor (47) are displayed on the measurement result display (46).
  • a concentration of corrosion gas in the interior of the refrigeration facility is high, an alarm signal may be given out to prompt cleaning of the interior of the refrigeration facility. Further, by re-performing the corrosion gas detection after the cleaning, it may be determined whether the interior of the refrigeration facility is clean.
  • a container refrigeration device (10) is designed to cool or to refrigerate an interior of a container (11) used in, e.g., marine transportation.
  • the container refrigeration device (10) includes a refrigerant circuit (20) employing a refrigerating cycle to cool air in the container (11) (see FIG. 3 ).
  • the interior of a container (11) is loaded with plants (15) packed in boxes, such as grapes.
  • the container (11) has the shape of a box with an open end.
  • a casing (12) is attached to close this one open end.
  • the casing (12) includes an exterior wall (12a) located outside the container (11) and an interior wall (12b) located inside the container (11).
  • the exterior and interior walls (12a) and (12b) may be made of, for example, aluminum alloy.
  • the exterior wall (12a) is attached to a periphery of the opening of the container (11) so as to close the open end of the container (11).
  • the exterior wall (12a) is formed such that a lower part of the exterior wall (12a) protrudes into the container (11).
  • the interior wall (12b) faces the exterior wall (12a).
  • the interior wall (12b) fits the lower part of the exterior wall (12a), and protrudes into the container.
  • a thermal insulator (12c) is provided in a space between the interior and exterior walls (12b) and (12a).
  • a lower part of the casing (12) is formed so as to protrude into the container (11).
  • an external storage space (S1) is formed outside the container (11) in the lower part of the casing (12)
  • an internal storage space (S2) is formed inside the container (11) in an upper part of the casing (12).
  • the casing (12) has two access doors (16), which are arranged side by side in a width direction and can be opened and closed during maintenance.
  • a partition plate (18) is located inside the container (11).
  • This partition plate (18) is a substantially rectangular plate member, and stands upright against a face of the casing (12) inside the container (11).
  • This partition plate (18) separates the internal storage space (S2) from the interior of the container (11).
  • a suction port (18a) is formed between an upper end of the partition plate (18) and a ceiling surface of the container (11). Air inside the container (11) is taken through the suction port (18a) into the internal storage space (S2).
  • a floorboard (19) is provided inside the container (11), leaving a gap between the floorboard (19) and a bottom surface of the container (11).
  • the boxed plants (15) are placed on the floorboard (19).
  • An air passage (19a) is formed between the floorboard (19) and the bottom surface of the container (11).
  • a gap is left between a lower end of the partition plate (18) and the bottom surface of the container (11) and communicates with the air passage (19a).
  • a blowout port (18b) is provided at a front side of the container (11) at the floorboard (19) (on the right in FIG. 2 ) for blowing air treated by the container refrigeration device (10) (i.e., cooled air inside the container) into the container (11).
  • the container refrigeration device (10) includes a refrigerant circuit (20) in which a vapor compression refrigeration cycle is operated as a refrigerant is circulated.
  • the refrigerant circuit (20) includes a compressor (21), a condenser (22), an expansion valve (23), and an evaporator (24), which are connected by a refrigerant pipe (28) in this order.
  • the compressor (21) and the condenser (external heat exchanger) (22) are housed in the external storage space (S1).
  • the external fan (25) is located above the condenser (22).
  • the external fan (25) is driven in rotation by an external fan motor (25a), guides air outside the container (11) into the external storage space (S1), and sends the air to the condenser (22).
  • an external fan motor (25a) guides air outside the container (11) into the external storage space (S1), and sends the air to the condenser (22).
  • heat is exchanged between a refrigerant flowing through the condenser (22) and the outside air.
  • the evaporator (24) is housed in the internal storage space (S2).
  • Two internal fans (26) are located above the evaporator (24) in the internal storage space (S2) and arranged side by side in the width direction of the casing (12).
  • the internal fans (26) are driven in rotation by internal fan motors (26a), and guide the air inside the container (11) through the suction port (18a) to send the air into the evaporator (24).
  • heat is exchanged between a refrigerant flowing through the evaporator (24) and the air inside the container.
  • the air inside the container is cooled when passing through the evaporator (24) as heat is dissipated by the refrigerant, and is then blown via the air passage (19a) from the blowout port (18b) into the container (11).
  • the container refrigeration device (10) includes a gas mixture supply device (30) for regulating oxygen concentration inside the container by supplying a gas mixture, which has a low oxygen concentration, into the container (11).
  • the gas mixture supply device (30) is a unit located in a lower left corner of the external storage space (S1) as shown in FIG. 1 .
  • An inverter box (29) housing a drive circuit for driving the compressor (21) at a variable velocity is located to the right of the gas mixture supply device (30).
  • FIG. 4 is a front view of the container refrigeration device (10) having the electrical component box (17) removed.
  • FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the container refrigeration device (10) having the electrical component box (17), the condenser (22), and a gas mixture supply device (30) removed.
  • FIG. 6 is a side view showing a part of a condensate disposal side of the drain hose (42).
  • FIG. 7 is a back view of the container refrigeration device (10)
  • FIG. 8 is a partial cross-sectional view of the container refrigeration device (10).
  • a drain pan (condensate collection unit) (41) collecting condensate water generated by the evaporator (24) is provided at a bottom of the internal storage space (S2).
  • This drain pan (41) has an inclined face which becomes lower from both ends toward a center of the casing (12).
  • the drain hose (condensate disposal unit) (42), which disposes condensate water from the drain pan (41), is connected to a center of the drain pan (41) and extends into the external storage space (S1).
  • the drain pan (41) and the drain hose (42) form the condensate treatment unit (40).
  • the drain hose (42) has a part at the condensate disposal side located in the external storage space (S1), which is formed in the casing (12) so as to house components of the refrigerant circuit (20).
  • the drain hose (42) includes the condensate port (43), which is located inside the external storage space (S1). Specifically, the condensate trap (44) is formed in the drain hose (42) inside the external storage space (S1), and the condensate port (43) is installed in the condensate trap (44) of the drain hose (42).
  • the condensate port (43) includes a portable corrosive gas sensor (45) detecting corrosive gas in the air inside the container based on properties of the condensate water.
  • a condensate port (43) is a port detecting corrosive gas in the air inside the container based on the properties of the condensate water, and forms the corrosive gas detector (50) of the present invention.
  • a portable pH sensor measuring a hydrogen ion exponent (pH value) of the condensate water may be employed as the portable corrosive gas sensor (45).
  • the condensate trap (44) specifically includes a first U-turn (44a) curving downward and a second U-turn (44b) curving upward, which are formed in the run of the drain hose (42) and connected from upstream to downstream.
  • the condensate port (43), which is the corrosive gas detector (50), is installed in the second U-turn portion (44b) and located above a level of condensate water accumulated in the first U-turn (44a) when the condensate water flows through the second U-turn (44b).
  • the pH sensor (45) While detecting corrosive gas inside the container, the pH sensor (45) is installed in the condensate port (43) and examines the properties (pH value) of the condensate water.
  • a low pH value detected by the pH sensor (45) signifies a high acidity and it may be concluded that corrosion of components installed inside the container is imminent since it may be assumed that acid gasses contained in the air inside the container may be found dissolved in the condensate water. In the case where corrosion inside the container is imminent, it is beneficial to clean the interior of the container.
  • a high pH value signifies a low acidity, which may lead to the conclusion that corrosion of components installed inside the container is not imminent.
  • the condensate port (43) is installed in the drain hose (42) and serves as the corrosive gas detector (50).
  • the pH sensor (45) is installed in this condensate port (43) to measure the pH value of the condensate water. In this way it may be determined whether the condensate water has a high acidity, and thus it may be easily determined whether corrosion of the components installed inside the container is imminent. If corrosion of the components installed inside the container is imminent, it is beneficial to clean the interior of the container.
  • the drain trap (44) is formed in the drain hose (42), and the condensate port (43) is installed in the condensate trap (44).
  • the pH sensor (45) may be securely introduced into the condensate water. This may make corrosion gas detection more precise.
  • the condensate port (43) which is the corrosive gas detector (50), is installed above the level of the condensate water accumulated in the first U-turn (44a) of the condensate trap (44) when the condensate water flows out of the second U-turn (44b).
  • the condensate port (43) above the level of the condensate water may perform the corrosive gas detection easily and accurately based on the properties of the condensate water accumulated in the first U-turn (44a) of the condensate trap (44).
  • an uncomplicated configuration may be maintained.
  • condensate water accumulates in the first U-turn (44a)
  • an end of the drain hose (42) inside the container and an end of the drain hose (42) at a disposal side are sealed off by the condensate water.
  • pressure inside the container lowers and air tends to enter from a condensate disposal side.
  • the condensate water accumulated in the first U-turn (44a) serves as a seal and keeps air from entering the container.
  • the above embodiment may have the following configurations.
  • FIG. 10 shows an example where the properties of the condensate water are examined using the portable pH sensor (45), and where corrosive gas inside the container is detected based on these properties.
  • a stationary pH sensor (47) serving as the corrosive gas detector (50) may be installed in the drain hose (42) instead.
  • a measurement result display (48) which is connected to the pH sensor (47) and displays measurement results provided by the pH sensor (47), is installed in the container refrigeration device (10) (see FIG. 1).
  • FIG. 1 shows an example where the measurement result display (48) is installed in the electrical component box (17). Installing the measurement result display (46) allows for giving out a warning signal to prompt cleaning of the interior of the container. Further, by re-performing the corrosion gas detection after the cleaning, it may be determined whether the interior of the container is clean.
  • the corrosive gas detector (50) is installed in the drain hose (42).
  • the present invention is useful for a technique for lowering the risk of corrosion of components installed inside a refrigeration facility, which includes a refrigeration device cooling an interior of the refrigeration facility.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Thermal Sciences (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Devices That Are Associated With Refrigeration Equipment (AREA)
  • Removal Of Water From Condensation And Defrosting (AREA)
  • Cold Air Circulating Systems And Constructional Details In Refrigerators (AREA)
  • Testing Resistance To Weather, Investigating Materials By Mechanical Methods (AREA)

Description

  • The present invention relates to a refrigeration facility, which includes a refrigeration device cooling an interior of a storage chamber, and more specifically to a technique for lowering the risk of corrosion of components installed in the interior of the storage chamber.
  • BACKGROUND
  • Refrigeration containers used in, e.g., marine transportation are known in the art as refrigeration facilities provided with a refrigeration device for cooling an interior of a container. Such refrigeration containers include a container refrigeration device cooling the interior of a container body. Refrigeration storages and cold storages are also known in the art as a refrigeration facilities cooling an interior of a container.
  • JP2004325022 (A ) discloses a container refrigeration device. This container refrigeration device is installed at a front opening of a container. The container refrigeration device includes a frame, at a lower side of which an outside storage space facing an exterior of the container is formed. A compressor, a condenser, an exterior fan, and other components are installed in this outside storage space. Moreover, an inside storage space facing an interior of the container is formed at an upper side of the frame. An evaporator and an interior fan are installed in this inside storage space. In this container refrigeration device, the compressor, the condenser and the evaporator are connected by a refrigerant pipe thus forming a refrigerant circuit. A refrigerating cycle is operated as a refrigerant is circulated through this refrigerant circuit, and air inside the container is cooled by the evaporator.
  • JP2012229904 (A ) aims at obtaining a cooling device that can prevent the leakage of a coolant resulted from metal corrosion. In the cooling device including a coolant circuit in which a compressor for compressing and discharging sucked coolant, a condenser for condensing the coolant by heat exchange, a throttle device for depressurizing the coolant for condensation, a cooler for cooling a target for heat exchange by exchanging heat with the coolant are connected through pipe, a metal corrosion detector formed of the same material with a heat transfer tube composing the cooler, and having a thickness thinner than that of the heat transfer tube so that a penetration by corrosion occurs faster than the heat transfer tube, is provided at a position where drained water from the cooler can adhere to the detector. JPH09189475 (A) aims at preventing the humidity of chamber air from rising by setting a recooling coil inside a drain pan when the rise is due to reevaporation of the drain produced by an evaporator and heated by a reheating heater during dehumidification operation. Inside a drain pan a recooling coil is set and connected in parallel with an evaporator in the refrigerant circuit. During dehumidification operation, when the power supply to a reheating heater is turned on, the chamber air is dehumidified by being cooled by an evaporator and, after a fall of the absolute humidity, heated to a set temperature by the reheating heater simultaneously with fall of the relative humidity. Meanwhile, the drain produced by the evaporator undergoes reevaporation by being heated by the reheating heater as the drain falls in drops but, by being cooled again by the recooling coil, the vapor condenses to water and falls into the drain pan in drops. This method enables preventing rise of chamber air humidity caused by reevaporation of the drain.
  • JPH08136058 (A) aims at preventing corrosion of a structure of a building, pollution of an environment, etc., due to drainage in combustion equipment having a heat exchanger for recovering a latent heat. A burner and a combustion fan are provided on the lower side of a combustion chamber of an appliance, while a heat exchanger of a first stage is provided on the upper side thereof, and a heat exchanger of a second stage for recovering a latent heat which recovers the latent heat in an exhaust gas and raises the temperature of water passing through a water supply pipe is provided on the exhaust chamber side above the heat exchanger. A neutralizing tank which holds drainage produced in the heat exchanger and introduced thereinto is provided and a first electrode of aluminum having a larger ionization tendency than a hydrogen ion and a second electrode of titanium having a smaller ionization tendency than the hydrogen ion are disposed oppositely with a space between them in the tank. The electrodes and are connected respectively with a voltage impression control means which impresses a positive voltage on the first electrode and a negative voltage on the second electrode on receiving a combustion start signal of a combustion part and impresses the negative voltage on the first electrode and the positive voltage on the second electrode on receiving a combustion stop signal.
  • SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION TECHNICAL PROBLEM
  • In a refrigeration container loaded with plants such as grapes, fumigation is applied to sterilize an interior of the container. However, cases have occurred where components installed inside the container have suffered from corrosion due to fumigants released during fumigation, as well as due to gases (e.g., SO2) emerging from disinfectant wipes. Corrosion may occur on components made of copper (pipes, temperature thermistors etc.), aluminum (fan blades, plate members etc.), or stainless steel.
  • Components suffering from corrosion need to be repaired or exchanged. Moreover, while the corrosion of components can be detected after the fact, it is difficult to estimate in advance whether corrosion is imminent. A procedure is conceivable where, for example, a worker surveys whether the air inside the container contains SO2 and, based on results of this survey, estimates the possibility of corrosion. This, however, is no realistic procedure. The corrosion of components is a problem occurring not only in refrigeration containers. It may also occur in refrigeration facilities such as refrigeration storages and cold storages.
  • In view of the foregoing background, the present invention attempts to provide a technique for easily surveying corrosion of components installed inside a refrigeration facility.
  • SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM
  • The present invention is disclosed in the independent claim 1. Further embodiments are disclosed in the dependent claims.
  • A first aspect of the present disclosure relates to a refrigeration facility including a refrigeration device (10), which is configured to cool an interior of a storage chamber and has an evaporator (24) configured to allow air inside the storage chamber to pass through, the refrigeration facility including: a condensate treatment unit (40) including a condensate collection unit (41) configured to collect condensate water generated by the evaporator (24) and a condensate disposal unit (42) configured to dispose condensate water from the condensate collection unit (41); and a corrosive gas detector (50) installed in the condensate treatment unit (40) and configured to to detect corrosive gas in the air inside the storage chamber based on the properties of the condensate water. Further, the corrosive gas detector (50) is installed in the condensate disposal unit (42). Further, the refrigeration device (10) is container refrigeration device (10) including a casing (12) mounted to a container (11), the condensate disposal unit (42) is a drain hose (42) connected to the condensate collection unit (41), the drain hose (42) has a part at a condensate disposal side located in an external storage space (S1), which is formed in the casing (12) so as to house refrigerant circuit components of the refrigeration device (10), and the corrosive gas detector (50) is installed in the drain hose (42) at a location inside the external storage space (S1).
  • In the first aspect, by using the corrosive gas detector (50) to examine the properties of the condensate water, it may be detected whether corrosion of components installed inside the storage chamber is imminent.
  • Further, the corrosive gas detector (50) is installed in the condensate disposal unit (42). Since the condensate disposal unit (42) may be installed at an arbitrary spot in the refrigeration facility, corrosive gas detection may be performed easily at an arbitrary location.
  • Further, in the container refrigeration device (10), corrosive gas inside the container may be detected by using the corrosive gas detector (50) installed in the drain hose (42) provided in the exterior storage space (S1), which is easy to access for maintenance.
  • In a second aspect of the present disclosure, which is an embodiment of the first aspect, a condensate trap (44) may be formed in the drain hose (42) at a location inside the external storage space (S1), and the corrosive gas detector (50) may be installed in the condensate trap (44) of the drain hose (42).
  • In the second aspect, the condensate trap (44) is installed in the drain hose (42). As condensate accumulates in the condensate trap (44), corrosive gas detection may be performed easily based on the properties of the accumulated condensate water.
  • In a third aspect of the present disclosure, which is an embodiment of the second aspect, the condensate trap (44) may include a first U-turn (44a) curving downward and a second U-turn (44b) curving upward, which are formed in the run of the drain hose (42) and connected from upstream to downstream, and the corrosive gas detector (50) may be installed in the second U-turn portion (44b) and located above a level of condensate water accumulated in the first U-turn (44a) when the condensate water flows through the second U-turn (44b).
  • In the third aspect, condensate water accumulates in the first U-turn (44a) of the condensate trap (44). Installed above the level of the accumulated condensate water when the condensate water flows out of the second U-turn (44b), the corrosive gas detector (50) may perform corrosive gas detection based on the water properties gained from information regarding the condensate water. Moreover, accumulating in the first U-turn (44a), the condensate water seals off an end of the drain hose (42) inside the container from an end of the drain hose (42) at a disposal side. When the refrigeration device is operated and the container is cooled inside, pressure inside the container lowers and air tends to enter from the condensate disposal side. As a countermeasure, condensate water accumulated in the first U-turn (44a) serves as a seal and keeps air from entering the container.
  • In a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, which is an embodiment of any one of the first to third aspects, the corrosive gas detector (50) may be a condensate port (43) including a portable pH sensor (45), which is configured to measure a pH value as a property of the condensate water.
  • In the fourth aspect, installing the portable pH sensor (45) in the condensate port (43), which is provided for a refrigeration facility such as a refrigeration container or a refrigeration storage, allows for detecting corrosive gas inside the container.
  • In a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, which is an embodiment of any one of the first to third aspects, the corrosive gas detector (50) may include a stationary pH sensor (47) configured to measure the pH value as the property of the condensate water, and the refrigeration facility may further include a measurement result display (48) connected to the pH sensor and configured to display measurement results provided by the sensor.
  • In the fifth aspect, the pH sensor (47) is permanently installed in a refrigeration facility such as a refrigeration container or a refrigeration storage and detects corrosive gas inside the refrigeration facility. Measurement results provided by the pH sensor (47) are displayed on the measurement result display (48).
  • ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION
  • According to the first aspect of the present disclosure, by using the corrosive gas detector (50) to examine properties of the condensate water, it may be easily determined whether corrosion of the components installed inside the container is imminent. Thus, an imminent corrosion of the components inside the container may be delayed by cleaning the interior of the container. Further, in the first aspect of the present disclosure, simply installing the corrosive gas detector (50) in the condensate disposal unit (42) may reduce the risk of failures of the refrigeration device and may cut costs to a minimum.
  • Further, the corrosive gas detector (50) is installed in the condensate disposal unit (42), the installation location of which may be chosen relatively freely within the refrigeration device. Therefore, corrosive gas detection for the interior of the container may be performed even outside the container, which improves efficiency in performing the detection procedure.
  • Further, disposing the drain hose (42) in the external storage space (S1) of the container refrigeration device (10) and installing the corrosive gas detector (50) in the drain hose (42) allows for performing corrosive gas detection for the interior of the container (11) in the external storage space (S1), which is easy to access for maintenance.
  • According to the second aspect of the present disclosure, installing the condensate trap (44) in the drain hose (42) and having the condensate water accumulate in the condensate trap (44) may allow for easily performing corrosive gas detection based on the properties of the accumulated condensate water as well as for maintaining an uncomplicated configuration.
  • According to the third aspect of the present disclosure, the corrosive gas detector (50) is installed above the level of the condensate water accumulated in the first U-turn (44a) of the condensate trap (44) when the condensate water flows out of the second U-turn (44b). Thus, using this corrosive gas detector (50) may allow for easily and accurately performing corrosive gas detection based on the properties of the condensate water gained from information regarding the condensate water level. Moreover, since it is superfluous to provide a sealant for preventing water leakage from the condensate port (43), an uncomplicated configuration may be maintained.
  • According to the fourth aspect of the present disclosure, installing the condensate port (43) in a refrigeration facility such as a refrigeration container or a refrigeration storage allows for easily detecting corrosive gas in an interior of the refrigeration facility by using the portable pH sensor (45).
  • According to the fifth aspect of the present disclosure, the pH sensor (45) is permanently installed in a refrigeration facility such as a refrigeration container or a refrigeration storage, and measurement results provided by the pH sensor (47) are displayed on the measurement result display (46). Thus, if a concentration of corrosion gas in the interior of the refrigeration facility is high, an alarm signal may be given out to prompt cleaning of the interior of the refrigeration facility. Further, by re-performing the corrosion gas detection after the cleaning, it may be determined whether the interior of the refrigeration facility is clean.
  • BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
    • [FIG. 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a container refrigeration device according to an embodiment of the present invention when viewed from outside the container.
    • [FIG. 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional side view illustrating a configuration of the container refrigeration device according to the embodiment.
    • [FIG. 3] FIG. 3 is a piping system diagram illustrating a configuration of a refrigerant circuit of the embodiment.
    • [FIG. 4] FIG. 4 is a front view of the container refrigeration device having an electrical component box removed.
    • [FIG. 5] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the container refrigeration device having the electrical component box, a condenser and a gas mixture supply device removed.
    • [FIG. 6] FIG. 6 is a side view showing a part of a drain hose at a condensate disposal side.
    • [FIG. 7] FIG. 7 is a back view of the container refrigeration device.
    • [FIG. 8] FIG. 8 is a partial cross-sectional view of the container refrigeration device.
    • [FIG. 9] FIG. 9 is a side view illustrating a part of the condensate disposal side according to a variation of the embodiment.
    • [FIG. 10] FIG. 10 is a side view illustrating a part of the drain hose at a condensate disposal side according to another variation of the embodiment.
    DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
  • Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the following embodiments, the present invention has been applied to a container (refrigeration container). Note that the beneficial embodiments explained below are mere examples in nature, and are not intended to limit the scope, applications, and use of the present invention.
  • As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a container refrigeration device (10) is designed to cool or to refrigerate an interior of a container (11) used in, e.g., marine transportation. The container refrigeration device (10) includes a refrigerant circuit (20) employing a refrigerating cycle to cool air in the container (11) (see FIG. 3). The interior of a container (11) is loaded with plants (15) packed in boxes, such as grapes.
  • The container (11) has the shape of a box with an open end. A casing (12) is attached to close this one open end. The casing (12) includes an exterior wall (12a) located outside the container (11) and an interior wall (12b) located inside the container (11). The exterior and interior walls (12a) and (12b) may be made of, for example, aluminum alloy.
  • The exterior wall (12a) is attached to a periphery of the opening of the container (11) so as to close the open end of the container (11). The exterior wall (12a) is formed such that a lower part of the exterior wall (12a) protrudes into the container (11).
  • The interior wall (12b) faces the exterior wall (12a). The interior wall (12b) fits the lower part of the exterior wall (12a), and protrudes into the container. A thermal insulator (12c) is provided in a space between the interior and exterior walls (12b) and (12a).
  • A lower part of the casing (12) is formed so as to protrude into the container (11). In this way, an external storage space (S1) is formed outside the container (11) in the lower part of the casing (12), and an internal storage space (S2) is formed inside the container (11) in an upper part of the casing (12).
  • The casing (12) has two access doors (16), which are arranged side by side in a width direction and can be opened and closed during maintenance. An electrical component box (17) adjacent to an external fan (25), which will be described later, is located in the external storage space (S1) of the casing (12).
  • A partition plate (18) is located inside the container (11). This partition plate (18) is a substantially rectangular plate member, and stands upright against a face of the casing (12) inside the container (11). This partition plate (18) separates the internal storage space (S2) from the interior of the container (11).
  • A suction port (18a) is formed between an upper end of the partition plate (18) and a ceiling surface of the container (11). Air inside the container (11) is taken through the suction port (18a) into the internal storage space (S2).
  • A floorboard (19) is provided inside the container (11), leaving a gap between the floorboard (19) and a bottom surface of the container (11). The boxed plants (15) are placed on the floorboard (19). An air passage (19a) is formed between the floorboard (19) and the bottom surface of the container (11). A gap is left between a lower end of the partition plate (18) and the bottom surface of the container (11) and communicates with the air passage (19a).
  • A blowout port (18b) is provided at a front side of the container (11) at the floorboard (19) (on the right in FIG. 2) for blowing air treated by the container refrigeration device (10) (i.e., cooled air inside the container) into the container (11).
  • As shown in FIG. 3, the container refrigeration device (10) includes a refrigerant circuit (20) in which a vapor compression refrigeration cycle is operated as a refrigerant is circulated. The refrigerant circuit (20) includes a compressor (21), a condenser (22), an expansion valve (23), and an evaporator (24), which are connected by a refrigerant pipe (28) in this order.
  • As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the compressor (21) and the condenser (external heat exchanger) (22) are housed in the external storage space (S1). The external fan (25) is located above the condenser (22). The external fan (25) is driven in rotation by an external fan motor (25a), guides air outside the container (11) into the external storage space (S1), and sends the air to the condenser (22). In the condenser (22), heat is exchanged between a refrigerant flowing through the condenser (22) and the outside air.
  • The evaporator (24) is housed in the internal storage space (S2). Two internal fans (26) are located above the evaporator (24) in the internal storage space (S2) and arranged side by side in the width direction of the casing (12).
  • The internal fans (26) are driven in rotation by internal fan motors (26a), and guide the air inside the container (11) through the suction port (18a) to send the air into the evaporator (24). In the evaporator (24), heat is exchanged between a refrigerant flowing through the evaporator (24) and the air inside the container. The air inside the container is cooled when passing through the evaporator (24) as heat is dissipated by the refrigerant, and is then blown via the air passage (19a) from the blowout port (18b) into the container (11).
  • The container refrigeration device (10) includes a gas mixture supply device (30) for regulating oxygen concentration inside the container by supplying a gas mixture, which has a low oxygen concentration, into the container (11). The gas mixture supply device (30) is a unit located in a lower left corner of the external storage space (S1) as shown in FIG. 1. An inverter box (29) housing a drive circuit for driving the compressor (21) at a variable velocity is located to the right of the gas mixture supply device (30).
  • FIG. 4 is a front view of the container refrigeration device (10) having the electrical component box (17) removed. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the container refrigeration device (10) having the electrical component box (17), the condenser (22), and a gas mixture supply device (30) removed. FIG. 6 is a side view showing a part of a condensate disposal side of the drain hose (42). Further, FIG. 7 is a back view of the container refrigeration device (10), and FIG. 8 is a partial cross-sectional view of the container refrigeration device (10).
  • As shown in FIG. 7, according to this embodiment, a drain pan (condensate collection unit) (41) collecting condensate water generated by the evaporator (24) is provided at a bottom of the internal storage space (S2). This drain pan (41) has an inclined face which becomes lower from both ends toward a center of the casing (12). The drain hose (condensate disposal unit) (42), which disposes condensate water from the drain pan (41), is connected to a center of the drain pan (41) and extends into the external storage space (S1). The drain pan (41) and the drain hose (42) form the condensate treatment unit (40).
  • The drain hose (42) has a part at the condensate disposal side located in the external storage space (S1), which is formed in the casing (12) so as to house components of the refrigerant circuit (20). The drain hose (42) includes the condensate port (43), which is located inside the external storage space (S1). Specifically, the condensate trap (44) is formed in the drain hose (42) inside the external storage space (S1), and the condensate port (43) is installed in the condensate trap (44) of the drain hose (42).
  • As schematically shown in FIG. 9, the condensate port (43) includes a portable corrosive gas sensor (45) detecting corrosive gas in the air inside the container based on properties of the condensate water. Such a condensate port (43) is a port detecting corrosive gas in the air inside the container based on the properties of the condensate water, and forms the corrosive gas detector (50) of the present invention. More precisely, a portable pH sensor measuring a hydrogen ion exponent (pH value) of the condensate water may be employed as the portable corrosive gas sensor (45).
  • The condensate trap (44) specifically includes a first U-turn (44a) curving downward and a second U-turn (44b) curving upward, which are formed in the run of the drain hose (42) and connected from upstream to downstream. The condensate port (43), which is the corrosive gas detector (50), is installed in the second U-turn portion (44b) and located above a level of condensate water accumulated in the first U-turn (44a) when the condensate water flows through the second U-turn (44b).
  • In the present embodiment, when the refrigeration device (11) is operated, water drops condensed on the evaporator drop down into the drain pan (41) as indicated by arrows in FIG. 7, and this condensate water flows toward the center of the drain pan (41). Then, the condensate water flows through the drain hose (42) and is disposed via the condensate trap (44) out of the device.
  • While detecting corrosive gas inside the container, the pH sensor (45) is installed in the condensate port (43) and examines the properties (pH value) of the condensate water. A low pH value detected by the pH sensor (45) signifies a high acidity and it may be concluded that corrosion of components installed inside the container is imminent since it may be assumed that acid gasses contained in the air inside the container may be found dissolved in the condensate water. In the case where corrosion inside the container is imminent, it is beneficial to clean the interior of the container. A high pH value, however, signifies a low acidity, which may lead to the conclusion that corrosion of components installed inside the container is not imminent.
  • -Advantages of Embodiment-
  • According to the present embodiment, the condensate port (43) is installed in the drain hose (42) and serves as the corrosive gas detector (50). The pH sensor (45) is installed in this condensate port (43) to measure the pH value of the condensate water. In this way it may be determined whether the condensate water has a high acidity, and thus it may be easily determined whether corrosion of the components installed inside the container is imminent. If corrosion of the components installed inside the container is imminent, it is beneficial to clean the interior of the container.
  • Moreover, in the present embodiment, the drain trap (44) is formed in the drain hose (42), and the condensate port (43) is installed in the condensate trap (44). Thus, as shown in FIG. 9, the pH sensor (45) may be securely introduced into the condensate water. This may make corrosion gas detection more precise.
  • Further, in the present embodiment, the condensate port (43), which is the corrosive gas detector (50), is installed above the level of the condensate water accumulated in the first U-turn (44a) of the condensate trap (44) when the condensate water flows out of the second U-turn (44b). Thus, the condensate port (43) above the level of the condensate water may perform the corrosive gas detection easily and accurately based on the properties of the condensate water accumulated in the first U-turn (44a) of the condensate trap (44). Moreover, since it is superfluous to provide a sealant for preventing water leakage from the condensate port (43), an uncomplicated configuration may be maintained.
  • Furthermore, since in the present embodiment condensate water accumulates in the first U-turn (44a), an end of the drain hose (42) inside the container and an end of the drain hose (42) at a disposal side are sealed off by the condensate water. Generally, when a refrigeration device is operated and an interior of a container is cooled, pressure inside the container lowers and air tends to enter from a condensate disposal side. As a countermeasure, in the above configuration, the condensate water accumulated in the first U-turn (44a) serves as a seal and keeps air from entering the container.
  • «Other Embodiments»
  • The above embodiment may have the following configurations.
  • Regarding the above embodiment, an example has been described where the present invention is applied to the container (11) including the container refrigeration device (10) cooling the interior of the container.
  • Furthermore, regarding the present embodiment, an example has been described where the properties of the condensate water are examined using the portable pH sensor (45), and where corrosive gas inside the container is detected based on these properties. As shown in FIG. 10, however, a stationary pH sensor (47) serving as the corrosive gas detector (50) may be installed in the drain hose (42) instead. In this case, a measurement result display (48), which is connected to the pH sensor (47) and displays measurement results provided by the pH sensor (47), is installed in the container refrigeration device (10) (see FIG. 1). FIG. 1 shows an example where the measurement result display (48) is installed in the electrical component box (17). Installing the measurement result display (46) allows for giving out a warning signal to prompt cleaning of the interior of the container. Further, by re-performing the corrosion gas detection after the cleaning, it may be determined whether the interior of the container is clean.
  • Moreover, in the above embodiment, the corrosive gas detector (50) is installed in the drain hose (42).
  • INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
  • As can be seen from the foregoing, the present invention is useful for a technique for lowering the risk of corrosion of components installed inside a refrigeration facility, which includes a refrigeration device cooling an interior of the refrigeration facility.
  • DESCRIPTION OF REFERENCE CHARACTERS
  • 10
    Container Refrigeration Device (Refrigeration Device)
    11
    Container (Refrigeration Facility)
    12
    Casing
    24
    Evaporator
    40
    Condensate Treatment Unit
    41
    Drain Pan (Condensate Collection Unit)
    42
    Drain Hose (Condensate Disposal Unit)
    43
    Condensate Port (Corrosive Gas Detector)
    44
    Condensate Trap
    45
    pH Sensor
    47
    pH Sensor
    48
    Measurement Result Display
    50
    Corrosive Gas Detector
    S1
    External Storage Space

Claims (5)

  1. A refrigeration facility including a refrigeration device (10), which is configured to cool an interior of a storage chamber and has an evaporator (24) configured to allow air inside the storage chamber to pass through, the refrigeration facility comprising:
    a condensate treatment unit (40) including a condensate collection unit (41) configured to collect condensate water generated by the evaporator (24) and a condensate disposal unit (42) configured to dispose condensate water from the condensate collection unit (41); and a corrosive gas detector (50) installed in the condensate treatment unit (40) and configured to detect corrosive gas in the air inside the storage chamber based on the properties of the condensate water, wherein
    the refrigeration device (10) is a container refrigeration device (10) including a casing (12) mounted to a container (11),
    the condensate disposal unit (42) is a drain hose (42) connected to the condensate collection unit (41),
    the drain hose (42) has a part at a condensate disposal side located in an external storage space (S1), which is formed in the casing (12) so as to house refrigerant circuit components of the refrigeration device (10), and characterized in that the corrosive gas detector (50) is installed in the condensate disposal unit (42), wherein
    the corrosive gas detector (50) is installed in the drain hose (42) at a location inside the external storage space (S1).
  2. The refrigeration facility of claim 1, wherein
    a condensate trap (44) is formed in the drain hose (42) at a location inside the external storage space (S1), and
    the corrosive gas detector (50) is installed in the condensate trap (44) of the drain hose (42).
  3. The refrigeration facility of claim 2, wherein
    the condensate trap (44) includes a first U-turn (44a) curving downward and a second U-turn (44b) curving upward, which are formed in the run of the drain hose (42) and connected from upstream to downstream, and
    the corrosive gas detector (50) is installed in the second U-turn (44b) and located above a level of condensate water accumulated in the first U-turn (44a) when the condensate water flows through the second U-turn (44b).
  4. The refrigeration facility of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein
    the corrosive gas detector (50) is a condensate port (43) including a portable pH sensor (45), which is configured to measure a pH value as a property of the condensate water.
  5. The refrigeration facility of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein
    the corrosive gas detector (50) includes a stationary pH sensor (47) configured to measure a pH value as the property of the condensate water, and
    the refrigeration facility further includes a measurement result display (48) connected to the pH sensor and configured to display measurement results provided by the stationary pH sensor (47).
EP15841886.3A 2014-09-16 2015-06-23 Refrigeration facility Active EP3168555B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

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JP2014188190A JP5949864B2 (en) 2014-09-16 2014-09-16 Container refrigeration equipment
PCT/JP2015/003143 WO2016042690A1 (en) 2014-09-16 2015-06-23 Refrigeration facility

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EP3168555A4 EP3168555A4 (en) 2018-03-14
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US20170219270A1 (en) 2017-08-03
JP5949864B2 (en) 2016-07-13
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DK3168555T3 (en) 2021-02-01
CL2017000633A1 (en) 2017-11-17
CN106605113B (en) 2019-08-06
CN106605113A (en) 2017-04-26
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JP2016061467A (en) 2016-04-25
EP3168555A4 (en) 2018-03-14

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