Danfoss has announced the arrival of a new innovative solution for oil-free chillers and heat pumps for enhanced system reliability and efficiency.
The oil-free centrifugal market is growing exponentially around the world driven by a need to reduce system running costs, complexity, and system size. The new Danfoss OFC check and stop valve incorporates a damped nozzle check valve, stop valves, and diffuser function to address the major application pain points.
Generating refrigerant backflow
The nozzle check valve remains open at minimum flow, closes quickly if there is a system stop generating refrigerant backflow, and improves stability during surge, closing, and opening for enhanced compressor reliability. Decoupled stop and check functions allow fast access and improve the reliability of sealing. The lock ring design prevents unintentional ball valve closes.
The OFC valve has a built-in sight glass which provides direct visibility of proper check valve functioning
The OFC valve has a built-in sight glass which provides direct visibility of proper check valve functioning, and the built-in pressure port connects to a high pressure cut out as an added safety measure. Minimizing pressure losses is critical to ensure optimum system efficiency. This is even more important at part-load conditions needed to meet the latest efficiency guidelines. Optimizing the flow path within the valve improves flow capacity and reduces pressure drops by up to 70% compared to using an alternative piston-type valve, axial wafer valve, or swing wafer.
Combining multiple components
Production planning is much simpler as the OFC valve is an all-in-one solution. There is no need to combine multiple components and store spare parts in inventory. Installation is fast and easy, allowing companies to start production quickly with shorter lead times.
The OFC valve can be set up in three positions, either vertically, horizontally, or at a 45-degree angle in order to optimize space and minimize piping. The new OFC valve is also compatible with the Danfoss portfolio of TT and TG Turbocor® compressors − the world’s first oil-free magnetic bearing compressors for the HVAC industry. “At Danfoss we are continually developing components for efficient oil-free systems,” said Frank Ford, Director of product management at Danfoss Turbocor.
High-Pressure drops
The OFC check and stop valve is just the latest in a line of new products within our extensive oil-free portfolio"
“With the OFC check and stop valve, customers can avoid high-pressure drops and unstable performance. Through our innovative approach, we have patented the check valve design used in the centrifugal compressor discharge line. There is no other product on the market today that has the capabilities of our unique OFC check and stop valve.”
Victor Marinich, Danfoss Global Marketing Director for air conditioning said: “We are dedicated to supporting HVAC professionals by providing solutions that overcome the challenges they face. The OFC check and stop valve is just the latest in a line of new products within our extensive oil-free portfolio. In March, we will be introducing ETS 175/250/400 L expansion valves dedicated to oil-free and high-temperature applications."
"They are complementing the recent releases within our portfolio of expansion valves and accessories including the EKF stepper valve driver, EKE 2U power module, and EKE superheat controllers that together support reliable, high-performance oil-free systems.”