MCQ Detailed View

Ammonia (NH₃) is a widely used refrigerant in vapor compression cycles due to its excellent thermodynamic properties, high latent heat, and energy efficiency. When selecting tubing for ammonia refrigeration systems, material compatibility is critical because ammonia is highly reactive with certain metals.

Steel tubing is preferred when ammonia is used as a refrigerant. Steel is resistant to ammonia corrosion, especially in the presence of water or moisture. It provides durability, structural strength, and long-term reliability in refrigeration systems. Steel also withstands high pressure and temperature fluctuations, which are common in vapor compression cycles.

Copper tubing, although widely used in other refrigeration systems, is not preferred for ammonia because ammonia reacts with copper over time, forming copper-ammonia complexes, which can damage the tubing and reduce system efficiency. Using incompatible materials can lead to leaks, reduced lifespan, and maintenance issues.

The choice of tubing affects both safety and performance. Proper material selection ensures smooth operation of the compressor, evaporator, and condenser while preventing chemical reactions that can impair the refrigerant or the system itself. Engineers must consider pressure ratings, corrosion resistance, and mechanical strength when designing ammonia refrigeration systems.

Understanding material compatibility in refrigeration is an important topic in physical chemistry and thermodynamics. It highlights how chemical properties of substances, such as reactivity with metals, directly influence practical engineering applications.

Therefore, when ammonia is used as a refrigerant, steel tubing is the preferred material due to its corrosion resistance, strength, and reliability, ensuring safe and efficient operation of the vapor compression cycle.