The refrigeration systems of choice on many vessels has for the last 30-40 years been Freon, (Chlorofluorocarbons or Hydrofluorocarbons,) of different types. The most common, R-22, which can be used until 2025, is facing restrictions on charging new refrigerant and the price is getting to be sky high. New, almost drop-in replacements are available, (oil change needed and some O-rings might need replacing,) but with less efficiency as a drawback. R-507 and R-404A, (almost the same as R-507,) can still…
Blast Freezing
How Does it Work, and How Do I Get the Most Production Out of My Equipment? Published as “Blast Freezing Tips” in the December 2012 issue of Pacific Fisheries Bering Sea and Distant Water Fleets Review. Rick Greenquist Highland Refrigeration Blast freezing is the workhorse method of freezing seafood products in the fishing industry, simply because it is the most versatile. Second behind blast freezing is plate freezing, which is the king of block frozen products. In third place is…
Ammonia vs. Halocarbon (Freon) Refrigerants
Making a Practical Choice Published in the September 2012 issue of Fisherman’s News. Rick Greenquist Highland Refrigeration In the construction or reconfiguration of an industrial or marine refrigeration plant, the old question of whether to choose ammonia refrigerant or one of the halocarbon “Freon” refrigerants resurfaces, with a sincere attempt by the owner of the facility or marine vessel to do the right thing. On the one hand, ammonia has a strong and longstanding presence in the industry; on the…
Buying a new RSW chiller for your boat?
How do you know what you are getting? Published as “What to Look For in an RSW Chiller” in the April 2012 issue of Fisherman’s News. Rick Greenquist Highland Refrigeration The most common on-board refrigeration system in the fishing industry, besides galley refrigeration, is the Refrigerated Sea Water (RSW) system. For the fisherman that needs to refrigerate his catch, the reliable operation of the RSW system is extremely critical. Inadequate capacity means shorter trips; unreliable operation can mean the loss…