Brine systems are typically used where temperatures below 32°F are required
and it is not desirable to circulate a direct refrigerant (R-22, R-502, ammonia,
etc.).
A brine system is rarely used in commercial refrigeration applications. Brine
systems use a high concentration of salt water or other anti-freeze solution
which is chilled, then pumped around to do the required cooling. The common
brines used for refrigeration are sodium chloride (common salt), calcium chloride
and various glycol solutions.
A brine system's advantages are that all refrigeration equipment is in the
engine room directly under the supervision of the engineer, and that a leak in any
other part of the building will leak only brine (causing considerably less
damage and repair costs than a refrigerant leak). Its biggest disadvantages are
that it usually consumes more energy to maintain a required temperature, and the
brine may be corrosive.
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