Refrigerant evaporator over-pressure relief system including a fluid containment vessel

摘要

The present invention relates to a fluid containment system for minimizing the loss of refrigerant fluid from a refrigerant evaporator. The mechanical refrigeration system includes an evaporator for absorbing energy from the cooling media. The evaporator includes a pressurized shell, which to comply with applicable safety codes requires a pressure relief system for relieving an over-pressure condition. A sealed over-pressure containment vessel is connected in fluid communication with the evaporator. The containment vessel receives liquid refrigerant from the evaporator in order to reduce the pressure in the evaporator, and the flow of refrigerant fluid from the evaporator to the containment vessel is controlled by a pressure differential therebetween. After the over-pressure condition in the evaporator has been corrected the liquid refrigerant in the containment vessel can be returned to the evaporator. The containment vessel while receiving liquid refrigerant from the evaporator allows for the reduction of pressure in the evaporator and acts to help prevent the discharge of refrigerant into the atmosphere.