NH3 Heat exchanger

[AO1958]

Hello Everybody,

I’ll try to reconnect to following thread 338-175202
I am currently dealing with an ammonia refrigerating system.
We have to choose heat exchangers.
Typically, a stainless steel tube is utilized, but we have been proposed to utilized an aluminum one.
Purchasing office is pushing since it would be cheaper. Nevertheless a technical validation has to be given.
As per quoted thread it seems that there would not be corrosion problems, but I’d like to know if anybody has dealt with this experience and if he would recommend or not this solution.
What makes me doubtful is: aluminum solution is available since a long time, therefore why stainless steel is still the most utilized in spite of cost ?

Many thanks

 

[Compositepro]

Aluminum is very quickly corroded by caustic conditions so I cannot imagine using it around ammonia. A little bit of moisture mixed with ammonia during a leak or maintenance and the aluminum will be gone.

 

[EdStainless]

This is not a good idea if you need long term service. I have seen issues with corrosion on the outside due to condensation that contains salts.

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Plymouth Tube