How does an LP Fridge work?

in-too-deep · Mar 11, 2011

'Nother thing I can't grasp.

Seen em in RV's and I know some of the early household fridges we're LP. How does it work?

Bob · Mar 11, 2011

It's an "ammonia absorption refrigeration system" The heat of the propane fire (or an electric heater) recycles the ammonia to keep the process going.

For an unlimited amount of further information, GOOGLE "ammonia absorption cycle".
Using heat to make COLD

Bob M · Mar 11, 2011

The refrigeration process (absorption refrigeration) is a bit puzzling and difficult to describe. However the link gives a pretty good overview and description of the refrigeration process.

We've got an ancient propane-fired Servel refrigerator at our vacation cottage. It's well over 60 years old and still works great. The only attention it requires is a cleaning of the burner and flue tube every couple years.
absorption refrigeration

cadet trooper · Mar 11, 2011

It is one of the most effecient refrigeration systems known to man but can be very dangerous.

37 chief · Mar 11, 2011

That has always puzzeled me too. When I was not too old. I was at our dump behind the farm buildings, ond over the hill. I was messing with our old butaine fridge Dad threw out, and managed to break one of the tubes that contained the gas, and I thought I was going to die right there. I got that stuff in my lungs, because I wasen't smart enough to run. It was some bad stuff. Stan

Crem · Mar 11, 2011

37 Chief.

I did the same thing with an old milk tank cooler. I was going to try and make an air compressor out of the pump. I somehow sucked in some of those fumes and curiosity almost killed this cat.

Bob M · Mar 11, 2011

A buddy and I opened the plumbing on a scrapped Servel when we were teenagers. Discovered INSTANTLY it contained ammonia under high pressure.

Was never tempted to try THAT again!

cadet trooper · Mar 11, 2011

I also forgot to mention very expensive to have it worked on. One tip to remember is if it's in an RV and you've been traveling give it some time to settle and make sure the RV is level before relying on it to do it's job.

Mark - IN. · Mar 11, 2011

Years ago I almost bought an Amish farm before I bought the one I got. Had a good sized LP refridgerator that wasn't staying, because they were going to need that for the next house. I put my hand above the exhaust, would NOT have burned me. Was warmer than the rest of the house, but not hot.

That house also had electrical that them Amish couldn't use, and had plumbing that they couldn't use either.

Mark

teddy52food · Mar 11, 2011

I had a friend that worked at a milk plant. He said there was a pipe that nobody seemed to know what it was for or where it went. He said If I don't find out soon, I'll pour some ammonia in it & see if I get any action. I never did hear what he found.

Big M · Mar 12, 2011

I purchased a farm with a farm house and it had an old LP fridge in the basement. Our daughter wanted it out and up stairs for antique look in her dining room. That thing is very heavy. Took the top off and it is surounded in lead. But the bottom door is missing. Chief 37, is there a bottom door on the junked frige you discribed? Get me a name brand of the fridge and a picture if you can.
Thank you,
Mike

How does an LP Fridge work?

in-too-deep

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Bob

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Bob M

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cadet trooper

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37 chief

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Crem

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Bob M

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cadet trooper

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Mark - IN.

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teddy52food

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Big M

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