Calculators›Refrigeration System
❄️

Refrigeration System Design

GPSA · ASHRAE · Campbell

Vapor-Compression Refrigeration Design
Calculate refrigerant mass flow, compressor power, COP, and heat exchanger sizing for propane or ethane refrigeration cycles per GPSA and ASHRAE standards. Includes compression ratio evaluation and staging recommendations.

Refrigerant & Temperatures

°F
°F
Propane: -50 to +130°F range
Standard for NGL recovery and gas dew pointing

System Parameters

MMBtu/hr
%
°F
Efficiency Guide:
Reciprocating: 70-80% · Screw: 65-75%
Centrifugal: 75-85% · Scroll: 65-72%

Design Reference

COP = Qevap / Wcomp
Carnot COP = Tevap / (Tcond - Tevap)

Compression Ratio Limits:
• Single-stage: r < 6-8
• Two-stage recommended if r > 5
• Max discharge temp: 250°F

References:
GPSA 14th Ed · ASHRAE 2021

📚 Learn the Theory

Complete guide to refrigeration cycles, propane/ethylene systems, COP calculations, and cascade refrigeration.

Read Engineering Guide →

About This Calculator

Designs vapor-compression refrigeration systems for NGL recovery, gas dew pointing, and process cooling using propane or ethane refrigerants.

Calculation Methods:

  • Vapor Pressure: Antoine equation per GPSA
  • Enthalpy: Watson correlation for latent heat
  • COP: Enthalpy-based actual COP with ηisen
  • Discharge Temp: Polytropic compression model

Output Includes:

  • Compressor power (HP, kW)
  • Refrigerant mass flow rate
  • Evaporator & condenser areas
  • Staging recommendations

Related Calculators

🔧

Compressor Sizing

Calculate compressor power and staging
🔥

Heat Exchanger

Size shell-tube and plate exchangers
🧊

Hydrate Prediction

Calculate hydrate formation temperature
🌡️

JT Valve Cooling

Joule-Thomson expansion calculations