SALIENT FEATURES OF VOLTAS-HITACHI VAPOUR ABOSORPTION MACHINES

We are pleased to highlight various salient features on our Vapour Absorption Machines as follows : 1.0 PARAFLOW TECHNOLOGY : We manufacture Vapour Absorption Machines under technical collaborations from Hitachi Limited of Japan with their patented Paraflow Technology. We wish to quote communication received on Technology matter from Hitachi in 1993 which is as follows : Quote In the past, Sanyo, Kawasaki, Ebara & Mitsubishi (some of the other major manufacturers of VAM in Japan) had to go with Series Flow because of Hitachi Paraflow patent. Recently Kawasaki & Ebara changed to go with Paraflow or Paraflow/Series Flow combination right after the expiry of the patent. Sanyo & Mitsubishi still have gone with Series Flow, but every manufacturer realizes the superiority of the Paraflow Technology. Unquote. In 1994, Mitsubishi also stopped manufacturing VAM with Technology of series flow and are now manufacturing VAMs with Paraflow technology. Even in USA, YORK, who were manufacturing VAM with series flow technology discontinued and freshly entered into collaboration with Hitachi in 1994 for manufacturing VAM with Paraflow technology. Apart from the above, even other manufacturers in South East Asian Countries like Samsung and other major manufacturers of VAM, follow Paraflow technology. 1

You will note from the above, that Series Flow Technology is reaching almost obsolesce, as most of the manufacturers have now adopted Paraflow Technology. ADVANTAGES OF PARAFLOW TECHNOLOGY : For more understanding, the cycle diagram giving exclusive features of Hitachi Paraflow technology is attached (Anexure-I). The main advantages of Paraflow technology are : The Paraflow machines consume 7% to 10% lower steam consumption compare to series flow machines. It works with low concentration and temperature cycle thereby enhancing Efficiency & reliability of the machine, i.e. It works away from the crystallization zone and hence has very high level of reliability towards uninterrupted services and is almost free from crystallization. Due to lower temperature, the fouling and corrosion in the heat exchangers are low and hence the consistency in performance is available for long duration of operations. Due to lesser fouling, availability of consistent capacity and temperature is possible. Operating efficiency i.e. steam consumption rates remain reasonably steady since the fouling in machines are low. Machines will have much longer life compared to other technology due to almost negligible or no corrosion due to safe cycle of operation. Safeness in Paraflow cycle compared to series flow cycles is represented in the typical duhring diagram enclosed.

2.0 Apart from above, various additional salient features provided in our VAM are enlisted below : 2.1 PATENTED SOFT SPRAY NOZZLES : Hitachi has patented Soft Spray Nozzles design and the same are available only from Hitachi or from their Licensees. These are stainless steel nozzles provided with special spray arrangement for spray of refrigerant, water and Lithium Bromide solution in evaporator and absorber sections respectively. Due to soft spray arrangement, the entire heat transfer area is fully covered by very fine droplets discharged from soft spray nozzles. It offers consistent heat transfer exchange and thereby make the over all operations of the machine highly reliable and consistent. 2.2 HIGH PERFORMANCE FIN TUBES : In the evaporator section and also as per the design requirement in absorber section, the high performance fin tubes are provided. These tubes offer excellent heat transfer efficiency compared to plain tubes provided by others. The approach available due to the high performance fin tubes is very low and thereby the machine capability is improved to a very large extent. Also this makes the machine work very satisfactorily even with low temperature operations like 5C chilled water outlet conditions. This helps in maintaining consistent chilled water temperature available for the load. 2.3 STAINLESS STEEL IMPELLER FOR PUMPS : The refrigerant and solution pumps are canned motor pumps provided with stainless steel impellers for longer life and reliable operation. Others provide cheaper grade of cast iron impellers. 2.4 FUSED SIGHT GLASSES : Since the VAM requires very high degree of vacuum integrity. It is absolutely essential to provide Sight Glasses without any rubber rings. The fused Sight Glasses do not have any rubber rings in it. In this, the glass is fused into the metal and ensures 3

100% leak tight joint and ensure no leakage from this port for life long and is virtually maintenance free. Others provide bolted sight glasses with rubber rings which over a period of time deteriorates and allows fine air leaks into the machine. This results in corrosion of the machine and reduces the performance and life of VAM unit. 2.5 LOW GENERATOR PRESSURES : The Paraflow design allows high temperature generator pressure which is well below atmospheric pressure i.e. in the range of about 500 to 600 mm of HG, whereas in case of Series Flow, it is essential to operate the HTG at higher pressures due to system requirements i.e. in the range of about 700 mm of HG or more. This high-pressure operation results in nuisance tripping of the machine and reduced availability of machine for continuous load. 2.6 NON-TOXIC INHIBITORS : We use non-toxic type inhibitors i.e. Lithium Nitrite and Lithium Molibdate. Sometimes others use Lithium Chromate, which is highly toxic and carcinogenic. 2.7 FACTORY PERFORMANCE TEST : We have full-fledged performance testing facilities in our factory with advanced instrumentation and controls. As per ISO 9001, the performance test of the VAM in the factory is a mandatory requirement of our quality assurance plan. Each and every machine is performance tested prior to despatch, which is witnessed by the customer/consultant. The test bench in our factory provides necessary facilities to simulate the conditions and provide artificial heat load for operating the machine on the stipulated chilled water, cooling water conditions and check the machine for its capacity and steam consumption. The VAMs are despatched once the performance test is satisfactorily conducted and witnessed by clients/consultants. 2.8 QUALITY ASSURANCE : Much emphasis is given on the Quality Assurance while building up this machine at every stage. Each and every component goes 4

under thorough inspection in line with Hitachis Inspection Procedures and guidelines. The necessary process controls are used at all the critical points which manufacturing the machines to ensure that the machine is produced with a philosophy of First Time Right. 2.9 CONTROLS & SAFETIES : All the vacuum side controls, switches, instrumentation are imported from Hitachi and we do not use Indian Pressure switches. This ensures high level of operating reliability for the machine. 2.10 ADVANCED MICROPROCESSOR BASED CONTROLS : As a standard, we provide microprocessor based control panels with user friendly man machine interface. The key boards are provided with functional names, which give operators a very high level of user friendliness. In addition to this, a complete LED fascia is provided on the front door of the panel, which gives at a glance the health of the machine. The unit has provisions for communication for customer requirements for PC connectivity, BAS, BMS and DCS, if required can be provided. 2.12 VOLTAS AIR-CONDITIONING & REFRIGERATION EXPERIENCE: Voltas has been in the field of Air-conditioning & Refrigeration for more than four decades and can offer single point responsibility for the machines as well as the air-conditioning works as an over all guarantee which is mostly the ultimate requirement of the customer. For VOLTAS LIMITED,

SUNIL MEHTA Asst. General Manager Sales Headquarters EM & RBG. 5