When I first started selling Bock FX16/2051 compressors, I have always thought about the reason for existence of Open Type compressors for Freon systems.
Ammonia based refrigeration system requires Open Type compressors due to corrosive nature of NH3 gas on the motor copper windings. This makes the semi-hermetic compressor, where the refrigerant flows through the motor, completely unsuitable for use with ammonia.
However, for Freon DX systems on marine vessels, there is no such issue when semi-hermetics compressors are used.
But, where budget permits, there has been a clear preference for Open Type type compressors by many vessel owners. This affinity for open type compressors has always puzzled me.
Only after I spoke to a few Marine HVAC contractors did I understand.
These marine HVAC systems were designed to last a long time. The commercial life span of a cargo ship or tanker is 25 to 30 years which is twice or thrice that of a private motorcar. Throughout the life time of the system, there will be occasions where maintenance is necessary.
This is where the ease of repair for HVAC systems assembled with Open Type compressors shines.
The following are a few points to highlight the advantage of the Open Type compressor
- Simplified Maintenance and Repair:
The separate motor and compressor design allows for easier access to the motor and other components. This is a significant advantage in marine settings where specialized tools and expertise might be limited, and downtime for repairs needs to be minimized.
- Reduced Risk of Refrigerant Contamination:
If a motor failure occurs in a hermetic or semi-hermetic system, the refrigerant can become contaminated with motor winding debris. With an open compressor, the motor can be replaced without affecting the refrigerant charge and without even tampering with the actual refrigeration cycle.
- Potential for Higher Energy Efficiency:
While not always the case, the separate motor design can sometimes lead to slightly better energy efficiency for the refrigeration system, as the motor’s heat is not directly transferred to the refrigerant.
These distinct advantages makes Open type system the preferred choice for marine DX refrigeration plants.
Bock Open Type Compressors are the preferred choice when it comes to main ACCU DX systems and coldroom refrigeration systems for commercial vessels. Many fishing vessels in South East Asia and East Asia also utilizes Bock Open Type compressors for the Blast Freezing plants on board the fishing vessel to ensure the catch remains fresh over the entire fishing season.
For the above applications, Bock FX16/1751 & FX16/2051 Open Type compressor stand out to be the popular choice amongst many marine HVAC contractors and owners of fishing vessels despite its age and even with the launch of newer models such as the FX76/1800 & FX76/2050.
Known for its robustness and longevity, the Bock FX16/1751 & FX16/2051 compressor remains on many commercial vessels and fishing trawlers. Tender specifications calling for the FX16 compressor for new fishing trawlers system remains even up to this date.
Although Bock has come up with replacement models such as the FX76 compressors with higher energy efficiencies, the FX16/1751 and FX16/2051 compressors are still remembered as iconic models for the entire Bock Open Type series.
For more details of these Bock FX16/1751 & FX16/2051 Open Type compressors , please contact Roller Asia today for technical details of the correct compressor!
