David Boyle became famous in refrigeration for first using ammonia as a refrigerant in his machines. His invention drove the use of ammonia in refrigeration.
David Boyle became famous in refrigeration for first using ammonia as a refrigerant in his machines. His invention drove the use of ammonia in refrigeration. The 19th century was a period of rapid industrial technology growth and major discoveries. Boyle developed an improved ice-making machine at a time when most ice was still harvested in winter from lakes and rivers, transported long distances and stored for months. This engineer and inventor is credited with the first reliable, commercially successful use of ammonia as a working fluid in a vapour-compression refrigeration cycle. Boyle commercialised his invention and founded a company producing ice machines. Boyle’s machines were sold even after his death until about 1905.
David Boyle’s US patent of 1872 for an improved ice machine. Patent granted 25 June 1872
James Boyle’s US patent application for an improved gas liquefaction pump. Patent granted 21 March 1876.
Boyle’s success with his ammonia compression system led to rapid adoption of ammonia as the preferred refrigerant in industrial systems, almost completely excluding other substances. This created a huge industry in America and Europe that continues to this day. Ammonia is still considered a refrigerant with excellent properties in industrial systems and, although not the first substance used in compressor systems, it is the only one in continuous use for 150 years. With zero ODP and GWP it is particularly climate-friendly and highly efficient, with excellent thermodynamic properties translating into very low operating costs. Safety and efficiency are key to broad technology adoption. For ammonia, all structural components in contact with it should be made of stainless steel. Any leaks must be reliably detected and ventilation provided, because ammonia is toxic and flammable at high concentrations. Importantly, the human nose detects ammonia easily due to its sharp smell – long before concentrations dangerous to health are reached. Even at 10% of the workplace limit it can be clearly smelled.
Bibliography:
- David Boyle Patent Boyle’s US Patent No. 128448. Granted 25 June 1872.
- Monument to the first ice plant in Texas
- Invention of the ammonia refrigeration compressor. ASHRAE Journal, March 2020
- engineeringhalloffame.org
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