Danfoss, one of the world's leading manufacturers of high-efficiency electronic and mechanical components and controls for air-conditioning, heating, refrigeration and motion systems, recently celebrated the production of the 15,000th Danfoss ICF valve station.
"The many benefits that the ICF delivers and the proven technology behind 15,000 units has made the Danfoss valve station a technology of choice among industrial refrigeration installers," said Jim Hower, national sales manager, Danfoss North America.
Mike McGinnis, president, Innovative Refrigeration Systems, Inc., Lyndhurst, Va., accepted delivery of the 15,000 unit. "We've probably installed close to 500 ICF valves in the past four to five years," he said. "I appreciate the many benefits the valve offers, beginning with reduced leaks thanks to the absence of flange gaskets. And for companies that build the valves in the field, the ICF valve station offers significant labor savings, because it requires fewer welds."
The Danfoss ICF valve train requires just two welds during installation, saving as much as 80 percent in installation time when compared to conventional valve trains that require up to 12 welds. Fewer welds also reduce the number of gaskets and associated opportunities for leaks, while eliminating the need for disassembly. Servicing time is also reduced -- by as much as 50 percent -- thanks to quick and efficient evacuation, and a low internal volume ensures minimal refrigerant loss during maintenance.
The ICF's single one-piece body provides ports for up to six function device modules that are configured specifically for a customer's application and shipped to a jobsite as a complete subassembly. Each valve station features generous-sized strainers, industry-leading ICM/ICAD motorized valves and standard side ports that can accommodate purge valves, sight glasses, pressure transmitters and hot gas feed lines to gas-powered suction valves.
In addition, zinc chromate corrosion protection and the absence of wear surfaces ensure the Danfoss ICF valve station lasts the lifetime of the system.
"It's very easy to talk about the features and benefits of the ICF, many of which are unique to the Danfoss product," said Hower. "However, the real story is in the number of these units that have been installed around the world. 15,000 valve stations are a real testament to the success of the unit and speak to the confidence customers continue to place in the ICF and the benefits it consistently delivers."