Standard for Remote Mechanical-Draft Evaporative Refrigerant Condensers

ARI Standard 490-1998: Standard for Remote Mechanical-Draft Evaporative Refrigerant Condensers

For engineers and designers involved in complex refrigeration systems, understanding the performance and rating of critical components is paramount. ARI Standard 490-1998, the "Standard for Remote Mechanical-Draft Evaporative Refrigerant Condensers," provides an essential framework for ensuring consistent and reliable performance of these vital heat exchange devices. This authoritative document, developed by the Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute (ARI), establishes the benchmarks for testing, rating, and data reporting, offering a proven method for comparing and selecting evaporative condensers.

What is ARI Standard 490-1998?

ARI Standard 490-1998 is a comprehensive industry standard that defines the testing procedures, rating criteria, and minimum data requirements for remote mechanical-draft evaporative refrigerant condensers. Originating from ARI's commitment to promoting industry best practices, its primary purpose is to provide a standardized methodology for manufacturers to rate their equipment and for engineers to specify and evaluate it accurately. This standard ensures a level playing field for product comparison and fosters confidence in performance claims.

Scope & Purpose

This standard specifically governs remote mechanical-draft evaporative refrigerant condensers intended for connection to refrigerant piping systems. It covers equipment designed for heat rejection to water and air through evaporation, primarily focusing on refrigerants R-22 and R-717 (ammonia). The scope includes requirements for testing, rating, published data, and nameplate information. Notably, it excludes evaporative condensers designed for integration within self-contained units or factory-assembled condensing units.

Who Must Comply?

• • Primary audience: HVAC Engineers, Refrigeration Engineers, Product Designers, Test Engineers, and Quality Control Inspectors.
• • Industries affected: Manufacturing, Chemical Processing, Food and Beverage, Pharmaceuticals, and Data Centers.
• • Compliance nature: Voluntary, but adherence is essential for manufacturers seeking to publish ratings that can be compared against industry benchmarks.
• • Enforcement: While not a regulatory mandate, compliance is typically verified through internal quality control processes and by third-party specifiers and purchasers who rely on ARI-rated equipment.

Key Requirements Overview

• • The standard requires that all Standard Ratings be verified through tests conducted under specific Standard Rating Conditions, referencing ASHRAE Standard 64-1995 for methodology.
• • Professionals must ensure that testing deviations from standard conditions remain within defined tolerances for barometric pressure, entering air wet-bulb temperature, and condensing temperature.
• • Key provisions include the establishment of Application Ratings for performance at conditions other than standard, allowing for more tailored equipment selection.
• • Manufacturers must provide comprehensive Minimum Data Requirements for Published Ratings, including total heat rejection effect, refrigerant type, and connection sizes.
• • The standard mandates clear Marking and Nameplate Data to ensure that essential performance information is readily available on the equipment itself.

Related Standards & References

ARI Standard 490-1998 often works in conjunction with other industry documents. ASHRAE Standard 64-1995 provides the foundational testing procedures upon which the ratings within ARI 490-1998 are based. Additionally, definitions and terminology align with the