Analysis of Freon Leak Identification and Repair in Refrigerator Piping System on MT GAS ALTHEA Ship
Keywords:
piping system, Freon leak, leak detector, ship refrigeratorAbstract
This study aims to identify piping systems and detect Freon leaks in food refrigeration machines on ships that cause decreased circulation efficiency and increased energy consumption. The methods used include field inspections, leak testing with electronic and soap-water leak detectors, and repairs with pipe replacement. Of the 10 units tested, 7 had leaks at the joints and 3 due to corrosion, with a leak detector detection success rate of 95% compared to 70% of the soap-water method. Pipe repair increased efficiency by an average of 20%, and retesting for seven days showed normal operation without re-leaking. The result is the importance of periodic maintenance, the selection of quality plumbing materials, and the training of technicians to maintain the efficiency and disposal of the ship's cooling system.
References
Aji, R. P., Daryanto, & Wiratno. (2019). Freon leakage causes a decrease in evaporator work in refrigerator machines in MV. Asike Global. Proceedings of the Seminar in the Field of Nautical Navigation, 1–9. http://repository.pipsemarang.ac.id/3012/1/51145363T_PROSIDING_FULLTEXT.pdf
ASHRAE. (2021). ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 34-2021: Designation and Safety Classification of Refrigerants. American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers.
Bhatti, M. M., Ahmad, R., Alqahtani, R. T., Alsharif, A. M., & Sait, S. M. (2022). A recent development in refrigeration and air conditioning systems: A comprehensive review. Materials Today: Proceedings, 62, 3056–3063. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matpr.2022.02.053
Chen, M., Wang, X., Zhou, Q., & Sun, Y. (2023). Performance optimization of thermoelectric refrigeration systems for marine applications using nanofluid-enhanced heat sinks. Energy Conversion and Management, 291, 117422. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enconman.2023.117422
Honeywell. (2022). R-134a Refrigerant Safety Data Sheet. https://www.honeywell-refrigerants.com
Indonesia, B. J. T. (2025). Cold storage cooling systems: How does they work? https://bjtindonesia.id/2025/02/05/sistem-pendingin-cold-storage-bagaimana-cara-kerjanya/
Insight, M. (2025). Ship’s refrigeration plant–Working and uses. https://marineinsight.com
Kim, S., Park, J., & Lee, H. (2023). Artificial intelligence for energy optimization in shipboard incinerators. Journal of Smart Maritime Engineering, 51(2), 130–145.
Ltd, I. C. B., & Co. (2021). SOLAS LSA Training Manual (4th ed.). I.C. Brindle & Co. Ltd.
Madenginer.com. (2025). Main components of refrigeration engines. https://madenginer.com
Organization, I. M. (2021). MARPOL Annex VI: Regulations for the prevention of air pollution from ships. IMO Publishing.
Rizwan, M., Khan, M. I., & Zahid, M. (2022). Energy efficiency analysis of absorption refrigeration systems in shipboard food preservation. Journal of Cleaner Production, 378, 130849. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2022.130849
Smith, J., & Tanaka, K. (2020). Refrigeration and air conditioning for marine engineers (2nd ed.). Springer Maritime Engineering Series.
TeknologiRefrigerasi.com. (2025). Freon and its application in refrigeration systems. https://teknologirefrigerasi.com/freon-sistem-pendingin




