This refrigeration system adopted NH3 (Ammonia) as refrigerant.
There is no doubt that ammonia will remain the best industrial refrigerant
for the foreseeable future, particularly because it has a zero ODP
(Ozone Depletion Potential).
Ammonia is produced by combining free nitrogen and hydrogen under high pressure and temperature in the presence of a catalyst.
The nitrogen component is inert in the combustion reaction and accounts for the limited flammability of ammonia.
Ammonia / air mixture are flammable by spark ignition at concentrations of 16 - 17% by volume of air. However, oil carried by ammonia lowers this level considerably, so that a figure of 4% by volume in air is considered the practical safe limit to prevent explosion.