Lesson 1: Nature and Scope of Refrigeration

• Introduction
• Nature of Refrigeration
• Why do it?
• Brief History of Refrigeration
• Scope of Refrigeration: What things are refrigerated and what should not be?
• Refrigeration Methods
• Different types of refrigerators

Lesson 2: The Refrigeration Process

• Introduction
• Underlying Principles
• Definition of Work
• The Second Law of Thermodynamics
• The Gas Laws
• Heat Transfer
• The Refrigeration Cycle
• The Joule-Thomson Effect
• Carnot Cycle and Vapour Compression
• Absorption
• Adsorption
• Gas Cycle
• Steam Jet
• Thermoelectric

Lesson 3: The Vapour Compression System

• Introduction
• Refrigeration Components in Vapour Compression Systems
• Compressor
• Condenser
• Liquid Receiver
• Expansion Valve
• Evaporator
• Interconnecting Pipework
• Suction Line
• Discharge Line
• Liquid Drain Line
• Liquid Line
• Refrigerant Composition
• The Domestic Refrigerator

Lesson 4: Heat Load Calculations

• Introduction
• Heat Gain Calculations: Fabric Heat Gains
• Product Heat Gains
• Air Change Heat Gains
• Occupancy Heat Gains
• Mechanical/Electrical Heat Gains

Lesson 5: The Refrigeration Cycle: Refrigerants and Components

• Refrigerant Selection
• ASHRAE Standards
• Boiling Point/Evaporating Point
• Freezing Point
• Toxicity and Flammability
• Acute Toxicity Exposure Limit (ATEL)
• Practical Limit (PL)
• Global Warming Potential
• Pressure Enthalpy Chart
• Component Selections: Evaporator Selection
• Compressor Selection
• Condenser Selection
• Expansion Valve Selection

Lesson 6: Applied Refrigeration: Edible Produce

• Introduction
• Fruit
• General Requirements
• Pre-treatment
• Specific Examples
• Vegetables: General Requirements
• Specific Examples – Precooling
• Specific Examples – Storage Life
• Nuts and Seeds: General Requirements
• Specific Examples
• Meat: Red Meat and Poultry
• General Requirements
• Specific Examples
• Fish: General Requirements
• Specific Examples
• Dairy: General Requirements
• Specific Examples

Lesson 7: Applied Refrigeration: Other Products

• Introduction
• Cut Flowers: General Requirements
• Post-Harvest Treatments
• Packaging
• Specific Examples
• Seed Storage and Seed Banks: Seed Storage Behaviour
• Factors Affecting Storage of Seed
• Types of Seed Storage
• Cold and Cool Rooms in Seed Banks
• Chemicals: Plant Growth Regulators
• Storing Plant Growth Regulators
• Cytokinins
• Gibberellins
• Agricultural Chemicals

Lesson 8: Freezing Goods

• Introduction
• Brief History of Freezing Food
• Why Freeze Food?
• Problems of Freezing
• Which Foods Can Be Frozen?
• Considerations When Freezing Foods
• Commercial Freezing Methods
• Commercial Freezing Equipment
• Domestic Freezing
• A few guidelines for freezing
• Power Failure
• Other General Considerations
• Freezing Fruits
• Freezing Vegetables
• Freezing Meat and Poultry
• Freezing Meat, Poultry and Fish
• Processing Meat for Freezing
• General procedure
• Freezing Meat
• Freezing Fish and Seafood
• Managing the Freezer
• How to Soften Water

Each lesson consists of online self-assessment tests, set tasks and written assignments.

Learning Goals: Refrigerating Farm Produce BAG225

1. Explain the nature and scope of refrigeration by providing a general overview of the concepts
2. Outline what happens to the physical properties of substances during refrigeration and different refrigeration methods, especially vapour compression
3. Describe the vapour compression refrigeration system and its components
4. Describe the nature of cooling and freezing items and outline how to calculate the heat load to be removed in order to carry out these processes
5. Outline the principles behind the basic refrigeration cycle, and selection of refrigerants and components
6. Explain refrigeration and chilling techniques for a range of edible products
7. Explain refrigeration and chilling techniques for a range of products other than edible produce
8. Outline the difference between freezing and refrigerating and how freezing methods can be used to store a range of goods

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Here is a list of the most often asked FAQ’s.

General

Q. Why should I enrol with the Academy for Distance Learning?
A. Here at ADL, our students are our priority – we treat everyone as a unique individual.

Q. Do I need to buy text books?
A. No, as each module has been written by highly qualified industry professionals. The content of the material is presented in such a way that text books are not required. However, if you require additional reading your tutor will be able to supply a list.

Q. What happens if I have to stop studying for a while? (eg. become sick, go on holidays, have a baby, move house, etc)
A. It’s OK to take a break and start up your study at a later point in time. Just let us know.

Q. Is there an age limit?
A. There is no maximum age limit. We do however, have a minimum age limit of 18 years. Below that age parental consent would be required.

Q. Are your courses up-to date?
A. Our courses are revised and updated on a rotation system.

Q. Do you have a Cancellation policy?
A. Yes. We have a cancellation policy that is fair and equitable. For further details please click here.

Q. Will I have any opportunity to engage with other students?
A. We have a Student Community group based on facebook! If you don’t have a facebook account already, you could make one just for talking with fellow students on the group.

Enrolment

Q. When can I enrol/start?
A. You may enrol and start at any time of the year – it’s all self- paced.

Q. Can I study from anywhere in the world?
A. Our courses are available to anyone, anywhere in the world from the comfort of your own home. The course content is relevant to any country, culture or economy.

Q. How long do I have to complete the course?
A. You complete the course at any time that is convenient for you.

Q. Completing a 100 hour module – how long will it take?
A. For some students a 100 hour module will take approximately to 3- 6 months to complete. Others take less time and some even longer.

Assessment

Q. Assessment – how does it work?
A. For each 100 hour module you are assessed by assignments (at the end of each lesson) and a final one and a half hour exam (or you may elect to complete a Project, instead of sitting the exam) – the choice is yours – you sit for the exam in your own location.

Q. I don’t cope well with exams – what can I do?
A. You may elect to undertake a Project (set by your tutor) instead of sitting the exam. Projects are completed from your home and can usually take a couple of weeks to complete.

Q. If my assignment is not up to standard is there an opportunity to resubmit my work?
A. Yes –

Q. How many assignments do I need to complete for each module?
A. At the end of each lesson, there is an assignment – so if a course has say, 10 lessons, there would be 10 assignments.

Q. I am having difficulty attending workshops/industry meetings, what can be done?
A. If your course requires attendance at workshops, conferences, or industry meetings; alternative arrangements can be made in your country.

Qualifications

Q. What qualification will I receive?
A. For individual modules, you would be awarded a Certificate endorsed by TQUK (Training Qualifications, UK), providing you complete all assignments and the exam. If you just want to complete only the assignments and not sit for the exam or finish a Project, then a Letter of Achievement would be awarded. For more details on qualifications available please click here.

Q. Can I customize my diploma/higher qualification?
A. Not all educational institution’s certificates /diplomas meet everyone’s needs. The opportunity to Design Your Own Diploma at the Academy (subject to our approval) is an added bonus, not found at other colleges. You choose modules that you think will help you in achieving your goal.

Q. What do I get when I complete the course? Will I receive a transcript?
A. At the completion of all courses and providing all assignments and exam requirements have been met, you will receive your Award and a Transcript.

Tutors

Q. Our tutors – who are they?
A. We appoint Tutors and require that they must be currently active in their industry, with at least 5 years’ experience in their chosen profession.

Q. Can I contact my tutor at any time?
A. Yes – you have unlimited access to your tutor via email through our Online Classroom. You can always leave a message with ADL requesting your tutor to contact you. You decide on how much or how little contact you wish to have.

Q. Practical work – How is this done?
A. To find out more about this part of the course please visit the section on How Our Courses Work here.