3.02-15: Automatic Products 1950 Thermostatic Expansion Valve

HHCC Accession No. 2006.085	HHCC Classification Code: 3.02-15

Description:

Representing AP’s new generation of further compacted thermostatic expansion valves designed to meet the needs of a new generation of small commercial refrigerated appliances, for methyl chloride and Freon 12 refrigerants, Model 207C, Automatic Products Co., Mil., Circa 1950 [see also ID#189,190 and 208]

Group:

3.02 Refrigerant Flow Controls - Commercial

Make:

Automatic Products [AP]

Manufacturer:

Automatic Products Co., Mil.

Model:

AP207C

Serial No.:

Body stampings CAK

Size:

4 x 2 x 4in.h

Weight:

1 lbs.

Circa:

1950

Rating:

Exhibit, education, and research quality, illustrating the engineering design, construction, and operating principles, of a new generation of super compact thermostatic expansion valves, for the period, marketed for a new generation of compact, packaged, mid 20th century commercial refrigeration equipment.

Patent Date/Number:

2274127 [1942]

Provenance:

From York County (York Region) Ontario, once a rich agricultural hinterlands, attracting early settlement in the last years of the 18th century. Located on the north slopes of the Oak Ridges Moraine, within 20 miles of Toronto, the County would also attract early ex-urban development, to be come a wealthy market place for the emerging household and consumer technologies of the early and mid 20th century.

This artifact was discovered in the 1950’s in the used stock of T. H. Oliver, Refrigeration and Electric Sales and Service, Aurora, Ontario, an early worker in the field of agricultural, industrial and consumer technology.

Type and Design:

Power element with 5 ft capillary line and 5 in. bulb for methyl chloride inlet screen adjustable super heat

Construction:

cast brass body with aluminium overcoat

Material:

Special Features:

Accessories:

Capacities:

Performance Characteristics:

Operation:

Control and Regulation:

Targeted Market Segment:

Consumer Acceptance:

Merchandising:

Market Price:

Technological Significance:

In response to the buoyant market for compact TX valve technology a number of manufacturers, including Detroit Lubricator, Mayson, Automatic Products, Sporlan and Danfoss, among others entered the field in the late 1930’s and 40’s. They produced a remarkable range of design configurations and capacities for different refrigerants and cooling applications - in low temperature, commercial and air conditioning ranges. The AP207C was AP’s contribution of the times to super compact, ‘ ton valves.

Industrial Significance:

The AP207CWith 60” capillary line and 3/8” bulb, adjustable superheat feature and built in liquid line screen would help to make possible an explosion of refrigeration and air conditioning applications in the latter part of the 20th century.

Socio-economic Significance:

The AP207C, super compact thermostatic expansion valve would help put convenient, reliable and affordable commercial refrigeration and air conditioning equipment in a broad range of small commercial applications from farm to food store and restaurants across Canada. As a consequence, the range and quality of foods Canadians would enjoy, year-round was beginning to change and change significantly, even in the pre World War II years.
The socio-cultural significance of the impact of the unobtrusive, thermostatic expansion valve on life in Canada, throughout the latter part of the 20th century, would be hard to over-estimate. It would become the quintessential, automated refrigerant flow regulating device for most medium and larger commercial refrigeration applications, found in confectioneries, food stores and ware houses. It would help to make possible the wide array of foods and confectionery products Canadians would come to enjoy, as part of the late 20th century Canadian life experience.