R-449A USED FOR FOOD PRODUCTION APPLICATIONS TO FUTURE-PROOF SYSTEMS

The imminent restrictions on use refrigerants with a GWP above 2500, and the requirement in some applications for non-flammable lower GWP refrigerants, has resulted in the selection for food process applications of R-449A (GWP 1397), where R-404A might previously have been used. Increased food production capacity at one producer required a new 50 kW helix spiral freezer unit and refrigeration system, for variable freezing between 10°C and -18°C with a retention time of 30 minutes, allowing for optimum flexibility. Variable speed EC condenser fans reduce energy consumption during periods of lower ambient temperatures and to ensure smoother and more stable plant control. The plant also incorporates electronic expansion valves (EEVs) in order to allow the condenser pressure to vary and guarantee optimised performance all year round. A patented technology delivers a reverse cycle defrost, ensuring that the system would be operational for 20 hours a day. A spiral freezer provides the food processing and production industries systems that operate on a continual basis, ensuring rapid consistent freezing or cooling, each designed to maximise efficiency for a specific production line.

The refurbishment of a cold room facility for short term storage of fish used a commercial refrigeration system to meet the requirements for noise, size and reliability. Due to its location, the compact and efficient scroll units are housed in a cabinet made of electro-galvanised mild steel with an anti-corrosion treatment and coated in baked polyester powder paint, so that they are able to withstand the most severe coastal weather in the historic harbour location. R-449A was selected for the refrigeration system, meeting the requirements for a non-flammable refrigerant with GWP less than 2500 and future-proofing the facility for visiting fishermen.

Source 1: Refrigeration Industry

Source 2: ACR Journal

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