CO2 (R-744) and supporting technologies for the retail refrigeration sector.
By: Mel Summers, Marketing Co-ordinator at Climalife (IDS Refrigeration)
By: Mel Summers, Marketing Co-ordinator at Climalife (IDS Refrigeration)
F-Gas II regulation is driving the continual development and delivery of new refrigerant solutions for air conditioning and refrigeration systems. With pressures being made on the amount of CO2 Eq Tonnes of HFC refrigerants allowed to be placed on the market (also known as Quota), companies are now under increasing pressure to adopt refrigerant solutions that have less of a detrimental effect on the environment.
Over recent years, CO2 (R-744) has been making its mark across commercial and industrial refrigeration systems throughout Europe and demand for this product is set to increase. With its excellent cooling capability, low toxicity and non-flammable (A1 category) status, CO2 has some excellent environmental benefits such as a Global Warming Potential (GWP) value of just one and zero Ozone Depleting Potential (ODP).
Regularly used in retail refrigeration, CO2 is also finding use across industrial applications such as refrigerated storage rooms and transport refrigeration, as has been seen in recent press. It can be used across a number of system technologies, including transcritical, subcritical, cascade and direct expansion/secondary fluid units.
Probably due to its environmental benefits, CO2 is sometimes referred to as a ‘natural’ refrigerant. The jury is out as to whether this is technically true given the fact that there is a level of chemical transformation required in the creation of this product. However, regardless of this, the product has some really strong benefits which can help users to reduce their carbon footprint. Climalife believe CO2 popularity will grow and help the market deal with pressures on HFC refrigerant quota and F-Gas regulation.
Regularly used in retail refrigeration, CO2 is also finding use across industrial applications such as refrigerated storage rooms and transport refrigeration, as has been seen in recent press. It can be used across a number of system technologies, including transcritical, subcritical, cascade and direct expansion/secondary fluid units.
Probably due to its environmental benefits, CO2 is sometimes referred to as a ‘natural’ refrigerant. The jury is out as to whether this is technically true given the fact that there is a level of chemical transformation required in the creation of this product. However, regardless of this, the product has some really strong benefits which can help users to reduce their carbon footprint. Climalife believe CO2 popularity will grow and help the market deal with pressures on HFC refrigerant quota and F-Gas regulation.
Safety precautions when handling high pressure CO2
It is important to remember that CO2 is a high pressure gas (57.3 bar at 20°C) therefore it is essential (as with all refrigerants) that it’s handled with care.
Users should ensure they have received specific high pressure and CO2 training before handling the product, wear suitable protective clothing, ensure the room is well ventilated with a CO2 detector and use specific equipment such as high pressure hoses and manifolds.
Companies such as Climalife (IDS Refrigeration) can offer useful customer guidance on handling high pressure cylinders.
Users should ensure they have received specific high pressure and CO2 training before handling the product, wear suitable protective clothing, ensure the room is well ventilated with a CO2 detector and use specific equipment such as high pressure hoses and manifolds.
Companies such as Climalife (IDS Refrigeration) can offer useful customer guidance on handling high pressure cylinders.
Lubricant innovation for CO2 (R-744) compressors
Operations using CO2 face three technological challenges. The pressures involved in facilities using subcritical and transcritical CO2 systems, the high solubility of CO2 in lubricants that can potentially lead to a drop in viscosity and the solvent effect of CO2 that can reduce the thickness of the lubricating film on moving parts. New solutions however, are also coming to market to address these challenges.
Exxon Mobil, for example, has developed a new polyolester (POE) oil for miscible CO2 systems. They promise excellent low-temperature fluidity and in-service viscosity control.
Exxon Mobil, for example, has developed a new polyolester (POE) oil for miscible CO2 systems. They promise excellent low-temperature fluidity and in-service viscosity control.
| Plus, with this growing demand for refrigerants such as CO2, Exxon Mobil’s Andrea Jacobson (Industrial Marketing Manager for Europe, Africa and the Middle East) claims: | “Our new synthetic lubricant for refrigeration compressors will meet this growing need while also adding a range of equipment protecting qualities and, according to trials, potentially contributing towards enhanced energy efficiency.” |
More details on these trials can be viewed on the Climalife Group website.
Lightening the CO2 load
 | In recognition of changing demands, Climalife has launched its innovative new packaging for CO2 ; the “Mooviz” cylinder. Particularly useful when delivering to smaller convenience-type stores, where offloading space can be limited, the new Mooviz cylinder from Climalife is smaller than traditional units, lightweight and has wheels, helping to reduce heavy handling and the overall amount of effort engineers are required to use when delivering this product. More information is available from Climalife UK. Climalife Managing Director Allan Harper said: “Climalife continually strive to innovate and excite the refrigeration and air conditioning market with new products and support tools. The Mooviz product has done just this. |
