28 October 2021
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ADVERTORIAL
Coolflow DTX was introduced in 2010 as a high performance non-toxic secondary refrigerant, suitable for replacing propylene glycol (PG) in food and cold storage cooling systems.
Performance wise, the Hydratech product has very similar heat transfer and pumping characteristics to ethylene glycol, and subsequently benefits from numerous operating advantages such as low viscosity, low dose rates and smaller systems and plant footprints onsite.
Proven to reduce energy costs by >10% (as verified by Star Technical Services), Coolflow DTX will maintain suitable efficiencies for low temperature systems previously not possible with propylene glycols - while improving fluid reliability and system longevity.
At every stage (concept, design, tender or retrofit), DTX represents huge potential for many RAC companies, including cold store operators, owners and colocation services.
Design stage CapEx savings
Customers such as Ocado, Lidl, DHL and Warburtons Bakeries have designed their refrigeration systems with DTX in mind, allowing them make savings in hardware and capital expenditure.
Where Coolflow DTX is specified at the design stage, savings can be achieved through downsizing of:
- Primary gas compressors
- Heat exchangers
- Circulation pumps and motors
- Pipework diameter and length
Cost reductions for existing systems
Customers have reported improved performance and efficiency gains, alongside considerable energy/cost/CO2 savings after retrofitting existing systems - moving from PG to DTX. Arla Foods has seen a 17% reduction in energy consumed by the main coolant circulation pumps and process cooling systems after moving to Coolflow DTX.
There has also been a noticeable reduction in running time and load on their primary refrigerant compressors, which they believe will considerably prolong the life span of their system.
Core cost reductions for existing systems are achieved by:
- Increasing speed of heat transfer and production process
- Improving Coefficients of Performance
- Minimising compressor loading and running hours
- Reducing pumping energy consumed
Adopters and partners
The list of Coolflow DTX adopters is now extensive and includes a host of well-known companies from the food and beverage sectors including, Hovis, DairyGold, Morrisons, Diageo, Thatchers Cider, Molson Coors, BrewDog, Eli Lilly and Co-op.
DTX-based coolants are also used in a variety of industrial and commercial sectors, where non-toxicity and low environmental impact are high priorities. End users and contractors from these sectors include, Honeywell Aerospace, Aggreko (Temperature Control Division), Daiken, BMW, Siemens, Mercedes, J&E Hall, Star Refrigeration, GE Aviation and AMEC.
Inhibitor protection
To prevent internal corrosion, scaling and biological fouling, all fluids in the Coolflow range are formulated with multi-metal and multi-function inhibitors (which exceed ASTM & BS corrosion standards).
A cost saving alternative as raw costs soar
A perfect storm of extreme weather, global pandemic and logistical chaos rocked the world’s chemical markets during the first half of 2021, sending glycol prices soaring. The price increase can also be attributed to low stocks of PG in the supply chain, with inventories around 50% less than a year ago.
The uncertainty surrounding PG has acted as a catalyst for many well-known companies to make the switch to Coolflow DTX. The cost saving benefits of dosing a new or existing (retrofit) system with DTX have proved particularly favourable. For example - given the current rates - a potential cost saving of over 80% could be made if DTX replaced PG in a proposed 20,000 Litre system (protected to -15°C).
