Frascold and Arneg drive evolution with the R290 chiller
Frascold and Arneg combine their technical skills and experience to create a propane chiller, designed to keep products fresh and for conditioning characterised by normal temperatures. A solution that arose from the desire to expand the use of natural gases by offering a valid and simple alternative to transcritical CO2 systems.
Over the years, the commercial refrigeration sector has undergone considerable change, paying ever greater attention to reducing the environmental impact of sales points, in line with the latest technological and regulatory developments. An evolution mainly encouraged by the European Parliament with the F-Gas, a regulation currently being updated with the aim of introducing new restrictions, restricting the use of HFCs as far as possible.
“The use of propane causes significant debate in the HVAC&R sector. Whilst, on the one hand, its physical and thermodynamic properties make it an advantageous choice, on the other hand, its flammability requires systems with complex structures in order to meet the requirements preventing the risk of explosion.” explained Enrico Zambotto, Plant Technical Director at Arneg, who continued, “R290, today, is mostly used for small-sized refrigerating units and refrigerated cabinets with built-in motor. However, in remote equipment, the use of CO2 as a natural refrigerant is more prevalent. The brand new R290 chiller brings innovation to the market, opening up new frontiers in the sector.”
An innovative solution, easy to install and maintain, with lower pressure and a simplified refrigeration unit which make it stand out on the market. The chiller’s ad hoc design was specially analysed to ensure the utmost safety, using low volume heat exchangers which allow the fluid charge to be contained, together with S-AXH piston compressors from Frascold. Custom designed for use with HC, these ATEX-certified compressors have proven to be the ideal choice for superior reliability. The S-AXH compressors allow customers to perform a simplified risk analysis, for a safe project at every stage, from construction to commissioning. The compact design of these compressors also leads to less installation space being required and even greater flexibility.
“We chose to rely on Frascold for their vast experience in the field of hydrocarbons and for the extensive range of their ATEX-certified compressors. Thanks to the teamwork between the technicians from both companies, the application challenges of using propane were successfully overcome, achieving absolutely sustainable innovation”. Alberto Paccagnella, Head of Refrigeration Machinery Design at Arneg added, “At the Euroshop 2023 trade show, dedicated to the Retail sector, it was a pleasure to be able to exhibit the chiller just a few steps from our partners’ stands, achieving considerable success. A goal that we still share today with the entire Frascold team.”