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INCORPORATING COLD CHAIN |
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consider the availability and longevity of these refrigerants as plants transition to new options .
ASSESSING REFRIGERANT INVENTORY AND PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE To address the challenges posed by refrigerant transitions , plant owners must conduct an assessment of their installed refrigerant inventory . Understanding the quantity and age of refrigerants in the system is crucial for planning future actions . If a refrigerant becomes obsolete or unavailable , it could lead to costly conversions or even total plant shutdowns . Plant owners can develop proactive strategies to safeguard their operations and minimise disruptions by assessing the age of the plant and evaluating its commercial life expectancy .
Plants serve critical functions in various industries , such as food production , healthcare facilities and manufacturing . A plant ' s failure or downtime due to refrigerant-related issues can have severe consequences . It is essential to recognise that these plants must remain operational without interruption . The assessment of refrigerant inventory , the age of the plant , and the development of contingency plans ensure that essential services can continue uninterrupted , even in the face of refrigerant challenges .
Industrial plants , which often have a lifespan of around 30 years , are significant investments and their efficient operation is
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paramount . However , if a plant fails to reach its intended lifespan , it can lead to frustration and financial implications .
Commercial plants , such as those found in supermarkets , have a shorter lifespan , typically around 10 years . These plants are subject to changing consumer preferences and evolving shopping habits . Supermarkets constantly adapt their layouts to attract customers and provide a unique shopping experience . Refrigeration trends also play a role , with the introduction of environmentally friendly refrigerants like CO 2 and the use of display cases with doors , which enhance energy efficiency and product visibility . Moreover , the increasing focus on health consciousness , particularly in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic , has driven a demand for nourishing and safe food products . Consumers want to ensure the products they purchase are fresh and will contribute towards a healthy lifestyle . This has prompted frequent changes in plant equipment and layout to meet these evolving demands .
New refrigerants are gaining attention for their environmental benefits and are being utilised in various applications , including large-scale chillers . However , it is important to note that these refrigerants are often proprietary , specific to certain manufacturers . Consequently , it is essential for industry professionals to stay informed about the latest refrigerant developments .
To ensure plant compliance , adherence to standards is vital . Standards such as
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the 10147 provide guidelines for minimum plant requirements . It is imperative for plant owners and operators to familiarise themselves with these standards and stay updated on revisions and new editions .
Moving forward , the future of plant compliance will require proactive measures , such as conducting regular assessments of installed refrigeration technology , understanding the quantity of refrigerants present in systems and planning for contingencies . It is crucial to anticipate challenges related to refrigerant availability , viability , and potential conversion or replacement requirements . CLA
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Plant owners can develop proactive strategies to safeguard their operations and minimise disruptions by assessing the age of the plant and evaluating its commercial life expectancy . |