Cold Link Africa May 2024 | Page 26

PROJECT

INCORPORATING COLD CHAIN

With the above said , the transcritical CO 2 booster unit was still supplied on time in September of 2022 , sticking to the strict timelines , allowing for the facility to be operational as scheduled .

Why a CO 2 refrigeration system ? CO 2 refrigeration systems use carbon dioxide as a refrigerant instead of traditional synthetic refrigerants such as hydrofluorocarbons ( HFCs ) and chlorofluorocarbons ( CFCs ).

CO 2 is naturally occurring and allows for sustainable and energy-efficient refrigeration in everything from warehouses to ice machines .

CO 2 has several unique thermo-physical properties that make it an ideal refrigerant . It has an excellent heat transfer coefficient , high energy content , and is relatively insensitive to pressure losses . In practical applications , CO 2 systems deliver a very high-performance output . The main reasons are superior heat exchange , smaller piping sizes , low pumping power as secondary fluid , and superior heat recovery .

From an environmental perspective , the facility has future proofed itself by going with a CO 2 system , as CO 2 is a very attractive refrigerant with zero ozone depletion potential ( ODP ) and a global warming potential ( GWP ) of 1 . It is a naturally occurring substance and abundant compared to other traditional hydrocarbon refrigerants which carry numbers greater than 4 000 and are gradually being phased out around the world due to their impact on the environment .

We are very grateful for the opportunity to have been a part of this exciting and successful project – well done to all that were involved .

• Heating Centre did the gas coolers and evaporators .

• MetraClark supplied to the contractors .

• The consulting engineer involved was Redline Engineering , Durban .

• SCM Frigo of Italy assisted with the

CO 2

Transcritical booster rack design . CLA

Work commences .

For added efficiency all leading compressors are fitted with variable speed drives to maintain a steady suction on all temperature lines .