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Feature
REFRIGERANTS : FROM MONTREAL TO KIGALI
Compiled by Eamonn Ryan
While useful , refrigerants are considered to be a significant contributing factor in global warming and so advancement in technology has brought about the initiation of environment-friendly refrigerants .
Refrigerants play an essential role in cooling . Refrigerant gases used in all refrigeration systems are classified as natural or synthetic . Ammonia , carbon dioxide and propane are the most widely used natural refrigerants due to their excellent thermodynamic properties . Of all refrigerants applied today , ammonia and CO 2 are the oldest that have been used since the
19th century .
AMMONIA USAGE IN COMMERCIAL COLD STORES IS INCREASING In recent years , there has been a noticeable surge in the utilisation of ammonia as a refrigerant across various industries .
Notably , ammonia emerges as a cost-effective alternative , particularly for larger capacity cooling applications , owing to its lower operational expenses , says Zayd Fredericks , industrial refrigeration representative at Metraclark .
He explains that Metraclark has witnessed a significant increase in demand for ammonia-related equipment . According to Fredericks , this uptick in demand aligns with the growing need for efficient refrigeration solutions , especially among companies involved in cold storage , logistics , breweries , poultry and retail distribution centres .
The reason for choosing ammonia system cooling solutions can be attributed to its cost-efficiency , especially in the face of rising energy costs . Unlike traditional refrigerants like Freon , which may have lower initial capital costs but higher operational expenses , the running costs associated with ammonia are substantially lower . This cost advantage makes it an attractive option for businesses seeking to optimise their operational expenditures in the long term .
“ Despite the higher initial investment required for installing ammonia-based systems , the potential for long-term savings outweighs this drawback for many businesses . While consulting engineers often face challenges in convincing clients to invest in equipment upgrades due to concerns over upfront costs , the cost-effectiveness of ammonia presents a compelling case for consideration ,” he adds .
The trend towards increased adoption of ammonia as a refrigerant is not limited to a specific industry or geographic region ,
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1 . Zayd Fredericks , industrial refrigeration representative at Metraclark .
2 . Werner Terblanche of A-Gas South Africa .
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says Fredericks . “ This growth trajectory is expected to continue , driven primarily by the economic benefits and operational efficiencies offered by this natural refrigerant .”
Beyond mere sales , Fredericks emphasises understanding the benefits of ammonia , particularly in long-term operational efficiency . According to their observations , major cold storage players are strategic in their decision-making processes , indicating that the shift towards ammonia is not impulsive but rather a carefully planned endeavour .
The rationale behind this strategic shift varies across different sectors . While food security emerges as a primary concern for cold storage facilities , breweries and dairies , the beverage industry operates on a more predictable growth trajectory driven by consumer demand . This dichotomy underscores the importance of cultural and economic factors in shaping industry preferences .
Despite limited information on specific projects , anecdotal evidence suggests a notable uptick in interest , potentially fuelled by legislative changes such as those in the EU mandating lower storage temperatures for perishable goods , as well as phasedown regulations in terms of the Kigali Amendment favouring natural refrigerants .
Furthermore , the expansion of refrigeration capacity , particularly in sectors like citrus production , highlights the broader economic implications of refrigeration trends . While
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