All cool, freeze and air-conditioning installations contain refrigerant. A refrigerant is a compound used as a medium for conveying heat or cold. There are two main types of refrigerants:
- Synthetic refrigerants: (H)CFK’s and HFK’s.
- Natural refrigerants: Ammonia, CO2 and Propane.
However, most plants operate on synthetic refrigerants. They possess the properties to optimally run a plant however they have one huge disadvantage; they can leak which in turn causes damage to the environment. To read more about the phasing out of chlorine based refrigerants (H)CFK’s or to read more about the disadvantages of these HFK refrigerants, click here for more information.
The use of natural refrigerants such as ammonia (NH3), CO2 and hydrocarbons has increased sharply. The use of natural refrigerants in installations means these agents do not directly contribute to the greenhouse effect and can achieve energy savings of up to 25% when compared to synthetic refrigerants.
Another advantage of the use of a natural refrigerant is that the purchase cost of this product is lower than the synthetic refrigerants, and there are no restrictions expected in the future.
A natural refrigerant such as CO2 is seen as the ‘refrigerant’ for the future, due to its good physical properties, mainly its high refrigerant capacity. This is also encouraged by government tax subsidy.
GE Solutions has the expertise to realize the most diverse projects in the refrigeration industry using natural refrigerants. We are happy to help with the switch to this solution for the future.
Contact us for more information or an appointment for opportunities within your organization.
