The Client –
Dairy Processor, North Of England
The Challenge –
Future Proofed Cooling System
The Solution –
Propane Chiller System Install
Propane chiller technology has ensured a dairy plant in the North of England is not only highly energy efficient but also extremely environmentally friendly.
Our client provides goats’ milk to supermarkets across the UK as well as processing the raw milk into a range of products, including yoghurt, cheese, butter and cream.
When Aqua were commissioned to design a replacement cooling system for their dairy processing facility, future proofing the dairy for the years ahead was a key driver in the decision-making process. This, coupled with the current phase-out of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), led to R290 propane being their refrigerant of choice.
New F-Gas regulations came into effect initially in 2015, designed to control emissions from fluorinated greenhouse gasses (F-gases), including HFCs. The EU’s overall aim is to cut F-gas emissions by two-thirds by 2030, when compared with 2014 levels. By 2020 the use of virgin HFC refrigerants with a Global Warming Potential (GWP) of above 2500 will be banned. This includes previously mainstream refrigerants such as R-404A and R-434A.
Aqua can supply a range of chillers that run on the refrigerant grade propane, R290. Propane refrigerant is 100% natural, has excellent thermodynamic performance, is non-toxic, has a GWP of just 3 and a zero Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP).
The new dairy system looks after the cooling for the entire facility, from the raw milk being offloaded from tankers, through to the processing and bottling stages. Aqua also designed a bespoke galvanised steel gantry frame and staircase, allowing the new equipment to be sited at high level with the area below still accessible. As well as achieving an extremely efficient and high performing system, our client has dramatically reduced their overall carbon footprint as a business.
The full solution includes:
- 2 x R290 propane chillers
- Process tank with hot & cold section
- Inverter driven process pumps
- Full design, mechanical installation & commissioning
- Preventive maintenance contract
“R290 refrigerant is becoming increasingly high profile, especially with clients within the food & beverage sector” explains Aqua Group’s Mike West. “With all the regulatory changes over the last few years, choosing the most suitable refrigerant can be a minefield for both clients and potential customers. It’s our job to make that more straightforward and transparent for customers, helping them to achieve the most efficient and energy effective solution for their specific needs.”
