Frigel, a leading chiller manufacturer based in Florence, Italy, has made a strategic decision in its latest product line, to be launched shortly, offering two distinct refrigerant options: R-513A non-flammable and R290 natural/flammable. This choice reflects their commitment to sustainability, safety, and performance, ensuring that customers can select the best solution for their needs.

The “Safety” Choice: Non-flammable R-513A

The large list of advantages of non-flammable over the alternative mildly flammable refrigerants in chillers, as R454B, are extremely important to understand the choice.

Frigel’s choice: R-513A, is a low-GWP refrigerant, maintaining an A1, non-flammable, safety rating under the ASHRAE 34 Standard. In comparison, R454B maintains an A2L, low flammability, safety rating under the same ASHRAE standards. This fundamental difference in flammability and flame propagation has several implications for the design, operation, and maintenance of chillers.

With this choice, Frigel offers a refrigerant that aligns with current and near-term environmental regulations without compromising on safety.

As it is non-flammable, it considerably reduces the risk of fire in the event of leaks or in situations where sparks may occur. This simplifies the design requirements and safety measures that need to be implemented in the installation and operation of chillers.

Another significant advantage is the reduced complexity in maintenance and staff training. When handling a non-flammable refrigerant such as R-513A, technicians do not need special training in handling flammable substances, which can reduce costs and minimise downtime during maintenance.

In terms of performance, although R454B may offer greater energy efficiency in some applications, the difference in performance can be overcome through effective and innovative design.

Frigel conclude that, chillers using R-513A offer a balance between energy efficiency, safety, and sustainability, making them an attractive option for projects where safety is prioritised without compromising performance.

The “Natural” Choice: Propane (R-290)

Propane, a natural hydrocarbon, presents an alternative with an even much lower GWP than R-513A, making it one of the most environmentally friendly refrigerants available. However, its flammability necessitates rigorous safety measures in the design, manufacturing, and operation of chillers.

Frigel is committed to developing systems that safely accommodate propane, recognising that the environmental benefits far outweigh the challenges posed by its flammability.

By offering propane as an option, Frigel provide customers with a truly sustainable choice that supports global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The Decision Framework

Frigel's decision to focus on R-513A and propane was guided by a comprehensive analysis of market demands, regulatory requirements, and technological advancements.

The choice of R-513A reflects our commitment to providing a reliable, non-flammable option that meets current safety standards, while propane represents our dedication to leading the industry in environmental sustainability.

Conclusion

Frigel’s latest generation of chillers, to be launched soon, represents a significant step forward in balancing environmental responsibility with safety. By offering both R-513A and propane, they ensure that customers have access to cutting-edge solutions that meet their specific needs, whether they prioritise safety or sustainability. As they continue to innovate, Frigel remains committed to delivering high-performance chillers that align with our values and the evolving needs of the global market.

About Summit Process Cooling & Frigel

Frigel is a global innovator in high-performance, sustainable, and precisely engineered solutions for process cooling and temperature control. With over 50 years of experience, Frigel specialises in advanced cooling technologies that cater to industries such as Plastics & Rubber, Food & Beverage, and Power Generation & Transmission. Their products are designed to surpass the performance of traditional cooling towers and central chiller systems, providing superior uptime, efficiency, and accuracy.

Summit Process Cooling is proud to support the UK's process cooling industry by supplying the globally renowned range of chillers and process cooling equipment from Frigel. Since partnering with Frigel in 2017, Summit Systems has been able to deliver advanced temperature control solutions, including individual chilled water systems and complete turnkey projects.