Equipment company Alfa Laval has spoken out

- Published: 26 October, 2007

about the need to address the role refrigerants play in climate change. The company has predicted: "The future of refrigeration will probably revolve around natural refrigerants such as ammonia, which do not constitute a threat to the ozone layer or add to the risk of global warming."

The company is putting its money where its mouth is, by launching a range of industrial refrigeration products that exploit ammonia. Alfa Laval said not only does it not contribute to global warming, but it is energy-efficient and is cheaper than most synthetics.

The first of this new breed of ammonia-friendly heat exchangers is the Airmax 11 NH3 unit cooler, which is designed for use in medium to large cold stores and refrigerated food preparation areas. Featuring a new frame design and coil, the range includes units with capacities ranging from 18 to 160kw all designed for maximum energy efficiency and the lowest possible refrigerant charge.

The secret of this efficiency apparently lies in the coil

pitch, the 16mm stainless steel tubes and the aluminium fins, which provide the actual heat transfer surface.