SMC upgrades chillers to meet new refrigerant regulations

Plans by the Australian Government are underway to implement restrictions on equipment with high global warming potential (GWP) refrigerant, including the commonly used R-410A (GWP of 2088) and R-134A (GWP of 1430).

Jatinder Masson, Sales Director at SMC Corporation Australia New Zealand, a specialist in automation products, including thermo-chillers, commented on the shift.

“While the immediate replacement of existing chiller equipment isn’t required, businesses should start planning for upgrades to ensure future compliance with these regulations,” Masson said.

“Thermo-chillers, for example, are commonly used, durable products that are regularly used on the factory floor. Because of its regular use and long service life, switching to a greener alternative will bring greater benefits in the long run.”

In line with this mandate, Masson said SMC has developed its new chiller product range with low GWP refrigerant R454C (GWP of 148) and the natural CO₂ refrigerant R744 (non-F-Gas). The following chillers have been upgraded to meet these requirements: the HRSF, HRSF150-200, HRLF, HRRF and HRSC series.

• The HRSF Standard Type is now available with low GWP refrigerant chiller.  This compact HRS series now comes complete with R454C refrigerant (GWP of 148) while still delivering on a temperature stability of +/-0.1°C.
• The HRSF 150-200 is now available with low GWP refrigerant chiller. This series now comes complete with refrigerant R454C (GWP of 148), a large cooling capacity of up to 20 kW, and an IPX4 rating for outdoor installation. This series requires no additional heating, as the circulating fluid is warmed using only the heat exhausted by the refrigerating circuit.
• The HRLF Dual Thermo-Chiller for Lasers is now available with low GWP refrigerant chiller. Temperatures for two separate fluid channels can be controlled individually by one chiller, using the refrigerant R454C (GWP of 148).
• The HRRF Rack Type is now available with low GWP refrigerant chiller. This space-saving solution is now compliant with refrigerant R454C (GWP of 148).
• The HRSC is now available with natural type CO₂ refrigerant R744. Equipped with an invertor compressor, the HRSC series is claimed to provide a 24% reduction in power consumption. By using the natural CO₂ refrigerant R744, it is possible to transport this thermos-chiller by air freight.

Looking ahead, Masson believes that further modifications to other thermos-chiller series will soon be in the works.