The SMC Corporation is taking action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and support environmental protection, as plans by the Australian government are introduced 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).
“While the immediate replacement of existing chiller equipment isn’t required, businesses should start planning for upgrades to ensure future compliance with these regulations,” said Jatinder Masson, sales director at SMC Corporation Australia New Zealand.
“In line with this mandate, SMC has developed the new chiller product range with low GWP refrigerant R454C (GWP of 148) and the natural CO₂ refrigerant R744 (non-F-Gas).”
According to Masson, a low GWP refrigerant solution will go a long way in moving towards a greener footprint.
“Thermo-chillers, for example, are commonly used, durable products that are regularly used on the factory floor,” he added.
“Because of its regular use and long service life, switching to a greener alternative will bring greater benefits in the long run.”
Masson says many of SMC’s thermo-chillers now answer to the call for a more environmentally-friendly solution.
“We have upgraded some of our well-known chillers to meet these requirements,” he said, pointing to the HRSF, HRSF150-200, HRLF, HRRF and HRSC series.
- HRSF: standard type, low GWP refrigerant chiller
SMC’s popular, compact HRS series now comes complete with R454C refrigerant (GWP of 148) while still delivering on a temperature stability of +/-0.1∘. Now compliant with new regulations, this popular solution continues to deliver on temperature accuracy and reliability. - HRSF: 150/200 large cooling capacity, low GWP refrigerant chiller
This series now comes complete with an environmentally-friendly refrigerant R454C (GWP of 148), a cooling capacity of up to 20kW, and an IPX4 rated for outdoor installation. This series requires no additional heating, as the circulating fluid is warmed using only the heat exhausted by the refrigerating circuit. - HRRF: rack type, low GWP refrigerant chiller
This space saving solution is now compliant with refrigerant R454C (GWP of 148). - HRLF: dual thermo-chiller for lasers, low GWP refrigerant chiller
Temperatures for two separate fluid channels can be controlled individually by one chiller, using the refrigerant R454C (GWP of 148). - HRSC: natural type CO2 Refrigerant R744
Equipped with an inverter compressor, the HRSC series offers a 24 per cent reduction in power consumption.
In addition, the nature type of CO2 refrigerant 744 makes it 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.
“SMC is continuously innovating to stay ahead of the curve, and this announcement is just another reminder of this,” Masson concluded.
