Azane to demonstrate the benefits of low charge ammonia refrigeration at RETA conference ahead of October’s deal on global HFC phase-down

With the world’s efforts focused on the battle against global warming following the ratification of the Paris climate change agreement by the US and China earlier this month, as well as the upcoming international talks to phase-down HFCs and the fast moving regulatory environment in the United States,  the surge in demand for low charge ammonia refrigeration solutions is expected to continue.

Leading US manufacturer  Azane Inc, will present their pre-engineered family of modular air cooled, low charge ammonia packaged units at the RETA National Conference in Las Vegas next month. The event is one of the largest refrigeration conferences in the world dedicated to the professional development of the industrial refrigeration industry, helping operators and technicians to keep up to date with new trends while honing their skills

In line with this year’s RETA’s 2016 National Conference theme, “All in for education”, Azane Inc is due to demonstrate the benefits offered by low charge ammonia refrigeration solutions, offering practical technical advice on the lessons learned from recent installations at some of the world’s largest corporations facilities .

Caleb Nelson, Azane’s Vice President Business Development, said, “we will focus on demonstrating the benefits of low-charge ammonia refrigeration technology to the hands-on, contracting crowd, the ones who actually ‘get their hands dirty’ when it comes to installing the refrigeration systems.”

By sharing Azane’s developments and international experience in low charge ammonia, Nelson hopes to advocate for the technology as the global environmental and legislative landscape becomes more stringent, “If the country’s muddle of regulatory requirements for facilities using refrigeration systems, including the phase out of ozone depleting refrigerant R22, OSHA’s increased focus on ammonia charge restrictions, EPA’s  new national inspection and enforcement  initiatives, as well as the recently introduced policies adopted by the Department of Justice (DOJ), are not enough to convince end users to make the switch to future proof, hurdle- free low charge ammonia,  perhaps the increased  pressure coming from the global community to fight climate change will”, he said.

Nelson referred to the global agreement on phasing down HFC production and consumption which is expected to be reached at October’s international talks in Rwanda, on 8-14 October. Reducing HFCs under the Montreal Protocol can avoid 0.5°C of global warming by the end of the century, according to the United Nations Environmental Programme.

The Paris climate deal is now likely to become a reality by the end of 2016, after Obama agreed to ratify the agreement on the eve of G20 summit in Hangzhou. This will consequently impact US policies on greenhouse gas emissions and put more pressure on the reduction of controversial chemical refrigerants, which are known to cause global warming and water contamination among other environmental issues.

Natural refrigerants are in turn expected to play a vital role in achieving COP21 targets and Nelson hopes that “it will accelerates the growing dominance of market ready alternatives such as low-charge ammonia cooling technology”.

Nelson, said, “Without question, low charge patent-free ammonia systems are the future of industrial refrigeration. By making the switch to compact, air-cooled packaged solutions, not only would these allow for a more environmentally aware industrial refrigeration landscape, they would improve on-site safety, enhance productivity and reduce operational costs.”

The company has been at the forefront of the low-charge ammonia revolution for many years. Azane’s low charge ammonia Azanechiller and Azanefreezer are proven to offer up to 95% reduction in ammonia charge while offering up to 20% energy savings compared to traditional ammonia systems and HFC systems.

 Nelson said, “The low charge nature of our systems possibly impacts the installers more than anyone else, so by highlighting the benefits to them, which ultimately are directed at the owner, should make the conference an important milestone in accelerating the full market acceptance of modern, low charge ammonia systems.”

Azane packaged units are built in a factory environment instead of on-site. The systems are then shipped to site for simple plug and play installation.  They have the flexibility to be installed outdoors on the ground level or on the roof and do not require an indoor machinery room.  Safety is also dramatically increased with up to 95% charge reductions, while maintenance is decreased due to air-cooled condensing, automatic oil return and simplified system architecture. 

 The units not only bring huge benefit to installers; business owners also reap the rewards. The factory environment allows for a cleaner, more precise construction while it does not interfere with the facility construction projects on-site. Overall construction schedules and costs are significantly reduced as expensive machinery rooms, controls and ventilation systems are not applicable.  Reduced maintenance helps to drive down the total cost of ownership and reduces safety risks even further. In addition, the systems offer little to no “off-site consequence” due to very small ammonia charges, reducing liability while offering insurance benefits. Finally, the facility can regain its internal square footage that would otherwise have been used to house a refrigeration system.  This space can be used instead for production, operations, or product storage. 

2016 RETA National Conference is set to take place at the Rio Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada, on 4-7 October.

To find out more about Azane and their ground-breaking products that make both environmental and business sense, visit the website: http://www.azane-inc.com

Astrid Prado
PR & Marketing Manager
Star Refrigeration
Thornliebank Industrial Estate
G46 8JW
Glasgow
T: 0044 (0) 141 638 7916
e: aprado@star-ref.co.uk 

Azane is a world-leading manufacturer specializing in low charge ammonia refrigeration solutions. Azane’s range of packaged chillers and freezers operate using low-charge ammonia – a natuarally occurring refrigerant with zero ozone depletion potential and zero global warming potential. Azane are part of the Star Refrigeration Group and manufacture for the US market in Chambersburg, PA.

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