Natural refrigerants are no longer absent from modern cooling technology. They are future-proof, energy-efficient and have a low environmental impact. For companies investing in a new cooling or freezing system, choosing the right refrigerant is therefore an important part of the design process.
At Abeelen Koudetechniek, we use natural refrigerants such as ammonia, CO₂, propane and butane as much as possible in new industrial installations. Which solution is best depends on your application, temperature range, power, safety requirements and operating process.
Why choose natural refrigerants?
The refrigerant market has changed significantly in recent years. Many synthetic refrigerants are increasingly being restricted or phased out. As a result, companies are looking for solutions that are technically and legally future-proof.
Natural refrigerants are naturally found and have a much lower impact on the environment than many traditional synthetic refrigerants. As such, they are a logical choice for companies that want to make their cooling system more sustainable.
Ammonia, CO₂, propane and butane
Van Abeelen works extensively with four natural refrigerants: ammonia, CO₂, propane and butane. Each refrigerant has its own characteristics. Ammonia is strong in industrial installations with high capacities. CO₂ is suitable for a wide range of cooling and freezing applications and has a very low GWP value. Propan is widely used in energy-efficient chillers and heat pumps. Butane is particularly interesting for compact cooling systems and specific heat pump applications. Which solution is best determined based on efficiency, capacity, temperature range and safety.
| Coolant | Also known as | Frequently used application |
|---|---|---|
| Ammonia | NH₃ | Industrial cooling and freezing systems |
| CO₂ | R744 | Cooling, freezing installations and pumping systems |
| Propane | R290 | Chillers, heat pumps and compact systems |
| Butane | R600 | Compact cooling systems and specific heat pump applications |
Combinations of natural refrigerants
Within a single installation, different natural refrigerants can also be combined. This is done, for example, in a cascade installation with ammonia (NH₃) and CO₂. The installation then consists of two separate refrigerant circuits that operate within their own temperature range.
In an NH₃/CO₂ cascade, ammonia is typically used for the higher temperature process and CO₂ for the lower temperature process. This optimally utilizes the properties of both refrigerants. Depending on the application, this can result in high efficiency, reliable performance, and a limited refrigerant volume.
Based on the process, the desired temperature range, capacity, and safety requirements, our engineers determine whether one refrigerant or a combination of natural refrigerants is the best solution.
Not every refrigerant is suitable everywhere
Choosing the right refrigerant is a case-by-case matter. It’s not just about sustainability; it also involves safety, efficiency, maintenance, installation size, and the environment in which the installation will be located.
That’s why we always start the process. What needs to be cooled or frozen? What temperatures are needed? How stable must the installation be? And what requirements apply regarding legislation, safety, and business continuity?
Responsible phasing out of synthetic refrigerants
Does your company still have an installation with synthetic refrigerants? Then it is wise to plan ahead in time. Availability, costs and regulations can have an impact on maintenance and operational reliability.
Van Abeelen helps with advice regarding replacement, conversion, or phased sustainability measures. Sometimes a new installation is the best choice. In other cases, a temporary solution or a hybrid approach may be more interesting.
Advantages of natural refrigerants
- Lower environmental impact
- Future-proofed against changing regulations
- Suitable for energy-efficient designs
- Widely applicable in industry, food and logistics
- Good to combine with heat recovery