CO2 for larger units
Most of the medium-temperature glass-door cases displayed at the ISA booth incorporate CO2, though one uses propane. The Italian manufacturer, which markets these units in Europe, was showing them in the U.S. for the first time, noted Alessandro Pedini, export sales manager, North America, Far East and Australia. They are undergoing UL- and NSF- certification.
Asked why he largely opted for CO2 rather than hydrocarbons, Pedini explained that for the larger units, the 150-gram maximum on hydrocarbons was insufficient. “We only use hydrocarbons in small applications,” he said.
If more than 150 grams were permitted, there would be concerns in the U.S., about hydrocarbons’ flammability, he said.
hydrocarbons21.com found two other booths with CO2 products
For example, Danfoss featured a high-pressure cartridge control switch for CO2, designed to safely shut down a compressor when pressures get too high in a glass-door merchandiser.
At its booth, Carel showcased a beverage cooler along with an accompanying controller configurable for CO2 applications.
CO2 ice makers on the way
ITV Ice Makers has separate prototypes for CO2 and ammonia, said Ronald Tellis, service manager. “We have them in Spain and we’re ready for the U.S., depending on when the EPA makes its [HFC delisting] decision.”
In Spain, ITV sells CO2 ice makers to the 100 Montaditos quick-service restaurant chain.
Brema is switching all of its commercial ice makers from R404A to CO2 or propane, according to Alex Dumaine, regional sales manager for Eurodib, a Canadian distributor for Brema.
“R&D is starting this year and we are already testing prototypes in Milan,” he said at Brema’s booth at The NAFEM Show. The new line will be showcased at the HOST Show in Milan this October.
The natural-refrigerant-based ice makers will be sold in the U.S., with the type of refrigerant based on region, said Dumaine.
