Italian manufacturers Dorin, Arneg and SCM Frigo have all become gold partners on the R744.com marketplace for CO2 (R744) cooling and heat-pump products, upgrading from silver.

Dorin, with over a century of experience history of manufacturing compressors, started developing CO2 compressors 30 years ago.

OEM Arneg produces a range of transcritical refrigeration racks, from the small Mini Booster to the industrial-sized BoosterXL, as well as remote cabinets for CO2 systems.

SCM Frigo has a wide portfolio of R744 products, including subcritical and transcritical racks, cascade systems and chillers.

Dorin expanding R744 to new applications

Dorin has a broad portfolio of CO2 compressors, from smaller subcritical models to larger models like the award-winning CD600. The CD600 is a 6-cylinder semi-hermetic compressor with a flow rate up to 53.2m3/h (1,878.7ft3/h), and motor power from 50 to up to 80HP.  Suitable for both commercial and industrial applications, it is  the largest compressor of its kind, according to Dorin.

The latest development from Dorin is a series of CO2 compressors for mobile HVAC applications like e-buses and railways. These BOXÉR compressors were introduced to the world at the 2019 Busworld expo and officially launched earlier this year after a period of testing and improvement.

The BOXÉR compressors have a compact and symmetric design. Their height of 235mm (9.24in) is up to 42% less than that of traditional V-shaped compressors of similar capacity. “This makes the BOXÉR range a perfect fit for rooftop installations where compressors must be as compact as possible,” Dorin said.

The BOXER range features cooling capacities from 4 to 28kW (1.1 to 8TR) at an evaporating temperature of 10°C (50°F), and heating capacities of 4 to 23kW (1.1 to 6.5TR) at an evaporating temperature of -20°C (-4°F). The units are inverter driven, with a range from 25Hz to 70Hz.

Arneg’s units for small stores

With CO2 refrigeration moving into the small-store market in the last couple of years, Arneg is ready to expand this market with its Mini Booster rack, designed for small- to medium-sized stores.

The Mini Booster can be used for indoor or outdoor applications, with optional soundproofing and a frame that can store up to six compressors. Its cooling capacity is up to 94kW (26.7TR) for medium-temperature applications and up to 20kW (5.7TR) for low-temperature applications. It also features heat recovery for domestic hot water and heating systems.

Arneg also offers the even smaller Globo unit, which sports from 14 to 38kW (4 to 10.8TR) of medium-temperature capacity, and 4 to 10kW (1.1 to 2.8TR) of low-temperature capacity.

The latest development from Arneg is the introduction of two new series of cabinets with “superior visibility” and “maximum energy efficiency” designed specially for CO2 refrigeration systems.

The London 4 series are semi-vertical cabinets. They are suitable for “normal-temperature and low-temperature” applications, as well as for “heated, covered shelf, bread or fish counters,” Arneg said on at the launch. The London 4 cabinets are customizable with a range of materials, and have curved, square or chamfered corners.

The Arles series has eliminated metal supports for the cabinet, creating a product where the display is 100% glass. The cabinets are available as serve-over or semi-vertical counters for both assisted sale and self- service.

New SCM Frigo facility meeting CO2 demand

In August, SCM Frigo, responding to the increased demand for CO2 equipment in Europe, opened a new 13,000m2 (139,931ft2) eco-friendly facility housing the company’s headquarters and a manufacturing facility in Sant’Angelo di Piove di Sacco, Italy. The new factory gives SCM Frigo the opportunity to expand its production range to meet demand for a wide spectrum of systems and capacities.

One product experiencing growing demand over the past five years is the CO2 condensing unit. “We manufacture 1,500 to 2,000 units per year, and this is growing,” said Darren Lacroix, International Business Development with SCM Frigo. “There is growing demand, both in Europe and the APAC region.”

The condensing units are best suited for small grocery stores or convenience stores, noted Lacroix. Low-temperature capacities range from 3-10kW (0.85-2.8TR), while medium-temperature capacities span 8-20kW (2.3-5.7TR). Typically one of each is used at a store.