At the Chillventa trade show in Germany, Italian valve manufacturer Refrigera highlighted new stainless steel changeover valves, launched earlier this year.
What makes it unique is that the same body can be used both for CO2 (R744) and ammonia/NH3 (R717), according to the company.
It was one of the innovations that Refrigera showcased at Chillventa, which took place October 11–13 in Nuremberg.
CO2 valves, which are experiencing a “huge uptake,” comprise 90% of its sales, reported Roberto Sabatino, Chief Operating Officer of Refrigera, during an interview at the trade show.
Another addition to the lineup was a 127mm (5in) connection valve with a marine application paint coating to improve its weather resistance and allow for installation outside of a building.
Refrigera has also improved its valves’ connections by changing suppliers. The connection is now thicker and fits better, which results in making the brazing and welding more effective.
“We are also working to improve the reliability of the product, especially analyzing the friction to lower it and to increase the product’s life cycle,” added Sabatino.
Growing heat pump demand
Refrigera has been receiving many requests from European manufacturers to supply components for heat pumps. Sabatino says Refrigera is paying a lot of attention to this growing market sector, in particular.
According to Sabatino, the company is very proud of its reverse-cycle four-way-valve for transcritical CO2 heat pumps.
Refrigera also displayed a valve range specifically designed for ammonia applications with a rubber compatible with an ammonia install. “From New Zealand to Europe – ammonia is growing a lot,” said Sabatino.
Sabatino also expects significant growth in the propane (R290) market, and the manufacturer already has a dedicated range available with ATEX safety compliance.
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