R22 phase out affects 2014 figures

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These solutions are also being used during changeover and upgrade periods, and this year the use of temporary equipment has increased due to the R22 phase out.

This is because a temporary solution enables facilities to remain operational with no need for process downtime or costly breaks in production, whilst units are being upgraded or switched out ahead of the phase-out deadline of R22 at the beginning of next year. 

Russell Wilson, Director at temperature control specialist, ICS Cool Energy explains: “We have worked with a number of warehouses looking to expand operations and ensure they are operating efficiently by installing temporary measures; most recently we have recently worked with a Felixstowe-based storage, distribution and logistics company which delivers fresh produce all year round from its 15 acre site. 

“The company prides itself on its practices and delivering the freshest produce, yet seasonal temperatures influence operations heavily and the facility often needs enhancements to house perishables.”

ICS Cool Energy recommended two 225kW chillers and eight 50kW low temperature air handling units to install in the two warehouses. The high-performance chillers function consistently as a reliable and robust method of cooling. The 5,040m?/hr air flow capable low temperature air handling units’ quick release water connections ensure minimal downtime and disruption to normal site operations.? 

Wilson continues, “Once the temporary units were in place, our engineers ensured that the risk of ‘hot spots’ was minimised, and that the first shipment of produce could be brought directly into the site and stored straight from transit, allowing the warehouse to operate as a central store from which they could distribute. The site can truly boast it is one the leading suppliers of fresh food in the UK.”

With the R22 phase out deadline fast approaching, it is becoming increasingly important for companies throughout the UK to assess their cooling equipment and ensure all units will comply with new legislation. ICS Cool Energy is keeping the industry moving throughout the R22 phase out with its range of temperature controls. 

Wilson continues, “One such nationwide distribution company based on the outskirts of London has decided to discontinue the use of the refrigerant in its cooling plant, and so our engineers have supplied a timely and cost-effective solution, that allows the company to continue its operations, whilst the cooling facilities are brought in line with the legislative change. The have achieve this by removing its reliance on the soon-to-be-redundant gas, and ensuring the business supports a more sustainably ‘green’ practice. 

“We recommended a complete solution to keep the 3,300m? warehouse between 2 and 4 degrees during the transitional period where we switched-out the existing refrigeration system. The solution included four 50kW low temperature fan coils, with a further two 25kW units to ensure that airflow could be maintained at optimum levels throughout the period. The fan coils are fed by two TAEevo 602 chillers, providing the site with reliable and robust cooling that ensures speedy installation and start-up times.

“We made further allowances to account for the site’s varying spatial requirements, as the roof rose from five to nine metres in height, requiring cooling to be positioned high on racking in order to promote efficient air circulation. Our rental team also supplied two 200kVA generators and a 100kVA generator to power each of the cooling plants across the site.”