MTL Cool launches R441A fridge

CANADA: MTL Cool has now launched a new series of energy-saving commercial refrigeration units that run on the new hydrocarbon blend refrigerant R441A.

A prototype refrigerated display unit using the recently EPA-approved refrigerant was first shown in June at the FMI Connect 2015 show in Chicago.

The Quebec-based manufacturer began testing the new gas, also known as HCR188C, in April. A blend of ethane (R170), isobutane (R600a), propane (R290) and butane (R600), the refrigerant was cleared for use in the US earlier this year following its listing on the EPA’s Significant New Alternatives Policy (SNAP) Programme.

MTL Cool report improved efficiencies compared to traditional units running on either R134 or R290. Test results released on one of the new products claim a 17% lower charge, a faster pull-down time and a 17% energy saving compared to R290.

“We are also tweaking the design for full production units, reducing the sizing of the coils compared to what’s used for propane,” commented MTL Cool president, Mark Bedard. “Reducing the surface area of the coils means even less charge is needed, creating another way that use of the multi-blend hydrocarbon saves money.”

HCR188C/R441A was developed over a number of years by AS Trust and Holdings of Hawaii. Richard Maruya, president of A. S. Trust, confirms, “In many of my own tests I noticed a quicker pull-down time versus other refrigerants such as pure propane. This is why I went to use of a multi-blend hydrocarbon; faster cooling, as well as using a smaller volume of coolant, contributes to using less energy.”

MTL Cool develops R441A fridge – June 4, 2015CANADA: MTL Cool will be demonstrating a refrigerated display unit operating with hydrocarbon refrigerant blend R441A at the forthcoming FMI Connect 2015 show in Chicago. Read more…

TEGA gains rights to hydrocarbon blends – April 21, 2015GERMANY: TEGA has received exclusive rights to blend and distribute two new hydrocarbon refrigerants. Read more…

Hydrocarbon blends bound for Asia – April 8, 2014JAPAN: Global Eco Innovations (GEI), an energy-savings sales and consulting company, is to help distribute the hydrocarbon refrigerants R441A and R443A in Asia. Read more…