Last March, following the breakdown of its refrigeration system, Mr. Pollin, Technical Manager of the Leonidas plant at Anderlecht, Belgium, elected to replace the damaged compressor with a unit designed for HFCs with a view to phasing out R-22 by the end of 2009.After a presentation of replacement solutions for R-22 and technical advice from Climalife, Leonidas chose Forane® 427A because the performance of this HFC mix came close to that of R-22.
The installation dating from 1987 is equipped with a semi-airtight 15 CV Frascold compressor with a 35 kW refrigeration output.
Leonidas, the world-famous Belgian chocolateer, has converted the refrigeration unit in the final tunnel of its chocolate production line to Forane® 427A.
Last March, following the breakdown of its refrigeration system, Mr. Pollin, Technical Manager of the Leonidas plant at Anderlecht, Belgium, elected to replace the damaged compressor with a unit designed for HFCs with a view to phasing out R-22 by the end of 2009.
After a presentation of replacement solutions for R-22 and technical advice from Climalife, Leonidas chose Forane® 427A because the performance of this HFC mix came close to that of R-22.
The installation dating from 1987 is equipped with a semi-airtight 15 CV Frascold compressor with a 35 kW refrigeration output.
In order not to interrupt production, Mr. Bouazza and Mr. Ismali, the plant’s Refrigeration Technicians, are switching chocolate production to a multi-functional line during normal servicing.
The conversion starts by recovering the R-22 in the installation followed by a vacuum run. If there is no pollution in the line no further cleaning is necessary.
The new Frascold compressor pre-filled with POE oil is installed, after which an oil replacement is scheduled to convert any residual oil. The dehumidifier filters, solenoid valves and fluid indicators are changed. Thirty kilos of Forane® 427A are loaded from a 61-litre tank.
The pressure regulator is not replaced but superheating is adjusted to compensate for the temperature range of the new Forane® 427A fluid (mix) and to maintain the same refrigeration output. As a last stage, the technicians check the HP/BP safety units before restarting the installation.
The 34 kg of recovered R-22 are sent to Climalife for reprocessing.
Cold battery and ventilation housing
The operation has been a real success. The Leonidas team is satisfied and anticipates converting the 29 other refrigeration units in its production line to Forane® 427A by 2009 as part of their environmental policy.
Comparative results for R-22 / Forane® 427A
|
Units |
R-22 |
Forane® 427A |
|
| Installation load |
kg |
34 |
30 |
| Evaporation temperature |
°C |
– 4 |
– 4 |
| Evaporation pressure |
bar |
3,4 |
3,6 |
| Air temperature at tunnel exit |
°C |
5 |
5 |
| Condensation temperature |
°C |
44 |
40 |
| Condensation pressure |
bar |
15,8 |
15 |
| Refrigeration output |
kW |
35 |
35 |
Author : Delphine Martin