Precision Pioneers New Eco-friendly HFO Refrigerant

Foodservice refrigerant of the future – now available on all Precision refrigerator models

The foodservice industry has been looking for refrigerants that are greener than traditional HFC refrigerants but also safer than hydrocarbons.  British commercial refrigeration manufacturer Precision has been working with Honeywell on a new HFO-based refrigerant that is not only safer than hydrocarbon, but also has an even lower GWP (Global Warming Potential).

Following extensive tests, Precision is to offer the refrigerant as an option across its refrigerated storage range, from under counter cabinets to blast chillers.

The new HFO refrigerant is called Solstice ze, R1234ze.  It has an ultra-low GWP of less than one – compared to R134a, which has a GWP of 1430, and Hydrocarbon R290, which has a GWP of three.  Its ODP (ozone depletion potential) is zero.  Its atmospheric life is only 18 days, which is much lower than the 13 years for R134a.

It is a safer alternative to hydrocarbon, too. Solstice ze is only mildly flammable above 30°C, as opposed to hydrocarbons which are highly flammable.  Even at 54°C it will take 61000 to 64000mJ of energy to ignite Solstice ze, whereas Hydrocarbon R290 takes only 0.25mJ.

“We’ve been trialling Solstice ze for several months,” says Nick Williams, managing director of Precision.  “It performs as well as, if not better than, traditional refrigerants like R134a and hydrocarbon R290. It runs particularly well in high ambient conditions, which is ideal for the foodservice industry.

“HFOs like Solstice ze are more environmentally friendly than traditional refrigerants such as R134a and safer than hydrocarbons: they are the foodservice refrigerants of the future.”

Precision is currently trialling another low GWP HFO blend refrigerant, which is designed for freezer storage.

For more information check out the Precision website (www.precision-refrigeration.co.uk), or call the company directly on +44 (0)1842 753 994.