The Evolution of Refrigerants in Chillers Frigel's Commitment to Safe and Sustainable Cooling Solutions

The phase-out of high Global Warming Potential (GWP) refrigerants has driven the industry towards alternative gases that meet both environmental regulations and new safety standards. As concerns around climate impact grow and regulations tighten, manufacturers must carefully balance performance, safety, and sustainability when selecting refrigerants for cooling systems. One of the most debated topics in this transition is flammability levels and the associated regulatory requirements.

Frigel, a leading chiller manufacturer based in Florence, Italy, has taken a strategic approach with its latest product line, offering two distinct refrigerant options: R-513A (non-flammable) and R-290 (natural/flammable propane). This decision reflects Frigel’s commitment to safety, sustainability, and efficiency, providing customers with tailored solutions to meet their specific operational needs.

The “Safety” Choice: Non-Flammable R-513A

Frigel’s decision to use R-513A highlights its significant advantages over alternative mildly flammable refrigerants, such as R-454B.

R-513A has an A1 safety rating under the ASHRAE 34 Standard, meaning it is non-flammable. In contrast, R-454B has an A2L rating, signifying low flammability. This fundamental difference impacts chiller design, operation, and maintenance, making R-513A a safer and more straightforward choice for many applications.

By selecting R-513A, Frigel ensures:

• Compliance with current environmental regulations while maintaining high safety standards.
• Minimal fire risk, as it does not ignite in the event of leaks or accidental sparks.
• Simplified installation and maintenance, reducing the need for additional safety precautions.
• Lower staff training costs, as technicians do not require specialist flammable substance handling certification.

Although R-454B may offer marginal energy efficiency gains, these differences can be offset through advanced chiller design. Frigel’s engineering expertise ensures that chillers using R-513A deliver a balance of efficiency, safety, and sustainability, making them ideal for businesses that prioritise reliability without compromising performance.

The “Natural” Choice: Propane (R-290)

For those seeking the lowest possible GWP, propane (R-290) presents a highly sustainable solution. As a natural hydrocarbon refrigerant, R-290 offers an extremely low GWP, making it one of the most environmentally friendly refrigerants available today.

However, R-290 is flammable, which necessitates strict safety measures in design, manufacturing, and operation. Frigel has developed specialised systems to ensure propane can be used safely and effectively, demonstrating a commitment to innovation and sustainability.

By offering propane as an option, Frigel provides customers with:

• A natural, low-GWP refrigerant, supporting global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
• A viable alternative for businesses looking to future-proof their cooling systems with a fully sustainable solution.
• Advanced engineering innovations to mitigate flammability risks while maximising performance and efficiency.

Frigel’s Decision Framework

Frigel’s focus on R-513A and R-290 was driven by a detailed analysis of market demands, regulatory frameworks, and technological advancements.

• R-513A provides a non-flammable, high-performance option, ensuring safety and compliance with current regulations.
• R-290 represents the future of low-GWP cooling, offering an ultra-sustainable choice for companies willing to invest in safety measures.

By aligning its chiller range with environmental responsibility and safety, Frigel delivers market-leading solutions that cater to both safety-conscious industries and those prioritising sustainability.

Frigel & Summit Process Cooling: A Partnership for the Future

Frigel has been a global innovator in high-performance cooling solutions for over 50 years, specialising in advanced process cooling and temperature control technologies for industries such as Plastics & Rubber, Food & Beverage, and Power Generation.

Summit Process Cooling is proud to be the UK distributor for Frigel’s world-class chillers and process cooling equipment. Since partnering with Frigel in 2017, Summit has successfully delivered high-efficiency cooling systems, ranging from individual chilled water units to full turnkey projects.

By combining Frigel’s technological expertise with Summit’s industry knowledge and customer support, this partnership ensures that UK businesses have access to cutting-edge cooling solutions that are safe, sustainable, and future-ready.

For more information on The Evolution of Refrigerants in Chillers Frigel's Commitment to Safe and Sustainable Cooling Solutions talk to Summit Process Cooling