The NEWS was very busy at the AHR Expo in New York City, visiting as many booths as possible in search of new products. Below is a comprehensive list of all the refrigeration and ice machine products we found on the show floor.

Arkema Inc. showcased its Forane® 427A (R-427A) retrofit refrigerant, which can be used to retrofit many R-22 applications, including air conditioning and low- and medium-temperature refrigeration. The company stated that this refrigerant is the closest match to R-22 in terms of performance, mass flow rates, and operating pressures over the whole range of temperatures among R-22 retrofit solutions.

AWA Armaturenwerk Altenburg GmbH featured its stainless steel rotalock/soldering valves, which are used in the refrigerant circuits of refrigerating plants. They are used for closing, securing, and controlling the mass flow of refrigerants and are operated manually. The different types of connections make it possible to integrate these valves into refrigerant pipelines and to connect them with compressors, tanks, etc. Design features include high-strength and absolutely tight joints, brazed in a protective atmosphere furnace. Each fitting has been subjected to strength and tightness checks.

Bacchus Cellar Systems provides custom cooling and humidifying equipment for commercial and residential wine cellars along with redwood racking and custom layouts. Bacchus’ systems regulate an optimal environment for the long-term preservation of fine wines and feature elegant stainless steel ceiling-mounted units or ducted systems.

ComStar Intl. Inc. exhibited R-443A (HCR188C2), an R-22 replacement. HCR188C2 is a green, natural hydrocarbon (HC) refrigerant with near-zero global warming potential that is non-ozone depleting. According to the company, energy draw tests have shown a 30 percent decrease in power consumption while using only 30-40 percent of the normal R-22 refrigerant charge. R-443A is intended for use in all systems designed to run with R-22 refrigerant and is compatible with all lubricants.

Galileo TP Process Equipment introduced its line Herec K, line Frigus K, line Habilis K, and line Habilis K CO2 refrigerant equipment, and numerous line accessories. The line Herec K is a series of automatic helium recovery systems. The Herec K 75 is designed for low-pressure applications up to 10 bar. It boasts a recovery rate of up to 75 NI/min. The Herec K HP 100 is designed for high-pressure applications up to 100 bar. It offers a recovery rate up to 100 NI/min. The Herec K HP 200 is designed for high-pressure applications up to 100 bar with a recovery rate up to 200 NI/min. All three Herec K models offer recovery efficiencies greater than 85 percent. The line Frigus K is automatic-evacuating and refrigerant-charting equipment, designed for use with hydrocarbons (HCs). The system is available in more than four versions with extra charging filters and metering systems for different refrigerants. The line Habilis K is automatic-evacuating and refrigerant-charging equipment designed for hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), and blends. The system is available in two models, both offering two-sided evacuation and automatic filter disconnection. The Habilis K CO2 is an automatic-evacuating and refrigerant-charging equipment that manages CO2 in any condition (vapor, liquid, or intermediate) and temperature. The company also released numerous accessories including refrigerant fluids transfer pumps, HFC and HC distribution systems, recovery units, and ventilation systems for flammable gases.

Galpa debuted its Dvr recovery machine. It is useful, light, compact, and easy to carry. The textured handle stays cooler in direct sunlight, and its condenser design facilitates efficient heat transfer and lower head pressures. It features individual valve assembly and oil-less compressor for high recovery rates.

Greatstone Intl. Ltd. demonstrated its GLPC Series Liquid Receiver, which comes in nine different models, including the GPLC-433, which offers an installation not limited by angles, corrosion-resistant painting, and the ability to handle a wide variety of refrigerants. It also showed it GLPQ Series Suction Accumulator, which comes in 14 different models. This liquid accumulator separator is designed with internal bend pipes to prevent internal splashing and help the aggregation of oil at the bottom of the separator.

KeepRite Refrigeration introduced Limitrol+, a floating head pressure control system. The unit intelligently responds to ambient conditions to float head pressure without sacrificing system performance at lower temperatures, said the company. It combines variable-speed ECM technology, condenser portioning, and various systems modifications. Applications include condensing units over 5 hp, installations where reduced refrigerant charges are desired or required, and areas with fluctuating ambient temperatures.

Olab, a subsidiary of VOL Industries, released its Olab Lock, a connection system for refrigeration plants, which can be applied to all connection points of refrigeration systems. The components can be easily assembled and disassembled for ease of use, while welding operations were carried out under safety conditions and not directly on the component. It also features full sealing capacity, which is ensured by a special gasket made of a compound expressly developed for these systems.

Parker Hannifin Corp. added more and larger models to its CO Series copper filter-driers. The CO Series product offering is designed to withstand the extreme pressure of transcritical carbon dioxide (R-744) systems while providing complete system protection in a compact design. According to the company, it can handle the industry’s highest pressures capability with maximum rated pressure of 2,250 psig (UL file SA1756). A patent-pending design uses an outer sleeve to provide the high pressure rating and reduce the weight of the product. The added CO-080 models are intended for refrigeration applications up to 10 tons and complement the CO-010 and -020 models for vending machine and beverage-dispensing equipment.

Refrigerant Solutions Ltd. exhibited RS-50 (R-442A), a low global warming potential and higher-efficiency replacement for R-404A. RS-50 is a non-ozone depleting and nonflammable replacement for R-22 in medium- and low-temperature refrigeration applications. According to the company, the efficiency and cooling capacity of RS-50 provides a close match for R-22 in overall system performance. RS-50 can be used to replace R-404A in both new and existing equipment.

Roland Engineering Services LLC displayed the Summit Plus R-22 performance replacement. It is a single component for R-22 air conditioning systems. The product contains proprietary performance additives, and is available in 25-, 125-, or 1,000-pound cylinders. There is no need to change compressor oil and it works with mineral or polyolester (POE) oil. It also can be recycled.

Técnicas Ambientales del Centro, S.L. highlighted a separator for flooded hydrofluorocarbon (HFC)-134a systems. The system is a secondary oil separator in liquid chillers with flooded evaporators.

Trenton Refrigeration introduced the Limitrol+ floating head pressure system. According to the company, Limitrol+ combines variable-speed ECM technology, condenser portioning, and various modifications into a responsive system that floats head pressure, which saves energy and substantially reduces environmental impact through reduced refrigerant use. Suitable for condensing units over 5 hp, Limitrol+ is most effective in environments with fluctuating ambient temperatures.

Vinotemp/Wine Mate debuted the 4510HZD Self-Contained Cooling Unit, which is designed to provide a stable temperature between 50?-65?F — ideal for long-term wine storage. Redesigned with a curved supply grille and front panel, the cooling unit will bring dynamic style to any space. The VINO-4510HZD is fully customizable wine cooling unit, giving users the option to create the ultimate cooling system that caters to individual wine-storage needs. Wine-Mate cooling systems are also designed for storing fine fur, cigars, leather goods, chocolate, and salami. For an additional cost, Wine-Mate systems can be customized for an end user’s exact storage needs.

Publication date: 2/17/2014 

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