NEW ALBANY, Miss. — Master-Bilt®, manufacturer of a full line of commercial refrigeration equipment, has introduced its new Alternative Industrial Refrigerant (AIR) Initiative which outlines the use of hydrofluoroolefin (HFO) blended refrigerants and foaming agents to meet the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) Significant New Alternative Policy (SNAP) guidelines.

A blended refrigerant is a combination of two or more single component refrigerants that can significantly reduce global warming potential (GWP) when compared to traditional hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). The new refrigerants are approved and supported by major component manufacturers and have similar energy efficiency and performance characteristics of HFCs. The blends are non-volatile and non-flammable and can easily be retrofitted into existing coolers and freezers. Replacement compressors use existing technology and are readily available. Master-Bilt’s new AIR Initiative blends continue to use current standard thermostatic expansion valves as well as current filter driers and solenoid valves.

“The AIR Initiative by Master-Bilt is the simplest, safest, and most efficient route for customers as the industry transitions to accommodate EPA guidelines,” said Jack McDonald, vice president of marketing and business development for Standex Refrigerated Solutions Group.

Master-Bilt’s AIR Initiative blended refrigerant will be transitioned into walk-in and remote refrigeration systems coolers and freezers in 2017 and refrigeration merchandisers, reach-ins, and cabinets in 2018. Freezer merchandisers, reach-ins, and cabinets will convert to the new refrigerant in 2019, and polyurethane walk-in panel freezers and coolers will also convert in 2019.

For more information, visit http://master-bilt.com/products/refrigeration-systems.

Publication date: 12/1/2015

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