AMChill ultra-low-charge ammonia chiller
KGM Refrigeration Ltd has installed the world's first pilot of a new type of ultra-low-charge ammonia chiller at Sterling Pharma Solutions' site in Cramlington, Northumberland. The AMChill packaged chiller operates with an ultra-low charge of ammonia, made possible by a new design that overcomes the need for a flooded evaporator.
Based on highly reliable open-drive BITZER W-series compressors optimised for use with ammonia, the chiller is designed for rooftop mounting without the need for expensive risk mitigation measures, such as high-capacity exhaust ventilation, required in plant room applications. The chiller's light weight and compact dimensions enable it to be easily transported onto rooftops without the use of a crane via a standard lift, saving installation time and cost.
Charge reduction is key to the chiller's innovative design. Flooded evaporators on conventional ammonia chillers require a large reservoir of liquid ammonia. The new chiller works with very low superheat, maximising efficiency. This approach, coupled with minimised pipework, reduces the ammonia charge by around 75%.
Proven performance and reliability
The project at Sterling Pharma Solutions' site in Cramlington has proved the chiller's performance and reliability. The 150 kW ultra-low-charge AMChill packaged chiller provides supplementary cooling for existing process refrigeration plant. The pilot is part of a wider environmental programme by Sterling aimed at achieving carbon-neutral status for the site.
The chiller is available in three sizes, spanning capacities from 100 kW to 150 kW (based on an outlet temperature of +6°C), and is ideal for use in pharmaceutical and industrial process cooling, cold stores, plastics manufacturing and for cooling industrial machine tools.
- High energy efficiency
- Low charge of ammonia
- Future-proof against F-gas restrictions
- Reduced running costs
With the challenges posed by the recently revised F-gas regulations, rooftop-mounted, ultra-low-charge packaged ammonia chillers offer compelling benefits. These chillers have the potential to replace synthetic refrigerants in mainstream applications, addressing both industry and global environmental concerns.
