Refrigerant, branded ‘eCO₂’, offers sustainable sourcing and lower moisture content than current offerings, distributor claims

In a first for the UK, A-Gas has launched a new high specification carbon dioxide refrigerant, produced sustainably from waste sugar beet and therefore claiming better ‘sustainable sourcing’ credentials than industrially produced CO₂ options.

Known as “e CO₂”, this product is UK-sourced, has excellent thermodynamic properties and sets the standard for those looking for a green alternative to HFC gases like R22, commonly used in these industries, A-Gas says.

The cooling industry has known for several years that R22 is being phased out, but the recent amendments to the F-Gas Regulations will see use of HFC refrigerants with a GWP of 2500 being restricted in future. Many retrofit refrigerants also fail the F-Gas test, soA-Gas believes eCO₂ will provides an alternative for those looking for a sustainable option.

Like traditional refrigerant grade CO₂, eCO₂ hasa low environmental impact with zero Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP) and a Global Warming Potential (GWP) of 1. However, thanks to its ultra-low moisture content, eCO₂ is certified to exceed refrigeration grade specification. Low moisture content and high purity enable the refrigerant to work more reliably, which in turn extends the life of equipment.

A-Gas Operations Manager Rob Parker said: “The X Factor for e CO₂ is the sustainable way it is produced. Most CO₂ refrigerants are recovered from dirty industrial processes which are far from green in their methods. e CO₂ is a by-product of bioethanol production from waste sugar beet – using crops not destined for sugar production. This is a first for A-Gas and the UK market, as aCO₂ refrigerant produced from waste sugar beet has never been on sale before on a commercial basis. e CO₂ can beused in a range of applications but it is particularly suitable for supermarket refrigerant systems, as its green credentials give it stand out qualities in an industry where reducing the carbon footprint is high on the list of priorities.”

e CO₂ is recovered from the natural fermentation of the sugar beet crop. Bioethanol production is a highly integrated and sustainable local operation with the sugar beet crop sourced close to the factory.  The waste beet does not compete with other food sources and, as part of the process, raw carbon dioxide is recovered, so no newCO₂ enters the atmosphere.

eCO₂ is available from A-Gas whole sale partners in a range of portable cylinders for standard use and manifold packs and Dewar cylinders for larger installations.

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