INDUSTRIAL REFRIGERATION
The small fl uid choice
Choosing the right heat transfer fl uid isn’t just an engineering detail; it’s a signifi cant contribution towards cutting Scope 2 and 3 emissions in indirect refrigeration systems. Climalife’s Neil Roberts explains the role of Bio- PDO-based HTFs.
Neil Roberts
"When aiming to reduce emissions, it is essential not to
overlook the importance of using
refrigerants with a very low GWP (Scope 1)."
F
or many industrial refrigeration systems, using B2L, A3, or low GWP refrigerants (A1 or A2L), a chiller with a secondary cooling circuit is often necessary. These
indirect refrigeration systems rely on heat transfer fl uids (HTFs) to carry thermal energy between the refrigerant and the application. Yet, while refrigerant choice is carefully considered, the HTF is often overlooked, despite its signifi cant impact on sustainability, effi ciency, and compliance. In large systems, thousands of litres of HTF circulate, making it a major contributor to the overall environmental footprint. Traditional HTFs, such as mono-propylene glycol (MPG) and mono-ethylene glycol (MEG), are derived from petrochemicals and produced through energy-intensive processes. This misalignment with sustainability goals presents a challenge for organisations aiming to reduce Scope 2 and 3 emissions.
The limitations of traditional HTFs MPG and MEG are the most common HTFs used in indirect systems. MPG is often selected for food-related applications due to its non-toxicity, while MEG is preferred in low- temperature systems because of its lower viscosity and reduced pumping power requirements. However, both are derived from crude oil, and their production processes generate signifi cant emissions. This undermines eff orts to create truly sustainable systems, particularly as corporate and regulatory pressures to cut emissions intensify.
MPG and MEG are the most commonly used products on the market; however, there is an alternative that can signifi cantly help to reduce Scope 2 and/or Scope 3 emissions through its lower viscosity and bio-sourcing.
Bio-PDO HTFs: a sustainable alternative for indirect systems Bio-PDO-based HTFs, such as Greenway Neo N from Climalife, off er a sustainable solution. Sourced from renewable fi eld corn, these fl uids provide a range of benefi ts. In terms of reducing scope 3 emissions, production of bio-PDO emits 84% less CO₂ equivalent and consumes 70% less non-renewable energy compared to traditional MPG. To illustrate the impact in tons of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, for the production of a 24T bulk tank of glycol, selecting Greenway Neo N would represent a reduction of 26.8T of GHG emissions compared to an MPG-based HTF. Having established the signifi cantly lower environmental impact of bio-PDO during its production, it also stands out for its ability to enhance operational effi ciency, particularly in reducing energy consumption. When it comes to reducing Scope 2 emissions with
operational effi ciency, HTFs have a limited eff ect on Scope 1 emissions, but they can have an important impact on the Scope 2 emissions from the pumps required in the secondary refrigeration circuit. The pump power will depend on the HTF
12 May 2026 •
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