GREEN MATTERS Refrigeration:
Putting safety and the environment fi rst
Shaun Evers, managing director of Stonegate Instruments, talks about the vital role refrigeration systems have in the catering industry, why their maintenance prevents dangerous gas leaks, how new regulations have driven technology development and keeping your staff safe from harm.
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efrigeration systems are an important piece of equipment in every kitchen. From fridges, freezers and coolers to cold storage units, walk-in chillers and
freezer rooms, they are essential in keeping foodstuff s cool, safe and free from bacteria. The latest statistics reveal that the Global Commercial
Refrigeration Equipment Market is predicted to grow to $53.2 billion by 2030, representing a growth rate of 5.1% over the next 7 years. But there is also increasing pressure from regulatory bodies to reduce the potential of global warming by using the latest refrigerant technology, such as ammonia absorption systems and liquid-vapour compression to reduce the level of harmful refrigeration gases.
Safety and environmental concerns in refrigeration Manufacturers in the refrigeration industry are investing in design and development, producing products that work to reduce gases, increase energy savings as well as put safety and the environment fi rst. For example, Stonegate’s Gas Detection System for the refrigeration and air conditioning industries detects a variety of refrigerants, such as CFCs, HFCs and HCFCs. But there’s also pressure on end-users to adopt
refrigeration systems that are energy effi cient and sustainable. In the UK alone, around 111 million tonnes of
28 June 2024 •
www.acr-news.com
carbon footprint is released by the food and catering industry.
One of the main concerns with refrigeration systems is that, on average, 20% of refrigerant gases are emitted every year. This not only impacts the safety of those working within the proximity of the system but also the environment.
Resulting impact of accidental leaks Without property maintenance of refrigeration systems, there’s the potential of accidental leaks which often go unnoticed, until around 60% of the refrigerant gases have escaped. Over time, staff regularly working within the vicinity of refrigeration appliances or entering cold storage units daily will be aff ected. The accidental loss of refrigeration gases puts their health at risk and they could suff er from coughing fi ts and possible breathing diffi culties, headaches, irritation to the skin and eyes, and in extreme cases nausea and vomiting. Leaking refrigerant gases will eventually impact the
energy effi ciency of refrigeration systems. This is because the system will have to work harder to maintain the necessary temperatures to keep foodstuff s safe. It is estimated that, on average, as much as 20% of a refrigeration system’s energy effi ciency is lost every year. This not only leads to the direct costs of needing more power to maintain temperatures, but there are also indirect
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