The AHR Expo, which will take place January 31 to February 2 at the Las Vegas Convention Center as scheduled, will feature a number of exhibitors with hydrocarbon-related refrigeration systems.
The annual HVAC&R trade show, which was cancelled last year due to COVID-19, will include more than 1,650 exhibitors and numerous educational sessions.
The show organizers acknowledge on the event’s website that “there are concerns regarding the status of the Show given the recent COVID-19 developments. We want to assure you that the AHR Expo will take place January 31 to February 2 at the Las Vegas Convention Center as scheduled.”
The show’s COVID safety measures include required masking, increased ventilation in the convention hall and a Global Biorisk Advisory Council (GRAC) Star Accreditation.
Here are some of the exhibitors with hydrocarbon-related products:
Embraco (Nidec Global Appliance), Booth C3311
Among the products Embraco will be showcasing are two brand new products suitable for propane (R290). One is Embraco’s Evaporative Drain Pan (EDP) lineup, part of its condensing units (CDUs) portfolio. It is designed for reach-ins and under-counters in the foodservice segment.
The other product launch is the EMX HST fixed speed compressor, the third generation of the EM compressors platform. It is designed for bottle coolers, beer merchandisers, under-counters and a professional kitchen’s reach-in freezers and coolers. (For more information on these and other Embraco products, click here.)
Dorin, Booth C1736
Dorin’s HEX series of semi-hermetic compressors, suitable for R290 and propylene (R1270), is equipped with ATEX certification. The range covers displacements from 4.42 to 244.78m3/h and nominal capacities from 0.5 to 90hp. According to Embraco, its main characteristics are: high COP values, thanks to fluidodynamic optimization of the internal flow paths; high efficiency motors; and high-tech components.
Temprite, Booth C6245
Temprite specializes in energy-efficient coalescent and conventional oil separators and refrigerant oil management products, including oil level controls and oil reservoirs, accommodating hydrocarbon and other natural refrigerants. Its coalescing oil separators enable “better heat transfer through the coils, translating into significant kW savings,” the company said, adding that coalescent oil separators are ideal for OEM applications where system cleanliness is paramount.
Emerson, Booth C3106
Emerson’s R290 solutions include a broad portfolio of compressors, flow controls and system electronics that address the needs of distributed system architectures and centralized systems.
Its scroll compressors offer the benefits of “compactness ideal for this application and fully hermetic design guaranteeing the safety for flammable refrigerants,” Emerson said. The ZBKAU range is suitable for medium- and low-temperature applications below 150g charge per limit in plug-in cases.
Baltimore Aircoil Company (BAC), Booth N8326
Suitable for hydrocarbon-based Industrial refrigeration, Baltimore Aircoil’s evaporative condensers lower system condensing temperatures, thereby reducing compressor horsepower, saving up to 15% energy compared to traditional air-cooled systems, the company said. This cooling system condenses refrigerant vapor in a coil that is continually sprayed with water. As the water evaporates, fans reject the heated vapor to the atmosphere.
Conex Bänninger, Booth C6540
Conex Bänninger, maker of fittings, valves and accessories, offers the flame-free >B< MaxiPro press system for pipe joining. The >B< MaxiPro fittings are suitable for refrigeration, heat pumps and air conditioning applications using hydrocarbons like R290 and R600A. They can withstand pressures of up to 48bar.
Conex Bänninger describes the >B< MaxiPro fittings as “quick and simple to install,” and they provide a “secure” and permanent three-point press and a flame-free connection, with no hot works required, according to the company’s website.
ebm-papst, Booth C3324
ebm-papst was the winner of the AHR Expo’s 2022 Innovation Award in the refrigeration category for its AxiEco 630-910 axial fan, which can be used in hydrocarbon systems. The AxiEco 630-910 incorporates new impeller geometry with a rotating diffuser and optimized blade design in order to reach a low noise level and high-efficiency, ebm-past said. With a maximum air flow of up to 30,000 m3/h the AxiEco 630-910 covers a wide range of applications, “especially those where high-efficiency and high back pressure are key,” added the company.