The decision was based on the successful implementation of XL40 at Park Cakes, a leading supplier of premium private label cakes and desserts, in its new logistics and storage facility in Oldham, UK.  

Since the installation in September 2017, the system has been performing reliably and, as a result, Dawsongroup intends to expand the use of Opteon XL40 in its fleet, choosing the innovative low GWP solution over other options such as industrial chemicals like CO2, ammonia, and hydrocarbons which, although having a low GWP, are not suitable for the application.

The selection of XL40 for Park Cakes is the result of close collaboration between Chemours and Dawsongroup Temperature Control Solutions, a UK-based supplier of cold storage solutions for temperature-critical products and service contractor of Park Cakes. As Park Cakes is a very environmentally conscious company, it was looking for a low GWP refrigerant for its new 1,805 m3 low temperature cold store that met both its sustainability goals and operational needs.

Seeking an alternative solution to replace R404A, Dawsongroup conducted some tests with Opteon XL40 at its site in Sutton-in-Ashfield. As the results demonstrated that Opteon XL40 was the ideal replacement for new equipment, Dawsongroup recommended the new refrigerant from Chemours over CO2, hydrocarbons, or ammonia.

Kevin Smith, technical manager at Dawsongroup, explained: “Selection of the correct refrigerant for the specific application and meeting the needs of the end user was critically important. Alternative refrigerants such as CO2, hydrocarbons or ammonia have proven unsuitable for this project because of equipment unavailability and complexity, high flammability or toxicity risks. This led to the ultimate choice of Opteon XL40 with properties close to that of R404A, allowing the existing equipment design to be used. The mild flammability of this refrigerant can be handled by regular service engineers after simple training, and its very low GWP secures its long-term viability.”

Opteon XL40's GWP of 239 is 94 percent lower than that of R404A (3922), making it a sustainable solution with respect to the F-Gas phase-down. It provides an optimal balance of properties and is perfectly suited to positive displacement, direct expansion low- and medium temperature commercial and industrial applications.

Opteon XL40 offers improved energy efficiency and higher cooling capacities, which makes it easy and cost-effective to apply in new equipment without major modifications. Although classified as mildly flammable (ISO/ASHRAE Class 2L), Opteon XL40 can be safely used if applicable codes and standards are observed. Installation of the system was similar to installing a system operating with R404A or R407F.

For more information on the project, download the case study here or visit www.opteon.com.