With multiple standalone refrigeration systems showing signs of age, this client recognised the need to bolster reliability to be able to achieve consistent packed product results, at the same time addressing refrigeration system inefficiencies.
The solution is a centralised ammonia plant to provide consistent 0.5°C chilled water for fruit temperature pulldown, and throughout the grading process, thereby guaranteeing final package product is at the required temperature.
Utilising off peak tariffs to build the required chilled water thermal storage capacity to be used during production hours provides significant efficiency gains.
Given the time critical nature of the business’s operation, extra refrigeration capacity has been included to cover any operational issue that may arise.
The new plant also produces -8°C glycol which is used for fruit storage and pull-down cool rooms via a series of under ceiling air coolers. Air cooler defrosting has been improved using heat reclaim from the refrigeration plant for warm glycol production, in place of electric heater elements.
