Refrigeration System Relies On Air; Takes Less Space

A new low-temperature refrigeration system uses high-pressure air as its working fluid, rather than conventional ammonia or chlorofluorocarbons. The trademarked Closed Cycle Air Refrigeration (CCAR) System was introduced this month by Air Products and Chemicals Inc., Allentown, Pa. It produces refrigeration at temperatures ranging from -60 F to -150 F, takes up far less space, and is competitively priced with conventional low-temperature systems. The first CCAR system has been operating since April 1998 at Eastman Kodak Co.'s production facility in Rochester, N.Y. Now Air Products will target other industries that would benefit from CCAR technology, says food marketing manager William J. Roberts. For example, food processors could reduce dehydration and enhance throughput through faster freezing rates. The CCAR technology came through a multimillion-dollar research and development project between Air Products and Toromont Process Systems, Houston, partly funded by the National Institute of Standards and Technology.