TOKYO — Kobe Steel Ltd. has developed a new refrigeration compressor to freeze and refrigerate food at food processing plants and warehouses. Called the iZN440TUA, the two-stage inverter ammonia screw compressor is said to have the world's highest cooling rate with a coefficient of performance (COP) of 1.63 and the world’s highest cooling capacity of about 400 kW.

According to the company, countries in Asia that produce and export food have many large-scale refrigeration plants for food processing and freezing, but food companies have been seeking refrigeration compressors with larger capacities and higher energy savings. To maintain quality during freezing, the refrigeration industry has also been cooling at lower temperatures, which is a specific feature of Kobe Steel’s two-stage refrigeration compressors.

Until recently, Kobe Steel's maximum cooling capacity for its refrigeration compressors was in the 200 kW range. However, demand for compressors with high cooling capacities is anticipated to grow in emerging countries. To meet this need, the company developed the iZN440TUA.

Equipped with inverters, the iZN Series is designed to provide energy-saving operation. The units use the natural refrigerant ammonia (NH3).

The addition of the iZN440TUA to the iZN Series enables Kobe Steel to offer an array of refrigeration compressors ranging from 35 kW to 400 kW.

For more information, visit www.kobelco.co.jp/english/.

Publication date: 8/19/2013

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