Saving the World

Saving the world like a superhero; yes, you can! You might think that that’s a little crazy and far fetched. But as a refrigeration mechanic every repair you perform can prevent greenhouse emissions and slow global warming. And every new concept and idea on cooling can improve the way we live. So, go ahead and make a difference. Start saving the world one gas leak at a time.

 

Being a refrigeration/air conditioning technician is more than just being a hero. It’s a great trade. You get to meet great people, travel and earn awesome money (after the first 4 years that is). Refrigeration and air conditioning is made up from many different trades and covers many different areas. You can condition the air on an Airbus Dreamliner or keep the meat cold at your local supermarket. And your daily tasks can include things like programming electronic controls or welding new or busted pipes.

 

The majority of the work we do at Coolphase is on commercial refrigeration equipment. And one of the most interesting parts of our job right now is transitioning supermarkets to natural refrigerants. Yes, you guessed it, saving the world by reducing carbon footprints.

Saving the World 2

At Coolphase we give kids the opportunity to do something great every year. In 2022 we’ll again be employing two first year refrigeration apprentices and one electrical apprentice. Having a constant flow of trainees ensures that our business can meet our legendary requirements well into the future.

 

If you want to learn more, just give us a call. We are more than happy to provide any information you may need. Refrigeration is a great career. #livethechill

 

Apprenticeship Application

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    Euroshop 2020

    We were at EuroShop purely and simply to support our case supply partner De Rigo Refrigeration, their first attendance in twenty years.

     

    THAT’S A WRAP!

     

    Overwhelming – check

    Lots of stuff to look at – check

    Sore feet – check

    Lack of sleep (due to networking) – check

     

    This was probably our longest trade show visit ever. We were at EuroShop purely and simply to support our case supply partner De Rigo Refrigeration, their first attendance at EuroShop in twenty years. They did a fantastic job, the displays were “Awesome”, their marketing team, sales staff and commitment even better. We congratulate them on a great show and look forward to the next one in 3 years!

     

    Factory Visit

     

    Prior to the show, we travelled to the De Rigo factory Belluno to view new products and learn more about the LEAD production process. While in Belluno we were also lucky enough to visit a recent transcritical Co2 installation. The Installation was at a local Kangaru store (appropriate for an Aussie visit) and included a De Rigo Enex Co2 plant and De Rigo Refrigeration cases. De Rigo’s lead installation engineer was present to discuss the detailed installation process and control of the transcritical system. We look forward to the day when we have our first opportunity to install a project like this.

    Back to the show. Making new friends and reuniting with old is a great part of industry trade shows. I’m sure my dancing, drinking games and larrakin antics have made a lasting impression… Wayne got to catch up with nearly everyone he used to work with in the UK, it was good to see him reminiscing about old times.

     

    The Show

     

    With almost 128,000 square meters of refrigeration which mostly comprised of refrigeration cabinets. Conservatively, picking the difference was hard. Arneg, Epta and Carrier had the biggest presence and biggest crowds. One of our favourites was the Hauser stand, apart from the company, the cabinets were “mint”. I was too scared to ask about pricing as the cases were obviously manufactured to a very expensive standard. A huge thank you to Brian Edkins from City, who took time out of his busy schedule to visit the De Rigo Refrigeration stand. We understand that this a very hectic time for the guys from City and every minute is precious. But Brian shared some of that great commodity to listen and show interest, this was certainly appreciated by the De Rigo/Coolphase team.

    With thousands of cabinets to see, that are all energy efficient, that all work, that are all good looking, that all vary in price, how do you choose? What makes the De Rigo Refrigeration / Coolphase partnership stand apart? It’s simple, it’s our ability to serve our customers through being honest and responsive.

    R290 Refrigerant – What’s the Big Deal?

    Unless you’re a hardcore refrigeration fanatic, it’s highly unlikely you’ve laid awake at night wondering if the refrigerant (gas) in your commercial fridge or refrigeration system is the most energy efficient option, what it’s Global Warming Potential (GWP) is or how it is affecting our environment. But it’s actually something you should consider. I’m not saying toss and turn and lose sleep with the weight of the world’s changing climate on your shoulders… but something as seemingly insignificant as your refrigerant can actually be a bigger factor than you would think and knowing some basics on refrigerants can save your pocket and the planet. 

     

    There is heaps of information out there on refrigerants; natural and synthetic; so, I won’t make this blog an information overload, but I have included some links at the end if you’d like to know more. 

     

    In January 2018, the Australian Government, in line with an International agreement started the phase down of synthetic gases including hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs).  

    “HFCs (and sometimes PFCs) are used as refrigerants in industrial, commercial and domestic refrigeration and air conditioning equipment.”

    If you have older commercial refrigeration equipment, chances are it is still charged with HFCs such as R-404A (GWP 3922) or HFC-134A (GWP 1430); even some of the newer equipment on the market are charged with high Global Warming Potential refrigerants. The implications of using these gases with high global warming potential is that over the next 10 to 15 years as Australia (and the world) continue to phase down and phase out these synthetic gases, the gases will not be readily available on the market and the cost to recharge your equipment will rise exponentially. Right now, the cost of these synthetic gases are already more expensive per kilo than R290 and as the phase out continues the gap will only continue to grow! 

     

    The current rate for R290 is around $46.55/kg + GST. Compare this to R134a at $50/kg + GST, R404A at $50.50 + GST, R410A at $55.95/kg + GST and the whopper R22 at $275/kg + GST! Not to mention the effect these synthetic gases have on the environment.

     

    There are a number of natural gases now available on the market, although they are not always readily available, and there are limited refrigeration contractors certified to work with them. (Australia is well behind the times when it comes to Natural Refrigeration Solutions, check out our blog Transcritical is Not a Dirty Word) 

    R290 is a refrigerant that is becoming more readily available in the refrigeration world; and with the associated benefits, it is easy to see why. 

    R290 has a global warming potential of 3, making it well below the global threshold of 150 GWP, placing it in an elite class of refrigerants with minimal environmental impact. 

    R290 boasts a 40% reduction in refrigerant charge; not only is this gas cheaper in the long run with the phase out of HFCs but refrigeration systems are using less gas for the same system. 

    The excellent thermodynamic properties of R290 also leads to higher energy efficiency. 

     

    There are risks around R290 so it is important to do your research:

     

    Due to its flammable nature R290 requires different charging, recovery procedures and equipment. In Queensland, fridges and freezers charged with R290 must be tested for compliance and technicians working on systems with R290 must be licensed to do so. If you are buying a fridge or installing a refrigeration system that is charged with R290 be sure to ask your contractor if they are licensed to work with R290 and that the equipment you are purchasing is certified. Currently, Queensland has a certification process that must be followed in order to sell any refrigeration charged with R290.

    For more information be sure to check out https://www.business.qld.gov.au/industries/mining-energy-water/resources/safety-health/petroleum-gas/gas-work-devices/guidelines/hydrocarbon-refrigerants 

    Other links:

    MORE INFORMATION

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