Different Applications of Industrial Refrigeration Systems in Varied Industries

Industrial refrigeration helps removing heat from large-scale processes or materials by reducing the temperature to a standard value. Different methods are used to apply industrial refrigeration based on different parameters such as temperature difference, accuracy of temperature, and production scale.

In earlier days, refrigeration system was primarily used to produce ice. In those times, ice was used for the purpose of cooling beverages and preservation of food. In the present day, however, refrigeration and air conditioning have become of the utmost importance for the mankind. Industrial refrigeration has risen to the supreme importance since the early twenties. As per a recent research by Research Dive, the global industrial refrigeration market size is anticipated to reach a significant height.

Application of Industrial Refrigeration System in Different Industries:

Refrigeration and cooling systems are designed to fulfil the requirements of different industries based on their different characteristics. Some of the industry uses are mentioned below:

1. District Cooling

District cooling is the process of generating cooling streams especially chilled water by using different technologies in a central plant. The chilled water is then distributed to different inhabited areas such as offices, homes, and other commercial as well as residential projects. This centralization of the cooling production provides higher levels of efficiency in cool water distribution.

District cooling process has many other advantages. It reduces investment in operation, capital, and maintenance costs depending upon respective cooling systems. It may also help energy preservation offering environmental and financial benefits to the populous areas.

2. Electricity Production

The production of electricity is based on the incineration of different fuels. The determined conditions of inlet air helps in achieving a higher level of accuracy and efficiency. With a high temperature the density of the inlet air reduces resulting in decline of the electric production. In order to prevent such issues, various cooling systems are used to lower the temperature of the air stream.

The other use of refrigeration system is to curtail maintenance operations. This type of refrigeration equipment is usually built on absorption or compression cycles.

3. Chemical & Petrochemical

Chemical and petrochemical reactions are not required to be controlled as the pharmaceutical reactions. Still, temperature control is an essential factor in the process to reach the higher efficiency level. Operations such as distillations, condensations, and crystallizations requires removing of the heat, thus indicating the necessity of refrigeration system.  

Large scale cooling plants such as river water and seawater are typically used for chemical and petrochemical industries, as the processes require high flow of cool water. Absorption and compression cycles are used to reduce the heat of the hot stream once the heat is degenerated in the diverse operations.

4. Pharmaceutical Industry

Temperature is one of the most indispensable factors in the pharmaceutical industry. Components used for drug and medicine production are required to be deposited in very controlled conditions, usually at low temperatures. These are the reasons the pharmaceutical industry is mostly depended on sophisticated refrigeration systems. These systems help in keeping the temperature at par with the requirement of the rooms and storage units.

The cooling plants used in pharmaceutical industry are relatively smaller. This is because the limitations of the production capacity of pharmaceutical industry equipment. A centralized cooling plant with refrigerants and transformer stations is used and dispersed through the different clean rooms of the workshop.

Some of the other refrigeration systems used in this industry include compressed air cooling, oxy-chlorination plants, and chlorine/ammonia/ oxygen liquefaction plants.

5. Food & Beverages Industry

Refrigeration is vital element in the food and beverages industry. Cooling system preserves food and beverage products for a long time and prevents possible microbiological contamination. Perfect temperature is the most important factor during the preparation process as it ensures the safety of the processed food.

Many refrigeration systems are used in the Food & Beverages industry. For example, for processing of the food, chilled water is used as a typical refrigeration system.

Covid-19 Impact on Industrial Refrigeration Market

Covid-19 pandemic has wreaked havoc across industries. Most of the industries faced loss in revenue generation like never before. Some even have gone bankrupt. For industrial refrigeration industry, the wind blew the other way. With the restrictions imposed by the governments in travel and supply chain, people were left in panicked state. During the lockdown, a large number of people purchased food products in bulk and stored for a few weeks. This purchasing led to the rise of demand of refrigeration systems. This factors are helping the industry to increase the revenue during the pandemic.

About the Author(s)

Princy A. J

Princy holds a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from the prestigious Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R. University at Chennai, India. After a successful academic record, she pursued her passion for writing. A thorough professional and enthusiastic writer, she enjoys writing on various categories and advancements in the global industries. She plays an instrumental role in writing about current updates, news, blogs, and trends.