Installation for the separation of waste refrigerant mixtures

In an ambitious initiative aimed at curtailing the emission of F-gases into the atmosphere from the refrigeration and air conditioning sector, the „Refrigerants Life Cycle” project stands as a pioneering endeavor. Spearheaded by Chemat, this project is set to revolutionize the handling of mixed refrigerant compounds through advanced rectification technology.

Refrigerants Rectification
Refrigerants Rectification

Rectification Technology: A Game-Changer

The core objective of the project is to develop and implement an installation capable of separating mixed refrigerant compounds into individual components with a purity level reaching up to 99.5%. This innovative rectification process promises not only to enhance environmental sustainability but also to reclaim valuable resources that would otherwise be lost.

At its full operational capacity of 200 tons per year, the installation will autonomously adjust its parameters based on the composition of the mixed refrigerants fed into the rectification column. This adaptive capability ensures optimal efficiency in the separation process, thereby maximizing the yield of purified components.

Environmental Impact and Waste Management

Currently, waste management entities frequently receive cylinders containing mixed refrigerants, including those banned within the European Union. While these mixtures can undergo regeneration, the resultant purified blend often lacks the necessary thermodynamic properties for reintroduction into the market. Traditionally, such mixtures would face complete disposal, but rectification offers a transformative alternative.

Rectification enables the recovery of pure components from mixed blends, separating them from compounds no longer in use. This process minimizes the volume of mixture requiring destruction to a negligible fraction, offering a substantial waste reduction.

Advancing with Adsorption Technology

In a groundbreaking move, Chemat incorporates adsorption technology as a pivotal component in the refrigerant separation process. Utilizing molecular sieves for selective adsorption, this approach allows for the effective separation of refrigerant compounds that form azeotropic mixtures. Given their similar boiling points, these compounds traditionally pose challenges during distillation.

Molecular sieves, with their precisely calibrated pore sizes, selectively adsorb smaller molecules while allowing larger molecules to pass through, facilitating efficient separation even at lower temperatures. This physical adsorption process remains reversible, enabling the regeneration of the adsorbent materials and the reclamation of adsorbed molecules, thereby ensuring sustainability throughout the rectification process.

Conclusion

The integration of adsorption technology marks a significant leap forward in the field of refrigerant rectification, enhancing both efficiency and environmental stewardship. As Chemat pioneers this innovative solution, the project not only promises to elevate the efficacy of refrigerant separation but also sets a precedent for sustainable practices within the industry.

For more information on the „Refrigerant Life Cycle” project and Chemat’s groundbreaking technologies, stay tuned for updates and developments as this initiative progresses toward a more sustainable future.

Contact Chemat today to learn how we’re reshaping the landscape of refrigerant management through innovation and sustainability.

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