Hi-line Industries, a UK manufacturer of high-quality compressed air purification equipment, has released the 2021 version of its energy-efficient Tundra refrigeration dryers. Most notable among the enhancements is a switch of refrigerant to R513a in models up to and including Tundra 115 (115 cfm, 195 m3/hr capacity).
An HFC/HFO blend, R513a refrigerant has no ODP (Ozone Depletion Potential) and a much reduced CO2 impact in comparison with the previous R134a refrigerant. As a result, customers can rest assured that Hi-line is continuing its commitment to sustainability in manufacturing by minimizing its carbon footprint.
F-Gas regulation
The F-Gas regulation means that refrigerants with a GWP (Global Warming Potential) of more than 2500 are now subject to a ban. However, while R134a is below this limit and remains legal, it is sufficiently high for the regulation to stipulate an incremental phasing-down of production quotas to help reduce environmental impact. R513A is widely viewed as the optimum replacement.
Sustainable and non-toxic
Importantly, R513a is an A1 safety group refrigerant and is neither toxic nor combustible. Unlike flammable refrigerants, R513a is subject to less stringent regulations in handling, maintenance intervals, and compulsory leak tests, thus saving time and money.
Switching to R513a builds on the sustainable credentials of the Tundra range, which is already renowned for its optimized energy efficiency via capabilities such as minimal pressure drop and lower absorbed power.
Energy savings
Reduced energy consumption is vital in an ultra-competitive marketplace, which is why Hi-line has worked hard to offer customers a dryer solution that drives down energy costs. The company’s integrated Direct Expansion technology delivers a constant +3°C dewpoint, unlike a chilled mass dryer, which can be as high as +10°C during its thermal cycle.
Furthermore, the single-cell, all-aluminum heat exchanger module provides highly efficient heat transfer at a low energy cost, while a further notable energy-saving attribute is the variable-speed fan, which only consumes the energy necessary to meet essential operational needs.
Robust model
A robust, high-quality build standard is another attribute of these class-leading dryers. For instance, by controlling the fan speed on the refrigerant circuit there is no need for fan-pressure switches, which can often become defective in dryers of this type.
The fewer moving parts, the more reliable the product, making it ideal for applications that include workshop air and machine air in general manufacturing, as well as further uses in sectors that include packaging, textile, food, beverage, medical, dairy and automotive.
Comes with a dryer selection
Hi-line’s standard Tundra range is available ex-stock from the company’s Burton factory for next-day delivery.
Six models in the series feature R513a refrigerant, with dryer selection based on factors such as maximum compressed air flow, lowest operating pressure, maximum ambient air temperature, and maximum air inlet temperature. Expert assistance from Hi-line’s applications team can help customers to select the optimum dryer.
Noting the carbon footprint
As a final note, since the UK’s departure from the EU, new legislation has entered force concerning the import of Freons. Any company importing pre-charged refrigeration equipment that carries a CO2 impact of more than 100 tonnes per annum is required to register on the Environment Agency website for an F-Gas account and record the CO2 amount in tonnes relating to those imports.
As Hi-line imports the refrigeration units for its Tundra range, the company has successfully obtained a new license and fully discloses its imports and volumes in order to comply completely with the legislation.
