Elite Foods, Malaga
Malaga, WA, Australia Industrial Cold Storage

Elite Foods, Malaga

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Large-scale coolroom and freezer conversion and new installations using Engas hydrocarbon refrigerants.

Elite Foods operates massive cold storage facilities in Malaga requiring constant, low-temperature maintenance. Converting their primary freezer rooms to Engas hydrocarbon refrigerants resulted in faster pull-down times after door openings and a noticeable reduction in compressor noise and vibration. The conversion delivered measurable energy savings while maintaining the strict temperature requirements essential for food safety compliance. Building on the success of the initial conversion, Elite Foods chose Engas hydrocarbon refrigerants for their new cold room and freezer installations. These purpose-built systems were designed from the ground up to take advantage of the superior thermodynamic properties of hydrocarbon refrigerants, resulting in optimal energy efficiency and reduced operating costs from day one.

Elite Foods, Malaga — photo 1
Elite Foods, Malaga — photo 2
Elite Foods, Malaga — photo 3

The Challenge

Prior to the conversion, the existing HVAC infrastructure was reliant on man-made chemical refrigerants that were not only environmentally damaging but also inherently inefficient. The high operating pressures caused significant wear and tear on the compressors, leading to increased maintenance costs and frequent downtime.

The Engas Solution

Our engineering team conducted a thorough assessment and recommended a direct drop-in replacement using Engas hydrocarbon blends. The retrofit process was completed seamlessly without the need for extensive hardware replacements. Safety protocols in accordance with AS/NZS 3000, AS/NZS 60079.1.10 & AS/NZS 5149.1-4 were strictly followed throughout the implementation.

Key Outcomes:

  • Faster pull-down times after cold room door openings.
  • Noticeable reduction in compressor noise and vibration.
  • Strict food safety temperature requirements consistently maintained.
  • New installations purpose-built for optimal hydrocarbon efficiency.