In a proactive move towards sustainability and compliance with upcoming European Union regulations, Wedholms, a leading provider of dairy industry solutions, has unveiled their latest innovation: the DFC 953 range of milk cooling tanks. Embracing CO2 as a refrigerant, these cutting-edge tanks not only meet but exceed the environmental standards set forth in the revised F-gas Regulation, slated to become mandatory across the EU starting January 2025.

The DFC 953 range caters to the evolving needs of dairy farms, offering compatibility with robotic milking systems, ranging from one to eight robots, and capacities spanning from 3,200 to 30,000 liters. This versatility ensures seamless integration into diverse farming operations, promoting efficiency and sustainability in milk cooling processes.

With synthetic refrigerants, notably hydrofluorocarbons, facing phased elimination in the EU due to their environmental impact, Wedholms' adoption of CO2 represents a pivotal shift towards eco-conscious practices. The revised F-gas Regulation stipulates stringent criteria for refrigerants, mandating a Global Warming Potential (GWP) value of less than 150 for all new self-contained refrigeration equipment installed from 2025, excluding chillers.

Stefan Gavelin, Managing Director of Wedholms, emphasized the imperative of aligning refrigeration practices with environmental preservation, stating, "Refrigeration is an essential process in the farming and dairy industries, and we need to use processes that work in harmony with the natural environment that we depend on."

The transition towards eco-friendly refrigerants marks a cyclical return to the origins of refrigeration technology. Historically, natural refrigerants like CO2, ammonia, and hydrocarbons were prevalent before the advent of synthetic alternatives. Now, advancements in technology have revitalized the viability of CO2 refrigeration, offering a safe, efficient, and environmentally benign solution.

CO2's properties as a refrigerant afford numerous advantages, including high energy efficiency, reduced operating costs, and minimal environmental impact. The DFC 953 system harnesses the heat generated during compression, repurposing it to provide hot water for auxiliary systems, further enhancing energy efficiency and sustainability.

The adoption of direct expansion cooling, coupled with frequency-controlled compressors, ensures precise temperature regulation and energy optimization, regardless of batch size. Moreover, Wedholms' commitment to user convenience is evident in features like the home consumption button, enabling users to obtain milk for personal use effortlessly.

Furthermore, the DFC 953 range prioritizes hygiene and maintenance efficiency, incorporating a comprehensive cleaning system designed to eradicate calcium deposits and mitigate bacterial growth, safeguarding milk quality and equipment longevity.

As the dairy industry braces for evolving regulatory landscapes and heightened environmental consciousness, Wedholms' introduction of CO2-based milk cooling tanks represents a paradigm shift towards sustainability and innovation. With a steadfast focus on environmental responsibility and operational excellence, Wedholms sets a benchmark for the dairy industry's journey towards a greener future.