An ultra-low noise CIAT chiller operating on lower global warming potential (GWP) R-32 refrigerant has been installed at the Craigavon Trauma and Orthopaedic Wing at Craigavon Area Hospital in Northern Ireland.
The AQUACIATPOWER LD 2000R unit was supplied by Aircon Sales and Service, and installed at the by Dungannon-based contractor, B J Mcgrath Plumbing & Heating, for the Southern Health and Social Care Trust. The use of R-32 in CIAT's new high-performance AQUACIATPOWER LD 2000R reduces the chiller's environmental impact due to refrigerant by two-thirds. The ultra-low noise unit was equipped with the additional acoustic insulation option around the compressors to minimise disturbance for the hospital’s Trauma and Orthopaedic Department.
The chiller replaced a previous CIAT unit at end of life. With a similar cooling capacity of 550 kilowatts, it is significantly more compact, lightweight, and energy-efficient than the previous model, due to recent design improvements. Flow and return pipework connections were easily modified to fit the new system.
The delivery date was critical to the project because of other construction activities. Aircon Sales met the tight timetable required to complete the job by working closely with CIAT UK and the installer. “We received excellent support from Aircon Sales and Service, who have worked with CIAT UK for many years, and are very knowledgeable on the technical side,” said Mark McGrath of B J Mcgrath Plumbing & Heating. “They make absolutely sure that equipment fully meets client requirements. We have completed several projects with CIAT equipment, and have total confidence in its build quality and design. Prior projects include CIAT Air Handling Unit installations at the local university, council offices, and a global motor vehicle manufacturer in Northern Ireland.”
The unit was lifted into position on a rooftop platform on the building in an enclosed courtyard (see photo). This required the services of a giant long-reach 300-tonne crane, the largest of its kind available in Northern Ireland.
AQUACIATPOWER packaged chillers are based on quiet-running scroll compressors, fully optimised for use with R-32. With a compact footprint, they are reportedly ‘ideal’ for use on sites with limited floor or rooftop space. They feature two refrigerant circuits, powered by eight compressors, offering a high degree of resilience in the event of a breakdown.
