Why choose ammonia refrigeration?
An environmentally friendly refrigerant that saves you money in the long run
Ammonia is the most energy-efficient and green refrigerant available. It’s the only refrigerant with both an Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP) of zero, and Global Warming Potential (GWP) of zero. That makes it an excellent choice if your business is looking to reduce your carbon footprint, hit Net Zero targets, and take action towards your Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals.
In many cases, it saves you money in the long run, particularly in industrial spaces with large equipment. The ammonia absorbs large amounts of heat as it evaporates, which makes it more efficient. In turn, your entire system requires less energy and results in lower operating costs for the business.
Our expertise
Finding the right system for your objectives.
Gravity and pumped ammonia systems
Where practical, a gravity system will transfer heat more efficiently than a pumped system. However, where gravity systems are not practical we have the in-house expertise to select the most efficient pumps.
Booster systems
We install single and two-stage booster systems. Typically they are used on low temperature applications where it is not viable or practical to have one single stage of compression.
Cascade systems
Cascade systems are a practical solution for ultra low temperature systems, and for permanently sub-critical CO2 systems.
Experienced ammonia engineers
Your system is in safe hands
One of the drawbacks of using an ammonia system is that there’s a lack of experienced and qualified ammonia engineers in the industry. Most engineers are familiar with the CO2 systems that dominate the supermarkets. But there are very few competent ammonia engineers about.
You don’t have to worry about that when you work with us. Our engineers have decades of experience in ammonia systems, and one of our consultants has a PhD in Mechatronics. We have some of the most knowledgeable and competent ammonia engineers in the UK.
We’re experts in this area, and we’re available as and when you need us. We do emergency call outs for anyone in need, and we have planned maintenance schedules {link to ‘service and maintenance’ page} for our regular customers.
You’re in safe hands with us.
Upholding the highest standards of safety
We maintain stringent standards to keep you safe
Ammonia is a Safety Group B3 refrigerant so understandably some people have reservations over its safety. However, when it’s installed and maintained properly, an ammonia system is safe.
We make sure that we uphold the highest standards of safety by conforming to:
The Pressure Equipment Directive (PED) 2014/68/E - EU
The Pressure Equipment (Safety) Regulations 2016 PE(S)R - UK
The Low Voltage Directive (LVD) (2014/35/EU) - EU
The Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 2016 - UK
The Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive (EMC) 2014/30 - EU
The Electromagnetic Compatibility Regulations 2016 - UK
The Machinery Directive (MSD) (EU) 2023/1230 - EU
The Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC - UK
Refrigeration Standard BS EN378 - EU & UK
Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002 (DSEAR) UK
We uphold safety and environmental requirements when we design, install, operate, and maintain refrigerating systems and appliances.
The Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmosphere Regulations 2002 require us to review all potential risks caused by ammonia, and mitigate against them.
We make sure all our systems are safe and controlled, and you’ll see this reflected in our careful design process. All of our systems are designed to include emergency shutdown, alarming, monitoring, emergency showers, leak detection, and fan extraction, among other safety measures.
Alternatives to ammonia
It’s not your only option
While ammonia systems tend to be the most energy efficient, not all of our customers choose it.
Sometimes the right system depends on the size of the equipment, power available, environmental impacts. We work with you to conduct dilapidation reports and feasibility studies.
Lyra has the expertise to deliver both off the shelf and bespoke solutions to your business whether that's ammonia or an alternative refrigerant. Full concept design and build to suit your specific business requirements.
We also supply
Our consulting engineers can talk you through the reasons why you may choose one system over another at the design phase.
You’ll have full transparency of the capital expenditure, operating costs, and return on investment so that you can make an informed decision.