German hydrocarbon chiller manufacturer Secon is set to commence testing a new propane (R290) turbo compressor developed by Czech OEM Mirai Intex, with plans to potentially integrate it into their product offerings next year. This was announced by Vladyslav Tsyplakov, Development Director at Mirai Intex, during the Chillventa 2024 exhibition in Nuremberg, Germany, which took place from October 8-10.
“Secon will be the first to receive the test compressor,” Tsyplakov informed NaturalRefrigerants.com. “They will initially conduct tests at their factory before rolling it out into their product line.”
Mirai Intex specializes in ultra-low temperature refrigeration systems utilizing R729 as the refrigerant. This summer, the company revealed that its propane turbo compressor had successfully passed stress testing. Designed for industrial and commercial air- and water-cooled chillers, the compressor features an oil-free, centrifugal design complemented by gas dynamic bearings.
“We utilize propane to elevate the shaft, enabling us to manage part-load operations ranging from 30 to 100%,” Tsyplakov explained.
Secon and Mirai Intex have collaborated extensively over the years and are jointly exhibiting at Chillventa.
“We will be very selective about the partners we choose, making it quite challenging to acquire one of these compressors,” Tsyplakov added.
The Mirai Intex propane turbo compressor is available in two models: the MT230 and the MT350. The MT230 offers a maximum cooling capacity of 230 kW (65 TR), while the MT350 reaches a maximum capacity of 350 kW (100 TR). Both models have the same maximum saturated discharge temperature of 63°C (145.4°F), with the MT230 featuring a maximum saturated suction temperature of 12°C (53.6°F) and the MT350 having a maximum of 30°C (86°F). The minimum saturated suction temperatures are -1°C (30.2°F) for the MT230 and 10°C (50°F) for the MT350.
Regarding market availability, Tsyplakov expects the propane turbo compressor to be released next year, although its supply will be limited.
“We will be very selective about our partners, which will make it challenging to obtain one of these units,” he noted. “Our production capacity will be restricted over the next couple of years.”
Potential partners must meet specific criteria, including experience with propane and centrifugal compressors, as well as the ability to confirm volume requirements. “This is fundamentally a numbers game for us,” Tsyplakov stated.
When Mirai Intex announced its propane turbo compressor earlier this summer, it touted it as a “world first.” Tsyplakov described it as a “technological achievement,” crediting the company’s background in air-cycle refrigeration as instrumental in its development.
“There are technological challenges associated with creating a product like this,” he explained. “Our substantial technological foundation enables us to build this compressor, setting us apart from larger companies that have yet to accomplish this.”
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