CENTRIFUGAL INDUSTRIAL REFRIGERATION UNIT
High-capacity, oil-free refrigeration engineered for petrochemical complexes, LNG terminals, and large-scale chemical processing. 2,000–14,000 kW cooling capacity, down to –95°C, with the energy efficiency and operational reliability that continuous-process industries require.
APPLICATIONS
Centrifugal refrigeration systems engineered for continuous-duty industrial processes.
PETROCHEMICAL PROCESSING
Ethylene cracker cold trains, propylene refrigeration in PDH/DPP units, de-ethanizer and de-propanizer condensers, PE/PP/PVC storage cooling. Oil-free design prevents product contamination.
LNG AND GAS PROCESSING
LNG precooling, NGL extraction, BOG reliquefaction auxiliary cooling. Experience with cryogenic design and classification societies (DNV, BV, LR).
CHEMICAL MANUFACTURING
Chlor-alkali, methanol, formaldehyde, ammonia synthesis reactor cooling. R717 centrifugal units for native ammonia compatibility. Special materials (316L, Hastelloy, titanium) available.
PHARMACEUTICAL & FOOD-GRADE
GMP-aligned cooling with verifiable oil-free operation. Blast freeze tunnels, IQF systems, cold storage at –25°C to –35°C. Low noise and maintenance.
TURBINE INLET COOLING
Gas turbine output restoration of 10–25% via TIC. System sizes 3,000–10,000 kW per turbine train. Integrates with turbine OEM controls.
MARINE AND OFFSHORE
Classification society rules (DNV, CCS, BV, ABS). Marine-grade electrical, enhanced corrosion protection, motion-compensated design.
ENGINEERING STANDARDS
- API 617 — Centrifugal compressors
- ASME BPVC Section VIII — U-Stamp
- PED 2014/68/EU — CE marking
- ASME B31.3 — Process piping
- IEC 60079 / ATEX — Hazardous area
- IEC 61511 — SIS
- ISO 9001:2015 — Quality management
KEY ADVANTAGES
Why centrifugal compression is the preferred technology for large-capacity industrial refrigeration.
OIL-FREE COMPRESSION
No oil in refrigerant circuit. Eliminates oil separation equipment, removes contamination risk. Process integrity requirement for petrochemical and pharmaceutical applications.
HIGH COP & ENERGY EFFICIENCY
COP values 20–40% higher than screw systems at design-point loads above 2,000 kW. Over a 15-year asset life, compounds into significant operational savings.
COMPACT FOOTPRINT
Single 8,000 kW centrifugal skid occupies significantly less plot area than four to six parallel 1,500 kW screw packages with associated auxiliary systems.
LOW VIBRATION & NOISE
Continuous smooth flow, not pulsating discharge. Lower vibration signatures, simplified piping support, ≤85 dB(A) at 1 m standard.
LONG OVERHAUL INTERVALS
Major overhaul intervals 5–8 years vs. 2–4 years for screw. Reduces production interruption risk and lifecycle maintenance cost.
SPECIFICATIONS
Key performance parameters.
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Cooling capacity | 2,000 – 14,000 kW |
| Evaporating temp | –5°C to –95°C |
| COP (design point) | 5.0 – 7.5 |
| Refrigerants | R134a, R513A, R1234ze, R717 |
| Oil system | Oil-free |
| Part-load efficiency | ≥90% COP to 30% load |
| Noise level | ≤85 dB(A) at 1 m |
CENTRIFUGAL VS. SCREW: SELECTION GUIDE
First-pass screening tool. Final selection requires thermal design review.
| Criterion | Centrifugal | Screw |
|---|---|---|
| Cooling capacity | Best above 2,000 kW | Best at 100–3,000 kW |
| COP at design load | 5.0–7.5 (higher) | 3.5–5.5 (moderate) |
| Oil in refrigerant | None (oil-free) | Yes — separation required |
| Overhaul interval | 5–8 years | 2–4 years |
| Footprint per kW | Smaller at large capacities | Smaller at small capacities |
| Best applications | Petrochemical, LNG, large process | General industrial, food, smaller |
| 10-yr TCO | Lower at large, continuous loads | Lower at small/variable loads |
PROJECT REFERENCES
Representative centrifugal refrigeration projects delivered by LMART.
| Client / Project | Location | Scope | Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 400,000 t/yr HDPE Plant — Propylene Refrigeration | China | Two-stage centrifugal, R1234ze, TPI witness | 9,600 kW |
| LNG Terminal Precooling — South China Sea FPSO | Offshore | Centrifugal/screw cascade, DNV class, ATEX Zone 1 | 6,500 kW |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Common questions from EPC engineers and procurement teams about centrifugal industrial refrigeration units
What cooling capacity range do your centrifugal refrigeration units cover?
Our centrifugal units cover cooling capacities from 2,000 kW to 14,000 kW per unit. They are designed for large-scale industrial applications where high capacity, oil-free operation, and energy efficiency are critical — such as petrochemical complexes, LNG terminals, and large chemical plants.
What are the advantages of centrifugal vs. screw compressors for refrigeration?
Centrifugal compressors offer higher COP (coefficient of performance) at large capacities, oil-free compression (no oil contamination of the refrigerant circuit), lower vibration levels, smaller footprint per kW, and longer intervals between major overhauls. Screw compressors are more suitable for smaller capacities (<2,000 kW), variable load conditions, and applications with high compression ratios.
What refrigerants do you use in centrifugal refrigeration systems?
Common refrigerants for our centrifugal units include R134a, R513A, R1234ze (low-GWP HFO), and R717 (ammonia) for specific configurations. Refrigerant selection depends on evaporating temperature, environmental regulations (F-Gas Regulation, Kigali Amendment), and client preference. We provide a refrigerant comparison during the proposal phase.
Can your centrifugal units handle ultra-low temperature applications?
Single-stage centrifugal units typically cover evaporating temperatures down to –40°C. For lower temperatures (–65°C to –95°C), we design cascade systems pairing a centrifugal high stage with a screw or reciprocating low stage. This is common in ethylene plants and LNG BOG reliquefaction.
What standards and certifications apply?
All pressure-containing components comply with ASME BPVC or PED 2014/68/EU. Rotating equipment is designed per API 617 (centrifugal compressors). Electrical and control systems meet IEC/ATEX/NEC standards for hazardous area classification. Third-party inspection by DNV, BV, ABS, LR, or TÜV is available.
What does a typical centrifugal refrigeration package include?
A complete package typically includes: centrifugal compressor with variable-speed drive or inlet guide vanes, oil-free seal system, evaporator and condenser (shell-and-tube type), economizer (if applicable), PLC-based control panel with capacity modulation, safety instrumented system (SIS), and common skid frame. All packages are factory-assembled and tested before shipment.
REQUEST A QUOTATION
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