Eco-friendly performer: The cooling and temperature control devices of the HRZF series deliver – and save a lot

The cooling and tempering device of the HRZF series impresses with the use of an environmentally friendly refrigerant and thus achieves an F-gas regulation-compliant GWP value of 146. High performance indicators and energy-efficient operation complete the solution optimally. (Photo: SMC Deutschland GmbH)

From cleaning machines and vacuum pumps to laser and injection molding applications to X-ray and MRI devices: powerful yet precise cooling is essential here. To also highlight aspects of environmental and climate protection, SMC has developed the HRZF series. The cooling and temperature control unit impresses with an environmentally friendly refrigerant with a GWP value of 146 and is thus compliant with the F-Gas Regulation – as well as the SEMI^® guidelines S2, S8, and F47. Additional savings in energy consumption are achieved through the use of a DC inverter compressor and an inverter pump. High performance indicators in cooling capacity, temperature range, and temperature stability, numerous options for communication and connections, as well as low maintenance requirements, complete the overall package of the HRZF series optimally.

When it comes to reliable cooling of applications in the electronics and semiconductor industry, general automation, or the medical/pharmaceutical sector, cooling and temperature control units are used. To make a mark in terms of environmental awareness and energy efficiency here, automation specialist SMC has developed the HRZF series. This uses the environmentally friendly refrigerant R454C – based on HFO (Hydrofluoroolefin) with a low greenhouse potential – achieving a GWP (Global Warming Potential) value of 146. It is thus compliant with the F-Gas Regulation. The efficient regulation of compressor and pump saves up to 65% energy, while easy access to the pump housing and heat exchanger reduces maintenance effort. Ultimately, extensive performance indicators and high flexibility in communication, connections, and accessories are convincing.

Environmental protection combined with performance

Additionally, the HRZF series complies with the limits of the most important refrigerant regulations: including the EU (max. GWP 150), the USA (max. GWP 700), and the U.S. state of California (max. GWP 750). Furthermore, the cooling and temperature control unit conforms to SEMI^® guidelines S2, S8, and F47, making it suitable for the semiconductor industry.

The HRZF series also impresses in terms of performance: it has a cooling capacity of 10 kW at an adjustable temperature range of -20 to 90 °C and allows for highly precise temperature control with a stability of ±0.1 °C. Two variants are available for the circulating medium – fully fluorinated media or 60% aqueous ethylene glycol solution. The new cooling and temperature control unit from SMC is suitable for ambient temperatures of 10 to 35 °C and has a nominal flow rate of 20 l/min.

Economical and versatile

The heat exchanger and pump are integrated into the tank – the latter saves up to 65% energy thanks to inverter capability and the use of a DC inverter compressor. Additionally, users save on maintenance effort, as access to the pump and heat exchanger and their replacement is simple, without removing the piping or draining the circulating medium.

In terms of options, users benefit from a comprehensive range of flexibility. Besides the choice between standard input/output signal communication, serial RS-485 communication, and analog communication, there is also the possibility to read and write via DeviceNet^®. Optional threaded adapters enable connection (circulating medium and plant water) to a customer system via an NPT thread. If the electrical resistance (DI value) of the circulating medium needs to be maintained at a certain level, the HRZF series can be installed with DI control (in this version, temperature stability may exceed ±0.1 °C, and the use of fluorinated liquids is not possible). Users can also choose a version with automatic recovery of the circulating medium. The circulating medium in the pipelines can be returned to a secondary tank via external communication or through the control panel display.

Finally, numerous accessory options are available: a bypass line set and an earthquake protection mounting element, a DI filter and additional DI filter insulation material, a 60% aqueous ethylene glycol solution, a concentration meter for regular checking of the ethylene glycol solution's condensation, and a 4-way connection plate for branching the circulating medium to perform up to 4 temperature controls with a single device.