See new food packaging & processing solutions at PACK EXPO in Chicago
Discover new food packaging and processing innovations from 2,500+ suppliers, all under one roof at PACK EXPO International in Chicago.

Canadian Cold Storage Facility Minimizes Its Ammonia Charge

With its focus on efficiency and the bottom line, as well as using sustainable solutions, Congebec installs a low-charge central refrigeration system in its new freezer and cooler facility.

Frick Congebec Interior

Congebec is the largest refrigerated service provider in the province of Quebec, Canada. The company has more than 400 employees and owns 13 facilities, which total to more than 50 million cu ft, all located in the areas of Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta.

For its new cold storage facility located in Ontario, Congebec needed a refrigeration system that would allow two freezers and two cooler-freezers, as well as a loading dock to be held at consistent temperatures.

In determining what type of system was needed, Jean-Francois Labelle, vice president of engineering for Congebec, had to consider a number of factors, including complying with all environmental, energy ,and safety regulations; achieving a low total cost of ownership; and fulfilling the company’s commitment to being socially responsible.  

For environmentally friendly operations, ammonia refrigerant is a good choice. Not only is ammonia a natural refrigerant and is efficient, it has no global warming or ozone depletion potential. However, there are certain risks associated with large ammonia charges, so it was important for Congebec to find ways to minimize its ammonia system charge. 

“What we were concerned about is the level of ammonia in our building because it does affect our safety, and it does affect the quality of the product if there is any leakage,” Labelle says.

After researching systems, Congebec decided to install the Frick Low Charge Central System (LCCS) to its operation.

“What caught our attention with the Low Charge Central System is the ability to lower our ammonia presence by more than 80%,” says Labelle.    

Back to Basics: Understanding Conveyors for Food Processing
Discover how modern conveyors enhance food processing—boost efficiency, ensure safety, and save space. Explore the latest tech and tips to optimize your operations.
Read More
Back to Basics: Understanding Conveyors for Food Processing
New food packaging & processing solutions, all at PACK EXPO in Chicago
Experience the cutting edge of food packaging and processing innovation at PACK EXPO International this November. See machinery and equipment in action, discover new technologies, and learn sustainable solutions from experts, all in one place.
Read More
New food packaging & processing solutions, all at PACK EXPO in Chicago