Vilter Manufacturing LLC is developing reciprocating compressors for CO₂/ammonia cascade systems for food processing, dairy, produce and cold-storage warehousing applications.

The cascade system is built on the capabilities of Emerson’s line of Copeland scroll compressors, which are typically used in HVAC applications. As EPA regulations continue to evolve, ammonia serves as an energy-efficient, natural refrigerant. Vilter sees opportunities using waste heat from a facility’s refrigeration system for other heat and air-conditioning applications. Emerson expects the smaller CO₂/ammonia cascade system to pave the way for the larger models used in industrial applications.

Emerson is conducting its tests at its Helix Innovation Center, a 40,000-ft² facility in Dayton, Ohio.