Dow Joins EPA "GreenChill" Advanced Refrigeration Partnership
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MIDLAND, MICH.-January 31, 2008-The Dow Chemical Company announced today that its Performance Fluids business, has signed on to the new EPA GreenChill Advanced Refrigeration Partnership. The partnership is a voluntary program to promote green technologies, strategies and practices that protect the ozone layer, reduce greenhouse gases, and even help save money by reducing energy consumption. Other chemical manufacturers, supermarkets, and refrigeration equipment makers are also involved in the program.
Dow manufactures heat transfer fluids, some of which are used as secondary coolants for an innovative new refrigeration system in supermarket meat and dairy cases that reduce refrigerant use, energy consumption, and maintenance costs. Dow officials signed the agreement December 18, 2007 in Midland, Michigan, the location of Dow's global headquarters. "Dow is grateful for the opportunity to partner with the EPA and other like-minded companies to help reduce the consumption of ozone-depleting chemicals and improve energy efficiency in supermarket refrigeration systems," said Steven Stanley, Ph.D., global business director for Dow Performance Fluids, a business portfolio that includes Dow Heat Transfer Fluids.
DOWFROST(TM) In Supermarket Applications
DOWFROST(TM) Heat Transfer Fluids are used in secondary-loop refrigeration systems. In
traditional stores, each refrigerated box has its own refrigeration unit. By using secondary-loop efficiencies, the number of individual refrigeration units are reduced to a single cooling unit. Secondary-loop refrigeration systems that contain DOWFROST(TM) Inhibited Propylene Glycol-based Heat Transfer Fluids can help eliminate the need for numerous individual direct expansion refrigeration units, thus reducing the amount of ozone-depleting refrigerants used and potentially leaked into the environment. Fewer refrigeration units running also reduces energy consumption. Of course the energy saved depends on the size of the store and the number of refrigeration units replaced.
Reduced Refrigerant Emissions
Traditional refrigeration systems are a significant source of refrigerant emissions. The secondary-loop refrigeration system limits the use of refrigerant gas thereby reducing the potential for refrigerant leaks. Another advantage of secondary-loop systems is their reduced annual maintenance cost which is 50% lower than traditional systems. In addition, DOWFROST(TM) Fluids comply with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations for use in applications where contact with food or beverage products could occur.
About Dow
With annual sales of $54 billion and 46,000 employees worldwide, Dow is a diversified chemical company that combines the power of science and technology with the "Human Element" to constantly improve what is essential to human progress. The Company delivers a broad range of products and services to customers in around 160 countries, connecting chemistry and innovation with the principles of sustainability to help provide everything from fresh water, food and pharmaceuticals to paints, packaging and personal care products. References to "Dow" or the "Company" mean The Dow Chemical Company and its consolidated subsidiaries unless otherwise expressly noted. More information about Dow can be found at dow.com.
For editorial information:
Harold Nicoll, APR
Communications Leader
(989) 636-5162
HGNicoll@dow.com
