Re-purposing, environmentally damaging HFC cryogenic chillers to environmentally inert natural refrigerants, for process chilling in the post Covid-19 pharmaceutical industry.

Lead Participant: LIKIDO LIMITED

Abstract

Over the next few months, UK pharmaceutical companies and institutes will need to develop anti-viral drugs to help overcome symptoms and vaccines to protect against and help combat the devastating effect of the COVID-19 virus.

Novel manufacturing techniques such as continuous processing, together with the safe low-temperature storage of vaccines will be required. These processes require temperatures between -50 and -80°C to operate correctly.

Currently, mechanical compressor-based low-temperature refrigeration systems use high cost \[£690/kg\] environmentally damaging HFC refrigerant gases. These gases under the UK-EU and UN climate change policies are legislated to be phased out over the next 10 years.

Likido currently manufactures low carbon, high-temperature industrial heat pumps that use a non-toxic, non-?ammable, environmentally inert, CFC/HFC free "natural working ?uid". Using Likido's experience in natural refrigerant technology and its unique two-stage compressors design, Likido over the next 3 months plan to fast track the manufacturing of a new range Cryochillers which will use HFC free "natural refrigerant gases that can operate down to -70°C and have global warming potential \[GWP\] of less than 50\.

This new innovation will ensure safe production and storage of medicines and vaccines at low temperatures and keep the UK's government commitment to climate change legislation.

Lead Participant

Project Cost

Grant Offer

LIKIDO LIMITED £43,006 £ 40,000

Publications

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