GEA equips Britvic with carbon-reducing ammonia heat recovery system

22 Aug 2023 --- UK-based soft drinks manufacturer Britvic is installing a Gateshead Energy Company (GEC) heat recovery system at its Beckton site in London, where the company produces 2,000 drinks per minute, including popular beverages such as Robinsons, Tango and Pepsi Max.

GEA has supplied two industrial ammonia heat pumps and a large thermal storage tank. The heat recovery system will help cut carbon emissions by an estimated 1,200 metric tons annually, in line with Britvic’s goal of reducing direct carbon emissions by 50% by 2025 and achieving net zero by 2050.

The system reuses low-temperature waste heat from the existing production system. GEA details that the waste heat was previously released into the atmosphere and will now be used to heat hot water to 92 degrees Celsius, which will be distributed throughout the plant.

GEA has provided Britvic two industrial ammonia heat pumps and a large thermal storage tank.Path to net zero
Britvic says the heat recovery system will decarbonize 50% of the site’s heat demand by using less gas in the traditional steam boilers, shifting the heat source away from fossil fuels. A valved connection is provided for up to 750 kW of heat, which will be recovered in the future from other sources.

“The challenge with this brown-field project was how the improvements support us on our journey to reduce our Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions as part of our science-based targets and our Healthier People, Healthier Planet sustainability strategy”, says Sarah Webster, director of sustainable business at Britvic.

Simon Gurr, sales manager at GEA’s Heating & Refrigeration division, adds: “This project provides us with a fantastic opportunity to extend our leading role in industry decarbonization. GEA’s expertise in both heat pump technology and process integration brings the right solution to Britvic.”

Energy efficiency
GEA states that ammonia heat pumps are more efficient than fluorinated gas solutions.

The GEA RedGenium, supplied to Britvic, is a compact heat pump for small to medium heat loads. The heat pump can use any liquid heat source up to 50 degrees Celsius, including wastewater, surface water and groundwater. It can also use a liquid secondary refrigerant for combined cooling and heating applications.

“Upgrading legacy industrial steam heating systems and integrating these with heat pump technology is a challenge,” says Matthew Hadwen, beverage sales manager at GEA’s Liquid & Powder Technologies division.

“At GEA, we can supply heat pumps and integrated process heat exchanger skids as one solution. This sets us apart from our competition.”

The systems supplier for F&B and pharmaceutical sectors further details that there are applications for which standard ammonia heat pumps may not be suitable. In such instances, GEA can tailor designs to suit individual needs.

Edited by Radhika Sikaria

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