Global Milestones in Sustainable Freeze Drying
At MATTON MACHINERY, our commitment to state-of-the-art, sustainable freeze-drying technology knows no borders. We successfully delivered and installed two major international projects recently: a high-performance freeze dryer with carbon dioxide refrigeration system for a client in Miami, USA, and a heavy-duty freeze dryer with ammonia refrigeration system for a client in Madrid, Spain.
These twin milestones highlight our global reach and our dedication to engineering custom industrial freeze dryer solutions. We use natural refrigerants to power our machines. This ensures our clients achieve peak operational efficiency while meeting the strictest environmental regulations.
The freeze dryer industry is shifting towards natural refrigerants.
The refrigeration industry is undergoing a massive transformation. The US AIM Act and the European F-Gas Regulation drive the phasing out of high-GWP (Global Warming Potential) synthetic refrigerants like HFCs. Businesses must transition urgently to natural alternatives.
Carbon dioxide (R-744) and ammonia (R-717) have emerged as the premier choices for large-scale freeze-drying applications. Both fluids boast a zero Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP). They also feature an ultra-low or zero GWP. This makes them sustainable, future-proof investments.
However, each refrigerant offers unique mechanical and thermodynamic advantages. MATTON MACHINERY tailors our technology. We perfectly match the distinct needs of our clients in Miami and Madrid.
Miami, USA: The Power and Safety of CO2 (R-744) Freeze Drying Machine
For our customer in Miami, we delivered an environmentally friendly freeze dryer utilizing a Stan CO2 refrigeration system. CO2 is an abundant natural refrigerant. It boasts a GWP of just 1.
- Compact & Powerful: CO2 possesses an exceptionally high volumetric cooling capacity. This capacity is roughly 4 to 12 times greater than that of ammonia at low evaporating temperatures. This allows for a much more compact system design with smaller pipe diameters. You save valuable facility space.
- Uncompromised Safety: CO2 is classified as an A1 refrigerant. This means it is non-toxic and non-flammable. It makes it an incredibly safe option for industrial settings. Personnel safety and strict zoning are top priorities here.
- Low-Temperature Excellence: Freeze dryer operation requires deep vacuum and extreme low temperatures. CO2 is highly efficient at these lower temperatures. It is a natural fit for the vapor condensers and cold shelves of an industrial freeze dryer.
We completed the installation and testing of this freeze dryer in the US last April. Our engineers stayed on-site. They tested different products for the customer. They also taught the client how to freeze-dry perfectly. We shipped a larger 1000kg capacity freeze dryer with carbon dioxide refrigeration system last December. Installation for this unit is planned to begin in February 2026.—–“Safety and compliance drove our decision-making. In Miami, the A1 non-toxic rating of the CO2 system was a must-have for our facility zoning. The MATTON MACHINERY team did not just sell us a machine; they delivered a compact, high-performing freeze dryer that met every regulatory standard. The training they provided ensured our team was fully confident in operating the new system from day one. We look forward to commissioning the second unit next year.”
— Operations Director, Miami, USA—–
Madrid, Spain: The Unmatched Efficiency of Ammonia (R-717) Freeze Dryer
For our valued VIP client, Mr. Jose in Madrid, we designed a freeze dryer with ammonia refrigeration system. Ammonia has been the powerhouse of industrial refrigeration for over a century, and for good reason. This is our second collaboration with this client. Our first collaboration involved building a VF-800 vacuum fryer for them in Madrid. This time, we are building a large-scale freeze-drying plant for them in Egypt with a daily processing capacity of 2 tons.
- Zero Global Warming Potential: Ammonia is one of the most environmentally friendly freeze dryer refrigerants available. It boasts a GWP of exactly 0.
- Superior Thermodynamic Efficiency: Ammonia is renowned for its high thermal capacity. It also has superior latent heat of vaporization. In large industrial facilities, ammonia typically offers the lowest long-term operating costs. You gain incredible energy efficiency.
- Durability and Longevity: Ammonia requires specialized stainless steel piping. This is due to its corrosive nature with copper. The result is a highly robust system construction. With proper maintenance, ammonia-based freeze dryers can operate reliably for decades. This provides an incredible return on investment.
—–“We focus on long-term efficiency for all our large projects. For a 2-ton daily capacity plant in Egypt, the thermodynamic advantages of ammonia were unmatched. MATTON MACHINERY understands our need for superior performance and minimal operating costs. Their expertise across different systems—from our first vacuum fryer project to this new freeze dryer with ammonia refrigeration system—gives us the confidence to continue partnering with them for global expansions.”
— Jose G., Project Director, Madrid, Spain—–
Your Partner in Advanced Freeze Drying
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to industrial freeze drying. Choosing between CO2 and ammonia involves a complex trade-off. We consider initial capital expenditure, facility size, safety requirements, and long-term energy efficiency.
At MATTON MACHINERY, we engineer the solution that fits your exact processing needs.
Contact us today to learn how our advanced CO2 and ammonia freeze dryer systems can elevate your production capabilities, lower your operating costs, and future-proof your business against changing environmental regulations.
