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New Low-GWP Cosmotec Process Chillers
What the Latest Cosmotec Range Means for Manufacturers
As environmental legislation continues to evolve, industrial cooling technology is changing to keep pace. Manufacturers across the UK are increasingly looking for equipment that delivers the same reliable performance while reducing environmental impact and meeting the latest F-Gas requirements.
To support this transition, Cosmotec has announced the introduction of its new generation of Low Global Warming Potential (Low-GWP) process chillers, bringing significant updates to both the WRA ErP and WLA Compact ranges.
As a supplier of Cosmotec process cooling solutions, Newsome is helping customers understand what these changes mean and how they may affect future equipment selection, maintenance and replacement planning.
Why Are Process Chillers Changing?
The move towards Low-GWP refrigerants is being driven by increasingly stringent environmental legislation, including the latest F-Gas regulations, which aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from refrigeration and cooling systems.Rather than simply replacing refrigerants, the latest Cosmotec chillers have been developed as the next generation of the existing product range, retaining the flexibility, configurability and reliability that manufacturers already expect while using refrigerants with a significantly lower environmental impact. For customers, this means the familiar WRA and WLA Compact platforms continue to evolve without compromising the performance required for demanding industrial applications.
The Transition to R1234yf and R513A Refrigerants
The biggest change is the gradual replacement of the existing refrigerants used throughout the Cosmotec process chiller range. Within the WRA ErP range, smaller capacity models from WRA13 through to WRA35 will transition to R1234yf refrigerant, replacing previous R134a and R410A versions.
Larger models, from WRA50 through to the WRA5A, will move to R513A refrigerant, offering a significantly lower Global Warming Potential while maintaining the performance expected from industrial process chillers. The WLA Compact range will also transition to Low-GWP refrigerants. Because these compact chillers are designed for lower cooling capacities, every WLA Compact model, from WLA02 through to WLA13, will now use R1234yf refrigerant exclusively, replacing the previous R134a versions. These refrigerants support compliance with current environmental legislation while helping manufacturers reduce the carbon impact associated with their cooling systems.
Existing Models Are Being Replaced
As part of the transition, several existing models are being superseded by new Low-GWP equivalents. For example, applications previously using the WRA18 will now be served by the larger WRA20 model, while the remainder of the WRA range follows a straightforward model-for-model replacement programme. Likewise, the complete WLA Compact range continues with familiar model numbers, making it easier for customers to identify suitable replacements while benefiting from the latest refrigerant technology. Newsome can advise customers on the appropriate replacement model when upgrading existing installations or specifying new process cooling systems.
Design Changes Across the WRA Range
Although the overall design philosophy remains unchanged, several practical improvements have been introduced across the WRA ErP range. The smaller WRA13 to WRA35 models are now slightly taller. This additional height improves access to electrical components, making installation and servicing easier while ensuring compliance with the latest ErP fan regulations. The WRA5A model has been redesigned with a deeper cabinet to support future expansion of the indoor product range towards approximately 75kW.
Meanwhile, the WRA0A has been resized to match the dimensions of the WRA90 platform, creating greater consistency across the range. These dimensional changes are relatively minor but should be considered during replacement projects where plant room space is limited.
Improvements to the WLA Compact Range
Alongside the refrigerant changes, Cosmotec has introduced several practical improvements to the WLA Compact Chiller range that simplify installation, improve durability and increase operating flexibility. A new dust-tight water tank and IP54-rated electrical panel provide improved protection against airborne contaminants while ensuring better separation between hydraulic and electrical components.
The minimum standard ambient operating temperature has also been extended to -5°C, allowing greater flexibility where chillers are installed in colder environments. To simplify commissioning, the tank filling point has been relocated to the top of the unit, making filling faster and easier during installation.
In addition, WLA10 and WLA13 models are now available in versions capable of supplying water temperatures down to -5°C, opening up a wider range of process cooling applications.
Configuration Updates
Most of the proven WRA configuration options remain available. However, there are some changes worth noting. The P4 Brine Pump and P6 Brine Pump options will no longer be offered on the WRA5A model. For customers requiring specialist laser cooling applications, the highly customised two-circuit Laser version will continue to be available but will now be supplied on a quotation basis due to its bespoke nature.
As always, Newsome can advise on the most suitable configuration for each application, ensuring the selected chiller meets both the cooling duty and installation requirements.
WLA Compact Continues to Offer Flexible Process Cooling
The WLA Compact Chiller range remains an excellent solution where applications require compact, reliable process cooling. These chillers are particularly well suited where:
- Fluid temperatures above 13°C are required.
- Space is limited.
- Indoor installation is preferred.
- A maximum operating pressure of 5 bar is sufficient.
- Single-phase electrical supplies are available.
With dimensions remaining very similar to the previous generation, upgrading to the new Low-GWP models can often be achieved with minimal impact on existing installations.
What Does This Mean for Existing Customers?
For businesses already operating Cosmotec chillers, the introduction of the Low-GWP range does not mean existing equipment suddenly becomes obsolete. Instead, the new models provide a clear upgrade path for future replacement projects, planned expansions and new installations.
By understanding the relationship between previous WRA models, current WRA ErP units and the new Low-GWP versions, manufacturers can make informed decisions when budgeting for future capital investment.
Newsome can help customers identify the appropriate replacement equipment and ensure any dimensional or configuration differences are considered during the planning stage.
Supporting Sustainable Manufacturing
The introduction of Low-GWP refrigerants reflects the wider changes taking place across UK manufacturing. As businesses work towards reducing environmental impact, improving energy efficiency and meeting changing legislation, selecting the right process cooling equipment becomes increasingly important.
The latest Cosmotec chillers have been developed to support these objectives while continuing to deliver the reliability, configurability and performance expected in demanding industrial environments.
Whether customers require a larger WRA ErP process chiller or a compact WLA unit, the new generation provides greater environmental performance without compromising cooling capability or operational reliability.
Talk to Newsome About the New Cosmotec Chiller Range
Whether you’re planning a new process cooling installation, replacing ageing equipment or simply want to understand how the latest Low-GWP refrigerants could affect your future projects, the Newsome team is here to help. As experienced suppliers of Cosmotec process cooling equipment, we can advise on the transition to the new WRA ErP and WLA Compact ranges, recommend suitable replacement models and provide complete design, installation, commissioning and ongoing maintenance support.
Contact Newsome today to discuss the latest Low-GWP process chillers and find the right solution for your application.