WRA R513A

Lower GWP R513A Refrigerant

The WRA range uses R513A refrigerant, which has a Global Warming Potential of 631. This is significantly lower than R134a, with a GWP of 1430, and R410A, with a GWP of 2088. R513A is classified within safety class A1. It is non-flammable and has low toxicity, making it suitable for a wide range of industrial cooling applications. It does not damage the ozone layer and provides performance comparable with refrigerants traditionally used in process chillers. Using R513A also supports compliance with Regulation (EU) 2024/573 and helps reduce the carbon impact associated with refrigerant use.

Designed for Industrial Process Cooling

Industrial chillers must often operate continuously under changing thermal loads and demanding site conditions. The WRA range has been developed for 24-hour industrial operation, with each unit factory tested before dispatch. The refrigeration circuit includes hermetic scroll compressors, a high-efficiency brazed plate evaporator and a finned condenser using copper tubes and aluminium fins. Mini-tube condenser technology increases the surface area exposed to the air while helping reduce the volume of refrigerant required.

An electronic expansion valve is fitted on selected models to control refrigerant flow accurately across changing load conditions. By managing superheat and subcooling, the valve supports efficient operation while protecting the compressor.

Reliable Cooling Under Changing Loads

Process cooling loads rarely remain constant. Machinery may start and stop, production speeds may change and ambient conditions can vary throughout the day. The WRA controller continuously monitors the process fluid inlet and outlet temperatures, ambient temperature, compressor operation and fan speed. It adjusts system performance to maintain the selected process temperature while reducing unnecessary power consumption. The dynamic setpoint function can alter the fluid temperature in line with ambient conditions. This is particularly useful when cooling electrical equipment or machine spindles, where operating too far below ambient temperature could create condensation. For applications requiring closer temperature control, the optional Smart Laser function uses PID control to manage cooling capacity. Depending on the selected system, temperature hysteresis can be limited to ±0.5K or ±0.1K.

Flexible Hydraulic Configurations

WRA chillers are available with hydraulic arrangements suited to different process requirements. The standard non-ferrous configuration is intended for open hydraulic circuits. It includes a dust-tight HDPE or AISI 304 stainless steel tank, level monitoring, an automatic adjustable bypass valve and pipework manufactured from stainless steel, polymers and brass. These materials help maintain process fluid quality and reduce the risk of contamination or corrosion within the circuit.

A pressurised hydraulic version is also available. This arrangement uses an insulated carbon steel tank with a design pressure of 4 barg, together with an expansion vessel, pressure gauge, safety valve, automatic bypass and differential pressure protection. Pressurised circuits can support stable fluid conditions, accurate process control and reduced fluid losses in demanding manufacturing applications. Horizontal multistage centrifugal pumps are available for higher-pressure process duties, with pressure options covering approximately 3 barg, 4.5 to 5 barg and 6 to 6.5 barg.

Wide Water and Ambient Temperature Range

Standard WRA units can produce chilled water between approximately +5°C and +30°C.

For applications requiring lower process fluid temperatures, the Brine version can supply glycol water down to -5°C or -10°C, depending on the model. This version includes additional hydraulic insulation and pumps with motors selected for higher glycol concentrations. The low-temperature fluid option is well suited to food and beverage processing, brewing, wine production and other duties where colder process water is required.

Standard units can operate at outdoor temperatures up to +45°C. The LT version extends the lower ambient operating limit to -20°C through dedicated control software, EC fan speed control and additional hydraulic insulation.

This broad operating range allows WRA chillers to support indoor and outdoor installations across changing seasonal conditions.

EC and AC Fan Options

Standard WRA models use axial fans with IP54 protection, corrosion-resistant blades and integrated diffuser nozzles. The fan arrangement is designed to improve airflow efficiency while helping control sound levels.

EC brushless fans are standard on Laser and LT versions. These fans provide continuous speed regulation from 10% to 100%, allowing the controller to match condenser airflow to the actual operating requirement. Variable fan speed can reduce energy use at lower loads, support stable condensing pressure and improve operation during colder ambient conditions.

Intelligent Control and BMS Integration

The SEC.blue Light programmable controller manages the refrigeration and hydraulic circuits from a single interface. Operators can view process fluid temperatures, ambient temperature, alarm history and operating status. The controller also manages compressor sequencing, fan speed, antifreeze protection, tank level alarms and electronic expansion valve operation. Remote start and stop connections and a general alarm contact are provided as standard. An RS485 communications option allows connection to a building management system through Modbus RTU.

This gives engineering teams greater visibility of chiller operation and allows the cooling system to become part of the wider site control strategy.

Outdoor Installation and Equipment Protection

The WRA structure is designed to resist weather exposure and corrosion.

The electrical panel is manufactured in accordance with EN 60204 and has an IP54 protection rating, allowing the unit to be installed outdoors. It includes a lockable main isolator, circuit protection, phase monitoring and clearly labelled electrical connections. The hydraulic and refrigeration sections are protected by removable panels. These panels provide direct access to internal components during inspection and servicing, helping reduce maintenance time.

WRA Versions for Specialist Applications

The WRA range can be configured for several specialist duties.

The Brine version supports lower glycol temperatures for food, beverage, brewing and winemaking processes. The LT version allows operation in outdoor temperatures down to -20°C.

Laser versions are designed for cooling laser sources and optics used within cutting, welding, marking, medical and additive manufacturing equipment. Optional dual-circuit systems provide separate temperature control for the laser source and optical circuit.

Dual-frequency models can operate from either 400V, three-phase, 50Hz power or 460V, three-phase, 60Hz power, which supports installations across international sites.

Typical WRA Process Chiller Applications

WRA R513A chillers can support cooling requirements across plastics processing, rubber production, laser systems, printing, food production, beverage manufacture, pharmaceutical processes and medical equipment. Within food and beverage facilities, applications include meat processing, bread and pasta production, chocolate manufacture, dairy processing, coffee production, brewing, juice production and drink carbonation.

In plastics and rubber manufacturing, WRA units can cool moulding, extrusion, blow moulding and thermoforming equipment. Other applications include MRI scanners, X-ray equipment, CT systems, chemical reactors, cleanrooms, printing presses, electroplating lines and biogas drying systems.

Optional Equipment and Accessories

The WRA range can be supplied with options selected around the process and installation requirements. These include flow switches, automatic filling systems, condenser air filters, electric heaters, remote controls, ambient probes, enhanced hydraulic insulation, lifting points and high or low-pressure gauges. External water filters, adjustable feet, remote probes and RS485 communications kits are also available.

Newsome can review the complete application and specify the required configuration rather than supplying a standard unit that may not suit the process.

WRA50 to WRA90 Cooling Capacities

The initial R513A range includes five models.

At 20°C inlet and 15°C outlet water temperatures, nominal cooling capacities extend from approximately 16.2kW for the WRA50 to 31.9kW for the WRA90.

At 12°C inlet and 7°C outlet water temperatures, capacities range from approximately 12.1kW to 23.9kW.

All current models use a 400V, three-phase, 50Hz electrical supply. Their compact dimensions allow them to be positioned close to production equipment where this supports shorter pipe runs and more direct process integration.

Process Chiller Support from Newsome

The performance of an industrial cooling system depends on more than the chiller itself. Accurate load calculations, correct pump selection, suitable fluid temperatures and properly sized pipework all affect system performance. Newsome can assess the process duty, operating temperatures, required flow rates, pressure requirements and site conditions before recommending the most suitable WRA model and configuration.

Our team can then manage equipment supply, hydraulic and electrical installation, commissioning and planned maintenance.

For facilities requiring temporary cooling during installation, planned chiller maintenance or an unexpected breakdown, Newsome can also provide supplementary chiller hire support.