HY-VEE STORE CUTS REFRIGERANT USE

Hy-Vee opened a 64,000 sq ft store last month that uses secondary loop refrigeration systems to reduce refrigerant usage and cut emissions, earning the store Gold-Level certification from the Environmental Protection Agency's GreenChill program, according to SupermarketNews.

It is also the chain's second Hy-Vee chose the Second Nature Medium-Temperature Secondary System from Hill Phoenix, Conyers, Ga., for its meat, seafood and deli cases. The system circulates propylene glycol fluid throughout the sales floor to refrigerate product displayed in the medium temperature cases and coolers.

Because its R404A refrigerant only chills the glycol, the system uses 1,397 pounds of R404A charge, a 50% reduction over a standard direct expansion system. It also uses 1,600 gallons of glycol.