Heat pumps offer huge potential – both in terms of energy savings and with regard to reducing CO2 emissions. That’s why they are an important part of the energy transition. If our customers want to utilise this potential, they need to create the right conditions – and Krones will help them do so.

Krones has plenty of experience when it comes to using heat pumps in production. One possibility is a central concept, such as those the Krones Plant Engineering team offers for entire lines or even production facilities.

But also at machine level, there are attractive decentralised approaches that – thanks to their ability to be implemented quickly – are particularly attractive for retrofits. Most suitable are processes that require both heating and cooling energy, such as in the VarioFlash or VarioAsept flash pasteurisers.

The heat pump is not yet the energy source of choice for the thermal product treatment, because the COP (coefficient of performance) is not high enough. The COP value indicates the efficiency of the heat pump and depends on a large number of factors: In addition to the temperature lift delivered by the heat pump, for instance, which is determined by the desired heating temperatures, the viscosity of the product, the heat exchanger used and the degree of heat recovery to be achieved also play a critical role. The use of a heat pump makes sense, for example, when producing highly viscous beverages with the aid of tubular heat exchangers.

As well as the kind of product and the production environment, the installation position also affects whether heat pumps are economical. Alongside the footprint of the equipment, issues such as noise emissions and the possible explosion hazard associated with certain refrigerants also need to be taken into consideration. And most important, the prevailing gas and electricity prices play a crucial role when it comes to the decision if switching to a more sustainable energy supply makes sense.

For all those whose heads are now spinning with ifs and buts, Krones also has some good—and very simple—news: You don’t have to make the decision alone, because our team at Krones knows the challenges and can thus provide a comprehensive advice on the possibilities of using a heat pump.

So why not take advantage of the opportunity and meet up with us at drinktec in Munich? Not only our experts are waiting for you there, but also many exciting examples on the topic of sustainability in production.

If you want to ensure a microbiologically safe environment for sensitive drinks, there’s no way round aseptic filling. So it’s hardly surprising that the technology is booming right now. Our developers are also huge fans – which is why they’re continually finding new ways to make our systems even better. First and foremost, they’ve focused on shrinking the physical footprint, reducing resource consumption, shortening cleaning times and speeding up product change-overs.

Whether you are already running aseptic equipment or are interested in adding this pioneering technology, we’ve got plenty for you to explore at drinktec. Come and visit us in Hall B6.