SWEP Opens Large Scale Propane Testing Facility

DOWNERS GROVE, Ill. (Dec. 30, 2024) — SWEP, part of Dover and a global supplier of brazed plate heat exchangers (BPHEs), announced the opening of a new rig for propane testing at the SWEP Research & Development Center in Landskrona, Sweden.

Recent policies such as the European F-Gas Regulation are driving market demand for heating and cooling systems that operate with natural- or low-GWP refrigerants. The capability to run large scale propane testing is an important step for SWEP to meet current and future need for sustainable heat transfer solutions. The heating and cooling sector (HVAC) accounts for a significant share of global energy consumption, and the industry is challenged to find innovations to accelerate decarbonization.

“The new test rig will be crucial in the development of brazed plate heat exchangers that are optimized for systems based on natural refrigerants. We are working closely with our customers to create products that meet system design requirements of next-generation heat pumps and chillers,” says Ulrika Nordqvist, SWEP president.

SWEP has been able to test small- and medium-sized units with propane since 2019, and the new rig will now enable in-house testing of up to XL-size units.

“The new test rig is optimized for a wide propane envelope and will be instrumental in the ongoing development of highly efficient and safe heat transfer solutions. We will continue to support our customers in the transition towards more sustainable heating and cooling systems,” says Fabienne Bourquenoud Moret, VP of Marketing, Research & Development at SWEP.

Although propane gas has a low GWP, its flammable properties make it hazardous to handle in a test environment. Ensuring operational safety and quality has been central in the launch of the new rig, which is part of SWEP’s Global Investment Program. Running from 2019 through 2025, the program seeks to strengthen SWEP’s long-term capacity and add new capabilities to help ensure customer success and accelerate growth.