Natural Refrigerants
The Future of Sustainable Freeze Drying
At Millrock Technology, we don’t just lead in freeze-drying innovation, we’re helping shape a more sustainable future for the industry.
Our commitment to environmental responsibility is reflected in our adoption of natural refrigerants — R-1270 (Propylene), R-170 (Ethane), and NitroLyo(™) (Liquid Nitrogen–Based Cooling System) — as part of our advanced freeze-drying solutions. These natural alternatives deliver the cooling performance our customers expect while dramatically reducing environmental impact.
Millrock’s modern freeze-drying systems safely use natural refrigerants with ultra-low GWP, engineered in precise, small quantities that comply with all safety standards—or in the case of NitroLyo, eliminate synthetic refrigerants entirely. The result: high performance without compromise.
Why Natural Refrigerants?
HydroFluoroCarbons (HFC) refrigerants often carry high Global Warming Potential (GWP) and pose long-term risks to both people and the planet. In contrast, natural refrigerants offer:
- Ultra-low GWP: Hydrocarbons and LN2-based systems have a dramatically lower environmental impact than synthetic refrigerants.
- High efficiency: Natural refrigerants deliver fast, effective cooling, supporting demanding freeze-drying applications.
- Future compliance: As global regulations phase out high-GWP refrigerants, Millrock customers are already prepared.
R-1270 (Propylene)
An efficient and reliable choice for mid- and low-temperature cooling, R-1270 provides:
- Excellent thermodynamic performance
- Low environmental impact with GWP of just 2
- Proven stability and compatibility with modern system designs
R-170 (Ethane)
Ideal for ultra-low temperature applications, R-170 offers:
- Powerful cooling capacity at extremely low temperatures
- Rapid pull-down performance
- GWP of only 6, aligning with global climate goals
LN2 (Liquid Nitrogen)
- A natural, non-flammable refrigerant option
- Enables ultra-low temperature operation without synthetic refrigerants
- Readily available and safe when managed with proper protocols
- Minimal to zero Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP) and Global Warming Potential (GWP)
Innovation Without Compromise
We understand that choosing a freeze dryer is about more than performance — it’s about partnership, compliance, and preparing for the future. That’s why our systems are engineered to integrate seamlessly with natural refrigerants, delivering:
- The same high performance Millrock is known for
- Easy serviceability and reliability
- Forward-looking environmental stewardship
Ready to future-proof your freeze-drying operation?
Let’s talk about how Millrock’s natural refrigerant solutions can support your goals — and the planet.
Now available on our Stellar®, Revo® , Magnum® , and Magnum® XL freeze dryers.
NitroLyo (Liquid Nitrogen–Based Cooling System)
Millrock’s NitroLyo offers an innovative, LN2-based cooling approach designed for labs and facilities seeking the ultimate in sustainability and performance:
- Uses liquid nitrogen as the refrigerant—eliminating synthetic refrigerants entirely
- Provides powerful, consistent cooling across demanding lyophilization applications
- Environmentally responsible with minimal to zero GWP and ODP
- Ideal for organizations aiming to achieve the highest levels of green compliance while maintaining Millrock’s trusted reliability

