Extending the Life of a Community Ice Facility: How Louis A. Roser Company Delivered Energy Efficiency and Performance

For more than a century, Louis A. Roser Company has been a trusted leader in industrial refrigeration throughout the western United States. Headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah, and serving regions including Idaho, California, Colorado, Nevada, Oregon, Washington, and Montana, the company has built a legacy of reliability, safety, and technical excellence.

One project that demonstrates this expertise involved upgrading a regional ice facility’s refrigeration system. The facility is an important community hub for recreation and sports. Over time, its refrigeration equipment had begun to age, leading to efficiency loss and increased maintenance demands. The Louis A. Roser Company team was brought in to modernize the system, extend its operational life, and ensure reliable performance for years to come.

Identifying the Challenge: Aging Equipment and Energy Loss

Many ice rinks and recreational facilities built in the late 20th century now face challenges related to aging refrigeration systems. In this case, the facility’s shell-and-tube heat exchanger had reached the end of its service life. Corrosion and fouling had reduced its ability to maintain efficient heat transfer, resulting in inconsistent ice temperatures and higher energy consumption.

The condenser and brine pump were also showing signs of wear. These components are essential for circulating cooling fluid and maintaining the proper ice surface temperature. Reduced efficiency in either part of the system can cause higher operating costs, unstable performance, and increased risk of breakdowns.

The facility’s management team needed an industrial refrigeration specialist capable of managing complex systems and delivering long-term solutions. They turned to Louis A. Roser Company, known for its engineering expertise, safety record, and ability to deliver efficient refrigeration systems that meet demanding performance standards.

The Solution: Engineering, Replacement, and System Optimization

Louis A. Roser Company began by performing a detailed system evaluation to identify the most effective and economical path forward. The project team recommended a complete replacement of the shell-and-tube heat exchanger, along with a new condenser and brine pump installation.

These upgrades would restore the system’s efficiency, reduce energy waste, and improve overall reliability. The project also included precise engineering, design, and installation work to ensure seamless integration of all components.

1. Replacing the Shell-and-Tube Heat Exchanger

The existing heat exchanger had lost much of its efficiency due to corrosion and internal scaling. The team replaced it with a modern, high-performance model designed for demanding ice rink applications. The new exchanger provided improved thermal conductivity and durability, helping the system maintain consistent ice temperatures even under heavy load.

L.A. Roser’s engineers carefully balanced the refrigeration cycle and adjusted brine flow rates to achieve precise temperature control. This level of accuracy ensures better ice quality and smoother skating conditions.

2. Installing a New Condenser

Next, the company installed a state-of-the-art condenser with improved capacity and energy efficiency. The new design incorporated advanced refrigerant controls and variable-speed technology to optimize operation during fluctuating demand periods.

This upgrade reduced overall energy consumption while improving system reliability. It also ensured that the refrigeration system met modern environmental and efficiency standards, minimizing the facility’s carbon footprint.

3. Upgrading the Brine Pump

The brine pump was replaced with a high-efficiency model that provides consistent glycol circulation throughout the rink’s piping system. By maintaining steady flow and pressure, the upgraded pump helps create a uniform ice surface and prevents energy loss during circulation. The improved design also reduces maintenance needs and extends pump lifespan.

Expert Insulation and Craftsmanship

Proper insulation is a key factor in maximizing the performance and longevity of any refrigeration system. The Louis A. Roser Company insulation team demonstrated exceptional craftsmanship by applying precise insulation to all newly installed equipment and piping.

High-quality insulation minimizes energy loss, protects against moisture, and ensures that every component operates at its intended efficiency level. The attention to detail and professional finish in this project reflect the company’s commitment to quality and reliability on every job site.

Results: Efficiency, Reliability, and Long-Term Value

The results of the system upgrade were immediate and measurable. The ice facility saw improved operational stability, reduced energy consumption, and lower maintenance costs. Key outcomes included:

Consistent and stable ice surface temperature
Enhanced system efficiency and reduced energy use
Longer equipment lifespan and fewer unplanned repairs
Reliable performance for year-round operations

By modernizing its refrigeration infrastructure, the facility significantly improved performance while reducing operating costs. Louis A. Roser Company’s timely and professional approach also ensured that downtime was kept to a minimum, allowing the community to continue enjoying the rink without major interruptions.

Supporting Safety, Compliance, and Sustainability

Every project handled by Louis A. Roser Company follows the highest safety and compliance standards. The company assists clients across multiple industries with systems that must meet strict mechanical, environmental, and operational requirements.

For this ice facility, the team conducted a comprehensive review to ensure proper installation, safe operation, and long-term reliability. This attention to safety and precision reflects L.A. Roser’s broader philosophy: prioritizing the well-being of both people and equipment.

Sustainability was another key consideration. The upgraded system operates with improved efficiency and reduced emissions, aligning with modern energy conservation goals. By extending the life of the existing facility and minimizing waste, the project provided long-term environmental and economic benefits.