When you think about the food and beverage industry, images of crisp vegetables, cold milk, frozen pizzas, or even a refreshing craft beer might come to mind. But behind the scenes, keeping all of those products safe, fresh, and consistent relies on complex ammonia refrigeration systems—and two unsung heroes in that system are oil separators and oil tanks.
Image from Genemco
Link to Industrial Oil Tanks & Separators
Why Are They So Important?
Ammonia refrigeration is widely used in food and beverage facilities because it’s efficient, reliable, and sustainable. But ammonia systems come with a challenge: oil from the compressors often mixes with the refrigerant. If left unchecked, that oil can build up, reduce heat transfer, and slow down the entire cooling process.
-
Oil separators step in to capture and remove oil from the refrigerant stream, keeping the system clean and efficient.
-
Oil tanks provide a safe place to collect, store, and redistribute that oil so compressors always have the lubrication they need without causing interruptions.
Together, they act as a quality-control system for the refrigeration process—quietly ensuring that your freezer full of frozen foods or your brewery’s fermentation tanks stay at the exact temperatures they need.
Where Do You See Them in Action?
The food and beverage industry is diverse, but ammonia oil tanks and separators find a home in almost every corner of it:
-
Meat & Poultry Plants – From processing to storage, strict temperature control ensures food safety. Oil separators and tanks help refrigeration systems run at peak efficiency to meet USDA standards.
-
Dairies – Fresh milk, cheese, and yogurt all depend on stable, cooled environments. Without well-maintained oil management, spoilage risks rise.
-
Frozen Foods – Ice cream, vegetables, and ready-to-cook meals require consistent freezing power. Oil separators keep systems efficient, cutting down energy waste.
-
Breweries & Beverage Production – Fermentation and storage tanks must stay at carefully controlled temperatures. Oil tanks ensure compressors remain lubricated and reliable, so nothing interrupts the brewing process.
-
Cold Storage Warehouses – These facilities act as the backbone of food distribution. Even a small refrigeration hiccup can mean major losses—oil separators and tanks reduce those risks.
Trusted Equipment Matters
Because these systems work around the clock, the equipment needs to be durable and proven. That’s why industry leaders often choose brands like Frick, Vilter, R&Y, Cil-Con, Henry Technologies, Seattle Refrigeration Inc., and more. These manufacturers are trusted worldwide for building separators and tanks that can stand up to the demands of food and beverage operations.
Image from Genemco
Link to Industrial Oil Tanks & Separators
Why Partner with Genemco?
At Genemco, we know that downtime isn’t an option in food and beverage production. That’s why we offer quality used industrial ammonia oil separators and oil tanks from the most trusted names in the business. Choosing used equipment doesn’t mean compromising—it means getting dependable systems at a fraction of the cost, without long lead times.
When you work with us, you’re not just finding equipment—you’re gaining a partner who understands the urgency of your industry. We’re here to help you keep your operations flowing, your products fresh, and your customers happy.