Heat Recovery Systems
At Barry Brown & Sons, we design and supply high-quality heat recovery systems engineered to improve energy efficiency and reduce operating costs across dairy, brewing, food processing, and industrial applications. Every system is customised to suit your refrigeration setup, flow rates, and hot water requirements for reliable long-term performance.
About Heat Recovery Systems
Our stainless steel waste heat recovery system solutions capture excess heat generated during refrigeration processes and redirect it to efficiently heat water for reuse throughout your facility. How does a waste heat recovery system work? It transfers thermal energy from refrigeration compressors through a heat exchanger to produce consistent hot water while reducing energy consumption.
Designed for demanding industrial environments, Barry Brown & Sons heat recovery systems deliver dependable operation, low maintenance requirements, and water temperatures between 55-65°C for cleaning, washdown, and process applications.
50+ Years Experience
WORLDWide Delivery
Custom Builds & Fittings
Refurbished Options Available
50+ Years Experience
AU-Wide Delivery
Custom Builds & Fittings
Refurbished Options Available
Custom Design, Fittings & Control Panels
Every Barry Brown & Sons heat recovery unit is engineered to suit your exact refrigeration setup, production workflow, and hot water requirements. Unlike generic systems, our heat recovery systems are purpose-built for Australian industrial environments where reliability, efficiency, and long-term durability are critical.
Our team specialises in Custom Cooling Control Panels, allowing the electrical department to tailor automation and monitoring systems around your operating requirements. This enables more precise temperature management, improved system control, and greater energy efficiency across your facility.
We also offer Dual Refrigeration Circuit Connections, allowing two independent refrigeration units to operate through a single heat recovery vessel. This configuration is ideal for operations with multiple cooling systems or varying process demands. Each waste heat recovery system is manufactured using robust materials and intelligent engineering principles, including:
- AISI 304 stainless steel external shell construction
- AISI 316 stainless steel inner vessel
- High-density polyurethane foam insulation
- Integrated thermometer systems
- 8–10 bar safety valve protection on the water inlet
- Mains pressure suitability
- Optional 6500W electric heating element backup
From upgrading an existing setup to planning a new installation, Barry Brown & Sons can customise a solution that maximises thermal recovery and operational performance.
Stress-Free Supply and Installation
At Barry Brown & Sons, we manage the entire process from design and fabrication through to delivery, commissioning, and operator training.
Our team integrates your heat recovery systems directly with existing refrigeration infrastructure, chillers, and pipework to ensure seamless performance from day one.
We coordinate plumbing, electrical integration, transport logistics, and specialised lifting requirements for regional and large-scale projects alike. From compact waste heat recovery systems for dairy operations, to larger industrial installations, we provide complete project management to minimise downtime and simplify installation.
Custom Fittings & Temperature Control
Every Barry Brown & Sons heat recovery unit can be configured with custom fittings, accessories, and temperature control components to suit your specific refrigeration setup and hot water requirements. Rather than relying on standardised off-the-shelf vessels, our systems are designed as fully integrated components within your production facility, processing plant, or farm operation.
Process & Service Fittings
Valves & Sensors
Integrated Pipework & Ports
Thermal Insulation & External Cladding
Dimple Jackets for Heating or Cooling
Agitators, Impellers & Configuration
Temperature control plays a critical role in maintaining efficient heat recovery performance. Barry Brown & Sons integrates glycol chillers and industrial chiller units to deliver precise, energy-efficient heating solutions across dairy, food, beverage, and industrial applications. Where additional hygiene control is required, systems can also incorporate CIP tank wash solutions to improve sanitation, reduce manual cleaning demands, and support efficient day-to-day operations.
Testimonials
Hear from the people who’ve worked with us – real results, real experiences, and why they’d recommend us.
Versatile Solutions Across All Major Industries
Barry Brown & Sons installs heat recovery systems for businesses where reducing energy use and water heating costs is essential to daily operations. From daily farms to high-volume food production facilities, our waste heat recovery system solutions are designed to improve efficiency while supporting consistent process performance.
Dairy Production
Recover compressor heat to generate hot water for milk vat cleaning, washdown operations, and CIP systems while reducing electricity consumption across the farm.
Beverage & Brewing
Reuse refrigeration waste heat to support vessel washdown, brewing processes, and production water heating in breweries and beverage manufacturing facilities.
Food Manufacturing
Integrate heat recovery systems into food processing lines to improve energy efficiency, maintain hygiene standards, and reduce operating expenses.
Chemical Processing
Capture and repurpose thermal energy in facilities operating continuous refrigeration cycles, improving process efficiency and reducing wasted energy output.
Frequently Asked Questions
A heat recovery system captures waste heat generated by refrigeration equipment and uses it to heat water. Instead of allowing this energy to be lost through the condenser, the heat is transferred into a hot water storage vessel, reducing overall energy consumption and operating costs.
The system is installed between the compressor and condenser of a refrigeration unit. Hot refrigerant gas passes through the heat recovery vessel, transferring its heat to the water stored inside the tank before continuing to the condenser. This process heats water while simultaneously improving refrigeration efficiency.
A Barry Brown & Sons heat recovery system can typically heat water to between 55°C and 65°C using recovered heat from the refrigeration system. An integrated electric element can further boost temperatures if required.
The hot water can be used for cleaning milk vats, dairy equipment, food processing equipment, CIP wash systems, and other industrial cleaning applications. It can also be used as pre-heated water for existing hot water services.
Yes. Heat recovery systems can be fitted to most refrigeration systems, including milk cooling systems, industrial chillers, cool rooms, and other commercial refrigeration applications.
Savings vary depending on system size and hot water usage, but because the system uses heat that would otherwise be wasted, it can significantly reduce water heating costs and lower overall energy consumption.
Yes. By removing heat from the refrigerant before it reaches the condenser, the system can improve condenser performance and increase the overall efficiency of the refrigeration plant.
Yes. Our systems can be configured with dual refrigeration circuit capability, allowing two independent refrigeration systems to operate through a single heat recovery vessel. This provides flexibility for larger facilities or operations with multiple cooling processes.
Yes. Barry Brown & Sons units are designed for mains pressure suitability and include integrated safety features such as 8-10 bar safety valves for reliable operation.
Where required, systems can include a 6500W electric element to provide supplementary heating during periods of reduced refrigeration activity or peak hot water demand.
Talk to Us About Your Heat Recovery Project
If you’re looking to reduce energy costs by capturing and reusing wasted heat, the best place to start is a conversation. Whether you have a clear application in mind or are still working out what’s possible, our team can help.
We’ll take the time to understand your process, your facility, and your efficiency goals – then recommend a heat recovery solution that makes a measurable difference to your operating costs. No pressure, no need for a fully defined brief, just a practical discussion.
Shop Our Full Range of Tanks, Technology & Equipment
From advanced heat recovery systems to custom storage vessels, glycol chillers or integrated processing equipment, our team delivers reliable systems engineered for long-term performance, operational efficiency, and reduced energy consumption
