Maneurop MTZ160HW4VE
Mbsmpro.com, Compressor, MTZ160HW4VE, 13 hp, Maneurop, Cooling, R134a R404A R407C R507A, 20.3 kW, 380‑400/3/50Hz 460/3/60Hz, MBP/HBP, Hermetic reciprocating
Maneurop MTZ160HW4VE overview
The Maneurop MTZ160HW4VE is a heavy‑duty hermetic reciprocating compressor designed by Danfoss for medium‑back‑pressure commercial refrigeration with HFC refrigerants R134a, R404A, R407C, and R507A.
​It targets cold rooms, process chillers, milk tanks, and larger beverage installations where robust construction, multi‑refrigerant flexibility, and three‑phase power supply are required.​
Technical specifications and operating data
The MTZ160HW4VE belongs to the MTZ160‑4VI family and combines a three‑phase motor with high‑efficiency pistons to reach double‑digit horsepower levels.
​Its nominal cooling capacity is about 20.3 kW at 50 Hz, with operation possible on 380‑415 V/3/50 Hz or 460 V/3/60 Hz networks. ​
Main technical data – MTZ160HW4VE
This table shows why the MTZ160HW4VE is positioned as a 13 hp‑class compressor for large medium‑temperature duties rather than domestic or small commercial equipment.​
The internal overload, POE 160PZ oil, and 22.6‑bar shell rating give it the safety margin needed for high‑pressure HFC blends like R404A and R507A.
Field applications and exploitation potential
Because of its capacity and three‑phase motor, the MTZ160 series is frequently installed in:
- Medium‑temperature cold rooms for food storage in supermarkets and restaurants.​
- Process chillers, milk tanks, and air‑dryer systems that need stable evaporating temperatures and long run times. ​
For installers, the multi‑refrigerant capability is a real advantage: the same MTZ160HW4VE shell can be used with traditional R404A/R507A or retrofitted to lower‑GWP blends like R448A or R449A, provided the system is re‑calculated using Danfoss performance software.​
The POE 160PZ oil ensures full miscibility with HFC and HFO blends, which is essential for good oil return in long piping runs and vertical risers in supermarket systems.
Value comparison with another Maneurop and Copeland models
To position this compressor on the market, it is useful to compare it with a smaller Maneurop MTZ80‑4VI and with a scroll alternative such as a Copeland ZR81KCE.
​Capacity comparison
The MTZ160HW4VE clearly delivers about double the cooling capacity of the MTZ80‑4VI, which justifies its use in bigger cold rooms or multi‑evaporator racks.
​Against a similar‑capacity Copeland scroll, the reciprocating design may be a bit noisier but offers higher displacement and strong performance at lower evaporating temperatures, making it attractive in heavy commercial refrigeration. ​
Operating range and refrigerant flexibility
From this table, the MTZ160HW4VE stands out by its very wide refrigerant portfolio, which is a strong value for installers looking for future‑proof solutions during HFC phase‑down.​
Scroll compressors remain strong competitors in efficiency and sound level, but they are not always as tolerant to liquid slugging or deep evaporating conditions as a rugged reciprocating Maneurop.
Installation, reliability and service notes
Danfoss guidelines for MT/MTZ compressors specify that these units must be installed with proper crankcase heaters, suction line filters, and accurate superheat control to avoid liquid floodback.
​They also recommend limiting the number of starts to around 12 per hour and ensuring correct phase rotation and voltage balance to protect the three‑phase motor. ​
During service, only POE 160PZ oil should be used, and charging must be done as a liquid from the cylinder when handling zeotropic blends such as R407C, R448A, or R449A to prevent fractionation.
​When retrofitting from R404A to a lower‑GWP blend, system components such as expansion valves and line sizes must be checked against the new operating pressures and mass flow predicted by Danfoss software tools. ​
