Africa MRI chillers Market is Segmented By Product Type (Water-Cooled, Air Cooled, Liquid Nitrogen, Others), By Cooling Capacity (Low-Capacity MRI Chillers, Medium Capacity MRI Chillers, High-Capacity MRI Chillers), By Application (Superconducting Magnet Cooling, Gradient Coil Cooling, Radiofrequency (RF) Coil Cooling) and By End-User (Hospitals, Clinics, Diagnostic Imaging Centers, Others) – Share, Size, Outlook, and Opportunity Analysis, 2024-2031
Africa MRI chillers Market Overview:
The Africa MRI chillers market is US$ XX million in 2023 and is estimated to grow at a CAGR of XX% during the forecast period (2024-2031) to reach a valueof US$ XX million in 2031.
An MRI Chiller is a piece of medical equipment used to keep the MRI machine cool. The chiller circulates water through coils inside the MRI machine to keep itat a consistent temperature. Without a chiller, the MRI machine would heat up and could be damaged. MRI chillers are often located in a room adjacent to theMRI machine room. They are typically large, industrial machines that require a lot of space.
MRI machine chillers work by circulating a refrigerant around a series of coils. As the refrigerant circulates, it absorbs heat from the MRI scanner. Thisprocess helps keep the scanner cool and prevents it from overheating. The cold refrigerant then passes through a condenser, which turns it back into aliquid.
MRI chillers are an important part of maintaining the performance and safety of your MRI machines. Without them, the scanners could overheat and bedamaged. MRI chillers also help reduce noise levels and improve image quality. Thanks to their many benefits, MRI chillers are an essential piece ofequipment in any MRI scanner room.
Africa MRI chillers Market Dynamics
Drivers
Rise in the prevalence of chronic diseases
In sub-Saharan Africa, it is reported that at least 69% of death observed on the African continent, results from chronic diseases along with communicable diseases. Furthermore, it has also been documented that about 79% of all deaths attributable to chronic diseases globally occur in developing countries. A few factors attributed to the increase in the burden of chronic diseases in Africa are urbanization, globalization, acculturation, changes in lifestyle as well as an increase in life expectancy. In South Africa, 20% of deaths between the age of 35 and 64 years are attributed to chronic diseases of lifestyle. The predisposing risk-factors for chronic diseases of lifestyle among South African in both rural and urban areas are physical inactivity, self-reported hypertension, tobacco smoking, and obesity. Between half and 88% of deaths across seven countries in Africa are caused by chronic diseases, the WHO says. In another seven of Africa's most populated countries, NCDs cause between 100,000 and 450,000 deaths annually. The increasing prevalence of chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular disorders and neurological conditions, often leads to a higher demand for diagnostic imaging services like MRI. This rise in demand can positively impact the MRI chillers market.
Advancements in MRI chillers
Advances in cryocooler technology during the past several years have enabledthe design of new cooling methods for magnetic resonant imaging (MRI)systems. Open cycle operation of MRI systems using a Gifford-McMahon (GM)cycle cryocooler to cool two thermal shields, one at 20 K and the second at 80 K,has been the standard approach used to minimize helium usage in these systems.
The concept has worked very well and enabled the development of an importantmedical imaging modality.
However, the 12 K temperature limit of these cryocoolers has limited the designflexibility of the MRI magnet system by requiring a cylindrical design with twothermal shields and a large helium container to extend the operating time.
The development of Gifford-McMahon cycle cryocoolers capable of coolingbelow liquid helium temperature, or providing larger cooling capacities between4.2 and 10 K, has removed this design barrier and provided greater overallsystem design flexibility.
The impact that new GM cryocooler developments, based on rare earthintermetallic compounds in the second-stage regenerator, has had on MRIdesigns.
By extending the cooling capacity of these units to below 4.2 K with rare earthmaterials, new MRI products have been developed that operate as closed cyclesystems without the need for replenishing liquid helium to maintain the magnetat temperature for long periods of time.
Restraints
High cost associated with the systems
The upfront costs associated with purchasing and installing MRI chillers can be significant. Healthcare facilities may be hesitant to invest in new equipment, especially in regions with budget constraints or where there is a focus on cost reduction. In terms of quality, high quality MRI chillers will cost you a lot more than low quality MRI chillers. Generally, you will pay between 5,000 to 50,000 US dollars. MRI machines require precise temperature control to function properly. Chillers for MRI must meet specific technical requirements, including temperature stability, reliability, and compatibility with the MRI system. Developing and manufacturing chillers with such specialized features can increase production costs. Hence, Manufacturers can explore financing options, lease agreements, or bundling services to make the initial investment more manageable for healthcare facilities. Emphasizing the long-term benefits and cost savings of efficient chillers may also help justify the initial expense.
Requirement of high maintenance
Maintaining MRI chillers is crucial to ensure the proper functioning and longevity of the equipment. MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) machines generate a significant amount of heat during operation, and chillers are used to cool the system and maintain the required temperature. MRI chiller is responsible for keeping the MRI cool and making sure it stays within a certain temperature range. Without proper maintenance, the machine can overheat and cause serious damage to the sensitive MRI parts, resulting in costly repairs or even a complete replacement. The chiller is a separate unit from the MRI and requires regular maintenance. It provides cold water for cooling cabinets and electronics, preventing error messages like "over-temp error" or "gantry overheat fault." It also increases the risk of burning out boards and components. It's essential to contract a local HVAC group for support and maintenance.
Covid-19 Impact Analysis On Africa MRI chillers Market
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to disruptions in global supply chains. Manufacturing and distribution of medical devices, including MRI coolingsystems, may have been affected due to lockdowns, restrictions, and workforce challenges. Many healthcare facilities faced challenges during thepandemic, including delays in planned installations or upgrades of medical equipment. Financial constraints and the focus on handling COVID-19 casesmay have contributed to a slower pace in acquiring and implementing new MRI cooling systems.
The pandemic has highlighted the importance of robust healthcare infrastructure. Increased demand fordiagnostic services, including MRI scans, mayhave driven a need for reliable and efficient MRI cooling systems in healthcare facilities. The shift towards telemedicine during the pandemic may haveinfluenced the demand for certain medical equipment.
While this may not directly impact the MRI cooling market, broader changes in healthcare practices can have downstream effects on related sectors. Thepandemic led to disruptions in the healthcare sector, causing delays in planned installations and purchases of medical imaging equipment, including MRImachines.
Hospitals and healthcare facilities faced financial constraints and prioritized resources for addressingimmediate COVID-19 needs. Healthcare facilitieshad to adapt their priorities during the pandemic, with a focus on emergency and critical care. Non-urgent elective procedures, including somediagnostic imaging tests, were postponed or rescheduled, impacting the demand for certain types of imaging equipment.
Africa MRI chillers Market Segmentation Analysis
The market value for water cooled is likely to reach USD XX million in 2031, from its recorded value of USD XX million in 2023, growing with a CAGR of XX% during the forecast period 2024 to 2031. Water-cooled chillers are by far the most common type used in MRI machines. They can be either absorption or centrifugal chillers. Absorption chillers use ammonia as a refrigerant, while centrifugal chillers use Freon. For MRI equipment, both air-cooled and water-cooled MRI chillers function well. They distribute heat to various parts of the body. Chillers that are air-cooled transmit heat to the ambient air. These are perfect for facilities that do not have access to running water. Watercooled chillers, on the other hand, transmit heat to a water source, such as a cooling tower or a plant-chilled water supply. By flowing cold water over the magnet coils, chillers, both air-cooled and water-cooled, are utilized to cool them down.
Chillers for MRIs are necessary because they keep the gradient coil and liquid helium compressor cool. The temperature of the magnet is kept at -269 degrees Celsius by the entire refrigeration system to keep the superconducting condition of the superconducting coil. The entire refrigeration system will stop working if the chiller fails. Furthermore, MRI water chillers are necessary to prevent the hospital from incurring financial losses owing to the loss of a huge amount of liquid helium. When the magnet is at risk of quenching and the liquid level is below 60%, this can happen. The machine’s compressor will become very hot and finally stop running if there is no consistent cooling water or if the water from the MRI chiller stops flowing. As a result, the magnet will begin to lose helium. On the other hand, water-cooled chillers transfer heat to a water source, like a cooling tower or a plant-chilled water system. Both air-cooled and water-cooled chillers are used to cool down the magnet coils by running cold water around the magnet. They can also be used to cool down the gradient cabinet.
Africa MRI chillers Market Company Share Analysis
The Africa MRI chillers market is expected to be moderately competitive, owing to the presence of big brands. Also, the market is expanding due to the presence of several large and regional players entering the market. The key players that are contributing to the growth of the Africa MRI chillers market include GE Healthcare, Imaging Solutions, Cario Company, Siemens Healthineers, Airsys, Philips, Hitachi among others. The key players are adopting strategies such as partnerships, mergers, acquisitions and regional expansion to stand out as strong competitors in the market. Novel services and enhanced focus on research and development are other ways the leading players can improve their market presence.
