AS the HCFC ban approaches, Ken Logan, md of A-Gas (UK) looks at the alternative refrigerant solutions taking into account energy efficiency, safety, ease of use as well as environmental considerations.
WITH the phase out of virgin HCFCs well underway and the deadline rapidly approaching users are starting to realise that the new legislation isn't just confined to particular industries but affects anyone reliant on process chillers, air conditioning and refrigeration plant.
Stockpiling virgin refrigerant is illegal and although some suppliers are banking re-cycled R22 to aid the transition there are a number of alternative refrigerants to consider.
There remains considerable confusion as to what exactly is being phased out. It is not just R22, but all single HCFCs as well as blends containing HCFC's to name a few - R123, R124, R141b, R142b R401A/B, R402A/B, R403A/B, R406A, R408A, R409A/B and others.
R22 is the most commonly used coolant in the refrigeration and air conditioning industry as it can be used with low medium and high temperature applications. It is also widely used in manufacturing and process industries and many plant managers have already looked at the options available such as R407C or R404A. Removing R22 and replacing it with these alternatives may mean upgrading components, (not just the lubricant type) to ensure compatibility.
In some cases this may prove uneconomical if the plant is aged in which case plant managers may take the opportunity to opt for complete plant replacement.
Natural refrigerants
Ideally it would be useful if R22 could be replaced with just one new refrigerant but this is not possible as an ideal replacement would have to take into account energy efficiency, safety, ease of use as well as environmental considerations. One solution though is to opt for one of the 'natural' refrigerants such as ammonia and hydrocarbons as well as CO2 which is generating considerable interest as a refrigerant, although this option would only suit new-builds.
There are a number of secondary cooling fluids available too such as Zitrec (glycol-based heat transfer fluids) and Freezium (potassium-formate-based). These can be used as secondaries where ammonia or hydrocarbons are the primary refrigerant and a low charge size is required.
Replacement refrigerants
In addition there are a number of zero ozone depleting 'replacement refrigerants' the Isceon M09 Series and the UK engineered RS range of refrigerant replacements.
These products may be a solution for customers who wish to keep their existing equipment running on the same oil type but with a zero-ODP refrigerant.
'Drop-in' is a generic term that is often mentioned in connection with these products. However different refrigerants should never be mixed or dropped in on top of an existing refrigerant.
HFC replacement refrigerants in most cases do not require a change of lubricant type, but manufacturers' guidance as well as good engineering practice should be followed.
Because HCFCs have such a diverse range of applications it is sensible to check with your refrigerant supplier before undertaking a large scale project of refrigerant replacement. Suppliers will readily assist helping users to maximize levels of performance and efficiency.
A-Gas (UK)
01275 376600