An MLF funded project in China for the conversion of a compressor production line to R290 has successfully passed a first technical evaluation. The project aims to enhance the global availability of R290 compressors.
As reported by Hydrocarbons21, The United Nations Montreal Protocol Multilateral Fund (MLF) Demonstration Project 'R290 compressor production line remodeling' undertaken by Meizhi was reviewed in the first technical evaluation on R290 'environmentally friendly' refrigerant compressors ever conducted in the country.

A report published in the February 2011 issue of JARN (Japan Air Conditioning, Heating & refrigeration News) details the review of the progress of the project in November 2010, by officials from the National Environmental Protection Department in China and technical experts. The project passed the phase 1 review, which included inspection of the production line equipment at Guangdong Meizhi and the assessment of technical and financial data.

The demonstration project for conversion of a compressor production line with an annual capacity of 1,830,000 units at Guangdong Meizhi to R290 (propane) refrigerant was approved at the 61st meeting (July 2010) of the Executive Committee to the MLF for the implementation of the Montreal Protocol.

The compressor production line is set to undergo significant modification and optimisation, due to the change of working pressure and temperature and additional explosion-proof requirements. The structure of the compressor will undergo a re-design to minimise the vapour volume containing R290. New equipment will also be introduced for lubricant handling, safety control and enhanced ventilation and performance testing with R290. In addition to this redesign and testing, the project also encompasses the training of personnel.

In parallel to the compressor production line conversion at Guangdong Meizhi a second project titled 'Demonstration sub-project for conversion from HCFC-22 to propane at Midea Room Air-Conditioner Manufacture Company' is set to convert a production line of 200,000 split room air conditioning units to R290.

According to the description of the projects, it is expected that these 'will represent a major breakthrough in the availability of hydrocarbon refrigeration technology and lead to a broader application of propane in the refrigeration sector.'

Visit the MLF website, for more information about the proposals. The project is scheduled for completion at the end of 2012.