REFRIGERANTS
concentration of leaked flammable refrigerant. A2L refrigerants present no risk during normal operation when the refrigerant is contained within the system.
However, if the refrigerant was to leak
and only if the leak is large enough for it to accumulate into a flammable concentration where an ignition source is present at the same time and location, then the refrigerant could ignite. So, it is important that all risks are assessed in advance and that where a sufficient risk is identified leak detection is used to catch any leaks as soon as they occur. Even for A1 refrigerants, if you did not adhere to all of the product safety guidelines and best practices for installation and servicing, when released, they can cause safety risks. Providing the risks are understood and assessed accordingly, then installing and servicing an A2L refrigerant should be very little difference to that of an A1 refrigerant. Training in the handling of flammable
refrigerants is key R-32 and R-1234yf are both A2L rated refrigerants and both have gained extensive traction for split AC and Car AC. In order for the uptake of A2L’s to increase, other sectors need to ensure engineers are trained to safely work with and handle flammable and mildly flammable refrigerants. Like other new refrigerants in the past, initial problems and concerns are soon overcome as experience and knowledge is gained. There is plenty of guidance from trade bodies on handling flammable refrigerants, including advice on risk assessment, whilst EN378 also provides guidance on charge size requirements and what can be achieved with mitigating circumstances and additional safety measures to achieve larger charge sizes. It is critical that A2L refrigerants are only used
in systems specifically designed to account for their flammability. A2L refrigerants should never
be used to retrofit non-flammable refrigerants in a system that has not been assessed and deemed safe for use with a flammable refrigerant.
Future Steps Understandably, the word ‘flammable’ is bound to create a level of unease for some people, but what is important is to look beyond this and really evaluate what it means in practical terms for the industry and the F-Gas phase down. In order to meet the next F-Gas phase down step of 29% in 2021 from the level available in 2020 for refrigerants that can be placed on the market, it is essential that we continue to move to using refrigerants with much lower GWP. There are a number of studies that have been
published which show that A2L refrigerants are more energy efficient than the other low GWP technologies. With refrigeration and air conditioning equipment attributed to consuming 17% of total electricity demand, energy efficiency is going to be a very key topic over the coming years in the climate change debate as we move to a carbon neutral economy. A2L refrigerants will be key in the quota
management process as the full effects of the HFC phase down begin to be felt. If best practice, good guidance, regulations and standards are followed when handling and installing A2L refrigerants, then there is no reason as to why A2L refrigerants cannot be used safely and easily in a large range of applications.
Lordan
www.acr-news.com dustrial Estate, Hengoed, CF82 7SS • 01443 812222
LORDA N
BEYOND THERMAL ENGINEERING
MADE IN BRITAIN December 2020 25 •
stuart@lordan-uk.com
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