INSTRUMENTATION & LEAK DETECTION Gas detectors: A critical investment


In gas-related emergencies, swift action is required. Shaun Evers, managing director of Stonegate Instruments, highlights how smart technology can help.


According to The Carbon Trust, the average


leakage rate in UK systems is around 20% per year.


F


unctional and effi cient heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems are an integral part of modern industrial, commercial, and large residential


settings as they control temperature, improve air quality, reduce humidity, and enhance the overall comfort of the indoor environment. Unfortunately, these systems come with a range of


inherent risks – should they develop a leak, it could result in the release of toxic gases which can endanger building occupants, increase energy consumption, drive operational costs higher, and impact the environment.


Health and safety hazard Although refrigerant gas leaks pose a signifi cant risk, they


often go undetected because people cannot always smell it, taste it, or otherwise discern its presence. In fact, it is estimated that 60% of gas escapes before anyone notices,


with many toxic gas leaks going unnoticed until building occupants start to experience symptoms of distress. From a health and safety perspective, such a leak can quickly evaporate into a harmful gas. This can result in skin and eye irritation and, if inhaled, can cause coughing, headaches, breathing diffi culties, nausea and vomiting. If undetected, they can eventually lead to unconsciousness and asphyxiation. Additionally, some refrigerants are fl ammable, meaning a leak can present a risk of fi re.


Energy and the environment While the eff ect on people can range from mild to


extremely serious, an undetected gas leak can also increase energy consumption. In fact, refrigerant gas leaks are the foremost contributor to energy loss in modern HVAC stores. When a leak occurs, heating and cooling systems become ineffi cient and need to work harder to maintain capacity, driving operational costs higher. According to The Carbon Trust, the average leakage rate in UK systems is around 20% per year. This equates to a reduction in effi ciency of around 11%, which directly translates into a signifi cant increase in energy costs. Gas leaks also raise a red fl ag for the environment.


Hydrofl uorocarbons (HFCs) are not only among the fastest growing greenhouse gases but are also considered climate super-pollutants – it has a GWP many times that of CO2


–


and as it gets released into the atmosphere, it causes ozone depletion and contributes to global warming. As such, an understanding of fl uorinated gas (F-


Gas) regulations is vital for anyone working with HVAC systems, especially considering that the refrigeration, air- conditioning and heat pump sector is the largest source of F-Gas emissions due to refrigerant leakage.


Factoring in F-Gas regulations


Under UK and EU legislation, a ban has been in force that prevents refrigerants with a GWP greater than 2,500 being used to service or refi ll refrigeration systems, with a refrigerant charge size of 40 tonnes of CO2


equivalent or


more. In addition, the topping up with new fl uid of systems that use some HFC refrigerant gases has been banned.


26 December 2023 • www.acr-news.com Download the ACR News app today


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