INSTRUMENTATION & LEAK DETECTION REFRIGERA


The regulations stipulate that equipment must be fi tted with a leak detection system if it contains F-Gas equivalent to 500 tonnes of CO2


regular gas leak checks: leakage checks should be carried out at least once every 12 months if the system contains F-gases in quantities of fi ve tonnes of CO2


equivalent or


more, at least once every six months if it contains F-gases in quantities of 50 tonnes of CO2


equivalent or more, and


at least once every three months if the system contains F-gases in quantities of 500 tonnes of CO2


more.


In line with F-Gas regulations, the Environment Agency has the power to impose civil penalties of up to £200,000 for various breaches, including failure to comply with provisions in the regulations or permitting another person to breach those provisions. While F-Gas regulations have been in force since January 2020, European policymakers agreed a revised EU F-Gas Regulation supporting decarbonisation goals and driving innovation and green investment across a wide range of sectors. As part of the regulations, the use of HFCs and other F-gases is coming to an end, with the world’s fi rst total HFC phase-out scheduled for 2050. The UK is currently undergoing its own F-Gas Regulation review.


Smart solutions


Recognising the risks is only the fi rst step; it is important to also take proactive measures to detect gas leaks. However, the unfortunate reality is that because refrigerant gas is both odourless and colourless – it is estimated that 60% of gas escapes before anyone notices – it can make detecting a leak challenging. While there are several things that can be done in the case of a suspected leak, nothing can replace the accuracy and effi ciency of using technology specially designed for this task. In fact, designers and manufacturers of electronic equipment for the refrigeration and HVAC industries have worked diligently over the past few years to improve the eff ectiveness of refrigerant, toxic and combustible gas sensors, with modern sensors boasting greater intelligence and capabilities to combat risks posed by toxic and non- toxic gases. Thanks to rapidly evolving technology, the latest


generation of sensors and systems are smart, self- contained single fi xed gas sensors which are particularly suited to detecting gases associated with HVAC units. Many of these sensors have a proven return on investment of just two years, and that is without taking into consideration the cost of repairs to an existing faulty system. Sensor equipment with signalling alarms, LED lights that indicate the presence and status of each sensor, as well as audio/visual alarms to alert staff , are also available. These systems help ensure that leaks are quickly identifi ed and repaired at the fi rst opportunity.


Technically speaking Today’s cutting-edge solutions boast highly sensitive


sensors that can detect a wide variety of gases depending on the calibrated sensing element fi tted, which can either


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be semiconductor or infrared depending on the target refrigerant. Sensors can also be pre-calibrated to a specifi c refrigerant/air mixture, with sensor sensitivity set to suit a particular site or environment. For supermarket or retail applications, tin oxide sensors


are generally used as besides being compact and cost- eff ective, they function reliably in extreme environments, and can quickly detect a range of refrigerant leaks while covering larger areas with ease. While the life expectancy of sensors will largely depend on the environment in which they operate and exposure to other contaminants, modern sensors have active fi lters which can extend their operational lifetime, and which fi lter out gases that are not of interest. Moreover, it is now easier than ever to integrate gas detection systems with other systems, allowing for more proactive monitoring. Sensors can be remotely accessed via the internet or monitored directly when connected to a remote Building Management System (BMS) and can provide advanced communications and diagnostics capabilities.


Benefi ts of gas detection technology Having a gas detectionsystem in place off ers many benefi ts


– it alerts workers or building occupants to the problem, enabling them to evacuate the area and thus minimising their risk of exposure; it ensures that proper procedures are activated so that timely corrective action can be taken; it minimises the risk of irreversible damage to equipment; and it prevents potentially harmful environmental impacts. Overall, apart from keeping people safe, gas detection systems can prevent irreversible equipment damage, adverse environmental impacts, energy wastage and fi nancial loss.


Thanks to rapidly evolving technology, the latest generation of sensors and systems are smart, self- contained single fi xed gas sensors which are particularly suited to detecting gases


associated with HVAC units.


equivalent or . It has also raised the requirements for


www.acr-news.com • December 2023 27


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