Sponsored by
the region of 20-25 ppm. Fewer still have capability to measure refrigerant concentrations as low as 1 ppm. The benefits of successfully implementing a leak detection system capable of such low-level detection of refrigerant leaks is a central part of developing an effective refrigerant management strategy designed to reduce leak rates.
The instruments capable of low- level refrigerant detection are most typically aspirated systems, using a pump to draw a sample from the point of detection back through a tube to a centralised monitoring location. This allows for cost effective use of higher technology, normally a precision sensor based on infrared absorption measurement techniques. These systems have in the past been viewed as being cost prohibitive in comparison to the lower cost diffusion sensors used for refrigeration safety applications. The immediate benefits to be gained in reducing leak rates, based on the current price of refrigerants, can be seen to offer a swift return on investment if effectively deployed. A leak detection system that is not capable of detecting levels lower than 25 ppm could not be guaranteed to detect this significant leak, yet 150kg of R404A would leak over the course of a year. In the current market, that equates to thousands of pounds, or euros, in undetected lost refrigerant. In reality, gas will not immediately diffuse to an even concentration within the space into which it has leaked. That will take some time. This demonstrates another important factor in detecting a leak, which is the placement and number of detection points.
Use of aspirated systems allows for multiple points of detection to be deployed in a space for limited additional cost. On large sites, with many zones to be monitored, this can be achieved by using ‘splitter’ or ‘spur’ kits on the end of each sample tube. In practice, this could allow for,
say, four points of detection to be in place on one zone, thereby allowing these points to be placed at the locations in the system most likely to leak. This includes valves, joints, flanges and other parts of the system subject to the changing pressures and temperatures that can cause mechanical stress.
Further monitoring for leaks can be successfully deployed in areas that would not offer a reasonable possibility of detection if using instruments detecting at levels of ~1,000ppm. In practice, this means that, for example, a supermarket store floor can be monitored for leaks from display cases and refrigerant pipework across a whole building. The ability to detect at sub-10ppm levels (notably, this is mandated by the California Air Resources Board’s stringent Refrigerant Management Program) offers the opportunity to pick up small leaks even in large open spaces, furthering enabling leak rate reduction strategies to be successful. Technology with this capability exists in both fixed position and portable configurations, allowing permanent monitoring and fast location of these leaks.
Management solutions The return on investment from leak detection can now be measured in months, not years. In many instances, the detection and repair of a single small yet significant leak can pay back the investment in leak detection in a single hit.
As important and valuable as it can be to detect a refrigerant leak before it becomes a larger, more expensive issue, doing so is of no use unless something is done to initiate action to repair the leak. In order to make best use of a highly effective leak detection system to mitigate the rising cost of refrigerant, it must be integrated with a system that is able to alert appropriate personnel to the leak event and initiate a repair procedure. This can be achieved through a BMS/BAS, though is increasingly
LEAK DETECTION
being manifested through the use of dedicated refrigerant management software.
Such software solutions are able to offer additional benefits. By tracking each individual refrigeration asset, it is possible to see patterns and trends as to which asset or type of equipment is typically the cause of most leak events. This data can in turn be used to drive a preventative maintenance programme to help stop issues before they arise. Tracking and recording refrigerant use per asset, and per site, is another powerful tool for reviewing refrigerant use across a multi-site enterprise. The data is a regulated reporting requirement, but again has use in determining trends to initiate proactive leak rate reduction measures.
It should also be noted that effective reduction of leak rates can also have a strong impact upon the energy efficiency and effectiveness of a refrigeration system, further contributing to cost savings.
Mitigating price increases The rapid increase in refrigerant prices shows no signs of abating, with further phase-down of HFC availability due through to 2030. As important and effective as they are and remain for refrigeration safety monitoring, many leak detection systems offer no solution in the battle to mitigate these rising costs by reducing leak rates.
Solutions are readily available and field-proven to deliver leak detection with a short ROI period, measuring at a level that can be used to drive an effective refrigerant management programme, integrating with the systems and software needed to make effective use of the data gathered and to alert quickly in the event of a leak. The case for implementing these solutions is growing ever faster, not only from an environmental perspective but with regard to the escalating operational costs and expenses. The focus is sharpening on leak rate reduction.
11
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84 |
Page 85 |
Page 86 |
Page 87 |
Page 88 |
Page 89 |
Page 90 |
Page 91 |
Page 92 |
Page 93 |
Page 94 |
Page 95 |
Page 96
