GREEN MATTERS
Gas leak checks are now obligatory, with frequencies ranging from 3 to 12 months, depending on CO2
equivalent tonnage. Systems with an F-gas equivalent to 500 tonnes of CO2 or above
must have gas leak detectors installed. Additionally, operators are required to maintain in-room concentration levels below the lower fl ammability level to prevent the risk of ignition posed by the fl ammability of some refrigerants. This requirement is reinforced by safety legislation and standards such as ISO 5149 and EN 378.
Companies that fail to comply face signifi cant fi nancial penalties, with fi nes of up to £200k for non-compliance.
Benefi ts of gas detection technology Given the environmental, health and safety, compliance, and fi nancial risks associated with refrigerant leaks, gas detection systems are invaluable. While several things can be done in the case of a suspected leak, nothing can replace the accuracy and effi ciency of using specially designed technology for this task, even in situations where they are not yet legally mandated. In recent years, new regulations have spurred the
development of self-contained gas sensors that enable leaks of toxic and non-toxic gases to be swiftly identifi ed and repaired. Using a semiconductor or an infrared sensing element, the latest detectors can accurately identify both HVAC and non-HVAC gases. They can be programmed to do this with pre-defi ned mixtures of gases and air, allowing their sensitivity to be tailored to the specifi c environment in which they are installed.
Sensor equipment with signalling alarms, LED lights that indicate the presence and status of each sensor, and 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. Furthermore, by enabling leaks to be addressed quickly, the
resultant savings on energy costs can provide operators with a return on investment within two years, while using active fi lters to omit irrelevant gases from detection extends the sensor’s lifecycle.
Whether a leak results from mechanical damage, equipment
failure or poor maintenance, modern gas detection systems can help prevent a minor incident from becoming a crisis. Overall, these systems provide several important benefi ts. They protect building occupants from exposure to refrigerant
gases, reduce ineffi ciency and energy wastage caused by leaks, and prevent systems from failing and stock from going to waste. In addition, they reduce an organisation’s environmental impact while ensuring compliance with evolving F-gas regulations. Functional and effi cient HVAC systems are not only an integral part of modern buildings, but they are also a fundamental operational requirement. Turning to technology is a smart choice – it will ensure that, should a refrigerant gas leak occur, it is quickly identifi ed and repaired, helping to keep energy consumption in check, minimising the risk to the health and safety of building occupants, preventing breaches in regulatory compliance, and minimising operational costs.
While the eff ect on people can range from mild to extremely serious, an undetected gas leak could also increase energy
consumption, driving
operational costs higher.
16October, The Brewery, London
Sustainability and a safer built environment for all. Stay ahead of the game and connect with like‑minded peers,
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