BRIDGING THE GAP The rise of low GWP refrigerants
For many years now, the heat pump and air conditioning industry has been aware of the impending demise of Hydrofluorocarbon refrigerants. The alternative refrigerants bring with them interesting challenges for the system designer and installer
H
eat pumps (Air to Air, Air to Water, Water to Water and Ground Source) are already available utilising R290 (Propane) and R32 (Difluoromethane). These
refrigerants are flammable and there are limits to the amounts that can be used. The added risk to the health and safety of the installer and homeowner is reduced if a monobloc heat pump is installed. However, if the system fails, the risk is still present on these types of systems when remedial works are required. With Air to Air and Split Heat Pumps, refrigeration pipework is run throughout the dwelling, increasing the risk to both parties. Heat pump systems that use a flammable
refrigerant must be correctly sized, not just to ensure that it efficiently meets the heat loss/ heat gain calculation, as is the case with non- flammable refrigerant systems, but also to ensure that the lower flammability limit is not reached. Most manufacturers assist the installer by giving information within the installation manual showing the minimum room size that a particular system can be used in. If this information is not available or the installation is more complex, then the responsibility to calculate the maximum refrigerant charge or minimum room size falls on the system designer and or installer.
The Flammable Refrigerant training course was developed in conjunction with the Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Industry Board. All attendees must already hold a valid F Gas qualification to enable them to meet the entry requirements. This course covers all types of flammable refrigerant and will enable candidates to calculate maximum refrigerant charge weights or the minimum room size for a given amount of refrigerant to meet the safety requirements when using a flammable refrigerant. A full explanation of the practical procedures to enable safe handling of these refrigerants is covered. A fully illustrated reference manual is included for each candidate to underpin the theoretical training given.
Business Edge has seen a large upturn in attendees on our regular courses from the heating Industry. Because of this we now offer F Gas courses specifically aimed at persons wishing to install heat pump systems. This allows for the syllabus to be conveyed in a way that is more comfortable for someone from a heating background, rather than a refrigeration one.
Business Edge Ltd offer a range of courses for the heat pump installer, including the following:
• Category 1 F Gas course (3 or 5 day) • Low temperature heating and hot water systems in dwellings
• Safe handling of flammable refrigerants (including maximum refrigerant charge size/minimum room size calculations)
For persons, not familiar with low grade heat systems and correct sizing of heat pump systems, the low temperature course is strongly advised as it will help prevent problems with system selections and reduced customer satisfaction.
For anyone wishing to install air to air or “split” heat pumps, the minimum legal requirement is that they hold a valid F Gas certificate.
The most popular variant of the F Gas is the 5-day course. This consists of full pre-assessment training on all practical activities. These include the following practical topics:
• Pipework preparation/selection and jointing
• Pressure strength/tightness testing • Evacuation and dehydration of systems • Charging of systems with the correct amount of refrigerant
• Commissioning of systems • Leak testing of systems • Recovery of refrigerant
Business Edge have transitioned over from relatively high global warming potential (GWP) refrigerants to low GWP alternatives such as R290 (Propane GWP 3), R32 (Difluoromethane GWP 675), and R454A/C (Zeotropic blend of R32 and R1234yf GWP 239/148). These refrigerants are all flammable (A2L and A3). Each candidate is given their own training rig to enable all attendees to complete each practical element enough times, so they are comfortable with the procedure and are fully prepared for the assessment. The theoretical syllabus covering all elements of the knowledge base of the F Gas regulations are fully explained by the instructors. Each candidate is given a 285-page F Gas reference manual (written by Business Edge staff). Within the four sections of the book (Fundamentals/ Legislation and the Environment/Practical Procedures/Alternative Refrigerants) all topics within the syllabus are fully explained. The practical section of the reference manual gives a bullet-pointed list of all the practical activities. This is a helpful learning guide for the practical assessment. We also have systems that use R744 (Carbon Dioxide GWP 1). This refrigerant works at a much higher pressure than a typical refrigerant (approximately 70 times atmospheric pressure). It is therefore recommended that all technicians that are required to work on systems containing R744 undertake additional training to cover the associated risks, both practical and theoretical. For persons with a responsibility to oversee the operation or installation of RACHP Systems, Business Edge Ltd offer a one day F Gas Management Course.
This course gives Managers and Team Leaders of companies who work in the refrigeration, air conditioning or heat pump industry a clear understanding of the laws and regulations. It will enable them to time manage and plan their engineers’ schedule of work, to plan and execute a risk assessment and give them the required insight to complete a method of works. For further information, please contact Business Edge Ltd on 023 9223 0007 or email Info@
Businessedgeltd.co.uk. Alternatively visit www.
Businessedgeltd.co.uk
Read the latest at:
www.bsee.co.uk BUILDING SERVICES & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEER OCTOBER 2025 27
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