REFRIGERANTS
recovery cylinders are not suitable. The good news is that recovery units and specific recovery cylinders are available off the shelf to tackle these jobs. Just make sure you select the correct equipment and seek advice if you are unsure. It is not recommended to mix A2L refrigerants with other types of gases in recovery cylinders. Do not exceed the stated safe weight for the cylinder when recovering the gas – the figure is stenciled on the cylinder – and make sure you complete all the F-Gas records. It is reassuring to know that manifolds and hoses are on the market designed to use with these fl
fl ammable refrigerants.
A2Ls are very difficult to ignite. In general, only a naked flame will manage this because there isn’t enough energy in a spark for ignition. Less energy is released if they are ignited and with their slow velocity it is very difficult to keep them burning but like all refrigerants they should be treated with respect. Charge size restrictions mean that
calculations can be a little complex. Refer to BS EN 378 2016 for the full calculation methology as A2Ls have their own special requirements. The location of equipment, ventilation and leak detection need to be looked at in detail but the
upside of this is that smaller charge sizes are required and this will reduce the risk of enough gas escaping to reach the lower flammability limit. Piping calculations can be scaled down
too because you won’t need to pump as much gas around the system. Generally speaking, the equipment footprint is also likely to be smaller. Transporting A2Ls requires new ways of thinking. Like all refrigerants, care should be taken when they are moved but also bear in mind that A2Ls are not recognised as a classification by the ADR Regulations and the guidance on transporting flammable refrigerants applies. Vehicles should be ventilated and there should be a fire
extinguisher on hand. The appropriate vehicle marking and documentation is also needed. A2Ls are not drop-ins and may only be used in new equipment specifically designed for this purpose. Although they require a different approach, this drawback is far outweighed by the performance benefits that mildly
flammables bring; typically, you need up to 6% less product in a refrigeration system, line sizes are smaller and running costs can be cut by around 3% a year.
As the F-Gas step-downs continue
alternative refrigerants will have a greater role to play. Adopting the benefits of alternative gases like A2Ls will give the industry breathing space to handle what’s coming down the road.
Elitech
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