HEALTH & SAFETY
EARLY DETECTION KEY TO MITIGATING GAS LEAK RISKS
R
efrigerants play an important role in the process that makes air conditioning and heating systems possible. These systems, in turn, make buildings safer and healthier. Unfortunately, despite coming a long way since the days of volatile and toxic coolants, there are still risks when working with refrigerants. SHAUN EVERS, managing director of Stonegate Instruments, discusses how gas detection technology can help minimise these. Functional and efficient heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems are not only an integral part of modern buildings, they are a fundamental operational requirement. The main objective of these systems is to make occupants feel comfortable, happy, and healthy. Of course, as with any system, there are safety considerations and concerns. In the case of HVAC systems in commercial and large residential buildings, one major issue is refrigerant gas leaks. These systems use R32 coolants which, despite their high efficacy and low Global Warming Potential (GWP), are composed of hazardous chlorofluorocarbons.
HARMFUL EFFECTS OF REFRIGERANT LEAKS Refrigerant gas leaks are the foremost contributor to energy loss in modern HVAC stores. When a leak occurs, the system becomes inefficient and needs to work harder to maintain capacity. This in turn will increase electricity consumption and accordingly, monthly energy bills.
According to several studies, a leaking air conditioning unit consumes almost 20% more electricity than a fully functioning one. In fact, it has been suggested that a small continuous leak, left unrepaired for three months, could use an extra 10kW in electricity once the leak becomes critical.
Additionally, if coolant leaks from a system, it can rapidly evaporate into a lethal gas which can cause asphyxiation. More commonly, however, it can cause breathing difficulties, coughing, nausea and vomiting, skin and eye irritation, and headaches.
As gas gets released into the atmosphere, it causes ozone depletion and contributes to global warming. This means that undetected leaks may also have regulatory consequences.
F-Gas regulations, which aim to phase down the CO2 equivalent emissions from hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) by 79% (relative to 2015) by 2030, have been in force since 2020. 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.
SMART SENSORS AND SOLUTIONS
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 efficiency of using specially designed technology 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 effectiveness 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 fixed gas sensors which are particularly suited to detecting R32 coolants 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, is also available.
BENEFITS OF GAS DETECTION TECHNOLOGY
Whether a leak results from mechanical damage, equipment failure or poor maintenance, a gas detection system can help prevent a minor incident from becoming a crisis. In fact, gas detection systems offer many benefits – 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. Although volatile and toxic gases such as ammonia and methyl chloride are no longer used in HVAC systems, refrigerant leaks still pose several threats. Employing gas detection sensors in commercial and large residential buildings will ensure that leaks are quickly identified and repaired at the first opportunity, helping to keep energy consumption in check, minimising the risk to the health and safety of workers and building occupants, and preventing breaches in regulatory compliance.
ABOUT STONEGATE INSTRUMENTS
Stonegate Instruments Ltd designs, develops and manufactures electronic equipment for the refrigeration industry. Their products are proven in cold storage facilities for reducing energy, carbon emissions and the associated costs. For more information about the latest technology available, contact Stonegate Instruments on 0113 224 4440, or email
sales@stonegate-instruments.co.uk.
Stonegate Instruments
www.stonegate-instruments.com
32 OCTOBER 2022 | FACTORY&HANDLINGSOLUTIONS
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