R22 Refrigerant
By the end of 2009 the use of virgin R22 refrigerant will be banned, but it will be permissible to use recycled R22 for maintenance purposes until the end of 2014. However, there is no guarantee on the quality and availability of the refrigerant and industry experts are predicting stocks of recycled R22 to be depleted well before the end of 2014 which will inevitably result in a steep increase in the cost of the available refrigerant. Dates are as follows :
From 01/01/2010 - The use of virgin HCFC’s shall be prohibited in the maintenance and servicing of refrigeration and air conditioning equipment existing at that date.
From 01/01/2015 - The use of recycled HCFC''s will be prohibited in the maintenance and servicing of refrigeration and air conditioning equipment existing at that date.
Spares are in short supply as manufacturers have generally stopped producing spares for R22 equipment. Taking this into account we believe equipment will become unserviceable after 2010 if replacement components are required.
We can help you in giving budgetary for replacement and will ensure that all and any proposals we put forward are in line with current legislation. We are recommending that R22 replacement is considered and planned for ahead of the phase out to avoid any unnecessary uplifts in costs given R22 supplies are likely to diminish and increase in cost as a consequence of demand.
Refrigerants affected
Most equipment will be labeled with the type of refrigerant used. A list below details the refrigerants affected by the Regulation. It should be noted, however that, that some of the prefixes (ie CFC) may have been replaced with a trade name or an ''R''. If you are in any doubt, contact your equipment supplier. It may be necessary for a suitably qualified technician to carry out an analysis of the refrigerant used.
CFCs
CFC 11, CFC 12 ( R12 ) , CFC 13, CFC 113, CFC 114, CFC 115, CFC 500, CFC 502, CFC 503 and R 13B1.
HCFCs
HCFC 123, HCFC 22 ( R22 ), R401A, R401B, R402A, R402B, R403A, R403B, R406A, R408A, R409A, R409B, R411B
The vast majority of air conditioning plant affected will contain R22 refrigerant.
Recovery and destruction
Ozone depleting substances used in refrigeration and air conditioning equipment MUST be recovered during servicing and maintenance of equipment or prior to dismantling or disposal of equipment. Recovered CFCs MUST be destroyed via a recognised environmentally friendly process. Recovered HCFCs, however, can either be destroyed or reused until 1st January 2015.
Leakage prevention
All precautionary measures practicable must be taken to prevent and minimise leakage.
Equipment containing ozone depleting substances with a fluid charge exceeding 3 kg MUST be checked annually for leakage.
Only suitably qualified personnel are PERMITTED to carry out the recovery of ozone depleting substances and any required leakage prevention corrective action.
What should be done (if not already)
Action required to comply with the Regulation will depend upon the type of equipment, which fall into two categories:
CATEGORY 1 (Domestic / Light commercial)
Small self contained units such as domestic fridges and freezers, display units, for example and through-the-wall air conditioners which are usually leak-free.
In the case of category 1, action only needs to be taken in the case of breakdown or disposal at the end of its working life. Contact your local authority, many offer facilities or a service to collect and dispose of such equipment.
CATEGORY 2 (Commercial / Industrial)
Systems comprising equipment that required or require on-site assembly and refrigerant filling. Such systems are susceptible to leakage and usually require regular maintenance.
In the case of category 2, the action required may vary depending upon the equipment and refrigerant used which may involve a combination or repair and maintenance to new installation.
It is suggested you begin with identifying the equipment in situ and the types of refrigerants each uses and plan a strategy of action to comply with the Regulation.
How can we help?
Why not contact Climaserve who are able to offer consultation and offer a full managed service to ensure compliance with the EC Regulation. Climaserve can offer the following:
- Maintenance contracts ( covers periodic checking for refrigerant leaks )
- New installations utilising the latest compliant replacement refrigerants
- Removal and disposal of non compliant plant
- In some cases we are able to retro-fit non compliant products with EC approved replacement refrigerants
- Quotations and estimates as a consequence of plant and site audits
