R22 Phase Out
Presentation
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Aims
Aims
To inform our customers of the single most important
changes to the air conditioning industry in modern
times
Explain your options good and bad
How it effects you as end users
Dismiss some of rumours and scare
mongering
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Background to HCFC Phase Out
When R22 is released into the atmosphere the ultraviolet rays from the sun cause it to
decompose and chlorine is released into the stratosphere
The chlorine then reacts with the ozone, reducing its quality and leads to ozone
depletion in turn this allows harmful ultraviolet rays to reach the surface of the earth
giving rise to both health and environmental issues
In response to this, the international community signed the Montreal protocol to phase
out ozone depletion materials by 2030. However in Europe the ban will take place at the
end of this year
The most harmful ozone – depleting substances such as C.F.C.S – R12 etc were
banned in the 1990’s
This lead to ‘less’ harmful ‘transitional’ refrigerant like R22 being banned between
2001-2004 depending on size
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Background To HCFC Phase Out
H.C.F.C – Hydrochlorofluorocarbon better known to us as R22
Refrigerant
Commonly used in Air Conditioning systems until 2004, and is
arguable one of the best performing refrigerants ever invented
It is estimated that up to 20,000 systems could be still operating
in the UK
Question to ask yourself: Was the air conditioning in your
premises installed before 2002?
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When will R22 be banned?
Recycled R22 will be banned after December 2014
Now’s the time to replace R22 systems
R22 Replacement: Countdown to December 2014
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When will R22 be banned?
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R22 Replacement: Likely customer impact
R22 supply shortages and delays could impact on
Normal operation of HVAC systems
Routine Maintenance
Compressor Repairs
Refurbishment programmes
Refrigerant replacement
Energy efficiency of building operation
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R22 Replacement Options
Do Nothing Wait and See
Risk of system failure
Ageing system
Increased running costs
Higher Co² Emissions
At some point you will have
to change the system
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R22 Replacement Options
Retro Fit using Drop-in refrigerants
Increased running costs
High degradation of system components
Reduced capacity
Short term solution
Comes with no manufacturer’s warranty
Expensive to buy and Install
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R22 Replacement Options
Replace
Removes the risk of having potentially redundant equipment after the end of
this year
New systems are highly efficient using the latest technologies therefore
reducing fuel consumption – saving you money
By removing R22 equipment you are reducing the risk of harmful chemicals
destroying the ozone layer
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R22 Replacement Options
Modern Alternatives
H.F.C (Hydrofluorocarbons) R407C, R410a etc all have zero ozone depleting
potential (ODP) so offers a more environmentally friendly alternatives to CFCs and
HCFCs
The downside is HFC have medium to high G.W.P (Global warming potential)
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R22 Replacement Options
Natural Refrigerants
Natural refrigerant are chemical which occur in natures BioChemical processes. Ammonia (R717) Carbon Dioxide (R744)
Propone (Care 40) Etc
These products were used as refrigerants prior to the
1950’s before Fluorocarbons became commonplace
They do not deplete the ozone layer and make a
negligible or zero contribution to global warming
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F-Gas Regulation
The European Union F-gas Regulation (No842/2006) became law on 4th July
2006
F-Gases such as R407c, R410a and R404a
If you are handling, recovering, supplying, installing, manufacturing or
own equipment containing HFC refrigerants in stationery equipment
you now have legal obligations under F-Gas Regulations
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F-Gas Regulation
The objective of the regulation is to contain, prevent and thereby reduce
emissions of Fluorinated greenhouse gases
A leak of 1KG of refrigerant causes approximately the same environmental
damage as driving a van. . . . . . . . . .
10,000 Miles
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Leak Test Requirement Under F.Gas
An annual ‘Non intrusive’ leak test for applications with 3KG or more (unless
the equipment is hermetically sealed)
30KG or more ‘Non Intrusive’ leak test is required 6 monthly
At least once every 3 months for applications with 300KG or more of
F-Gases
Leak detection systems must be fitted on applications with 300KG or
more of F-Gases, and when these are in place, checking requirements
are halved
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Leak Test Requirement Under F.Gas
A record of maintenance and servicing activity must be kept for each system
If a leak is detected and repaired, a further check must be carried out one
month to ensure that the repair has been effective
In a word: Yes
The law states if you are the legal operator (owner) of the air
conditioning you are responsible
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Leak Test Requirement Under F.Gas
Records must be available on site for inspection and include quantity and type of FGas in each systems the amount of gas added or taken out, and the reason for this
must be recorded along with any disposal information
The identity and competence of personnel involved in the F Gas check should also be
added and of course the dates of the test and results
Penalties for either ‘operator’ or service provider failing to keep records may include
enforcement/ prohibition notices
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Q&A
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