INCORPORATING COLD CHAIN
TECHNICAL before these substances can be used . Specially trained , well-informed staff are a basic requirement and will need to have knowledge of current legislation , regulations and standards as well as the skills necessary to work with flammable refrigerants . Operators should test for the corresponding knowledge necessary for working on the system . Regular training courses for specialists in this area are recommended – for example , at the SCHAUFLER Academy in Rottenburg-Ergenzingen .
When it comes to installing the refrigeration system , work is carried out in accordance with the established rules , even if the refrigerant is flammable . Most important is raising awareness of potential flammability and the risk of explosion when using the refrigerant .
Safety only becomes an issue when maintaining and servicing the system , provided the system is already charged and may need to be opened , in which case maximum safety precautions need to be taken to minimise the risk of accident . Under no circumstances should an explosive atmosphere be allowed to form . More stringent requirements need to be observed particularly when it comes to A3 refrigerants . Due to the extreme oil solubility of hydrocarbons , there is also the risk that the oil may outgas dangerous amounts of refrigerant even after the extraction process .
The following aspects are just some of the issues that need to be considered when
3a
maintaining and servicing the system ( list incomplete ):
• Good space ventilation – for example , with a fan brought along
• Ensuring there are no ignition sources nearby
• Personal protective equipment such as a portable gas detector and anti-static gloves
• Approved ‘ non-sparking ’ tools
• Gas sensors and shut-off equipment
• Suitable fire extinguishing equipment
EFFICIENT COMPONENTS FOR SYSTEMS WITH FLAMMABLE REFRIGERANTS BITZER teaches its customers how to use flammable refrigerants with manuals and practical training courses at the SCHAUFLER Academy . In addition , the
3b
CSHP . EX . HS95 .
refrigeration , air conditioning and heat pump specialist ’ s portfolio features a wide range of products approved for use with flammable refrigerants , including those in the A3 class . These products include oil separators , liquid receivers , condensers , evaporators , reciprocating compressors of different construction sizes , compact screw compressors for the high temperature range and process cooling , and semihermetic screw compressors for compound systems in commercial refrigeration . ( see images 3a + b )
The optional VARISTEP mechanical capacity control is available for compressors to increase the system ’ s part load efficiency . Alternatively , the equipment with VARIPACK frequency inverters ensures precise adjustment in line with cooling demand . Many of the BITZER reciprocating compressors approved for flammable refrigerants can be equipped with the OLM-IQ electronic oil level switch , which helps stabilise the oil level in the compressor and prevent a drop in oil . The IQ MODULE allows you to connect products to the BITZER Digital Network ( BDN ), which is based on the compressor expertise of BITZER and creates a service infrastructure for increased operation efficiency and high availability of components . CLA
Most important is raising awareness of potential flammability and the risk of explosion when using the refrigerant .
COLD LINK AFRICA • June 2023 www . coldlinkafrica . co . za 11