Cold Link Africa January/February 2018 | Page 48

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR INCORPORATING COLD CHAIN GOOD FOR THE ENVIRONMENT My contention is that disposables are in fact more environmentally friendly than refillable cylinders for the following reasons: 1. We have been importing disposas for over 10 years and have never had a single cylinder with suspect refrigerant. One of the reasons for this could be that we have a fixed supplier. Our success rate on refilled cylinders has not nearly been as good. We have encountered moisture problems not too infrequently, dirt in the refrigerants, faulty cylinder valves, and faulty pick-up tubes, to name a few. 2. Disposas returned to us are usually completely depleted of refrigerant. Refillable cylinders invariably have a ‘heel’ leftover. Is all of the ‘heel’ recovered, analysed, and then cleaned? 3. When a cylinder has a leaking valve, the environment is affected. When the valve is locked and cannot be opened, what happens to the refrigerant? 48 4. Empty disposable cylinders are easily recycled at scrapyards. I urge all role players — that is, contractors, plant operators, wholesalers, importers, and service providers — to let their voice be heard before the entire refrigerant market is captured and dominated by a few. The dire consequences of a disposa ban will include higher unemployment and increased service charges, at a time when our economy is already struggling. Do you support the call for a ban or not? Trevor Dyer AC&R Components WHERE DO YOU STAND? What is your opinion in terms of whether disposable refrigerant canisters are a good or a bad idea? Let us know. Send your comment to [email protected]. CLA Refillable refrigerant cylinders – are they the future? www.coldlinkafrica.co.za COLD LINK AFRICA • January | February 2018