Figure 1
Figure 2
In order to understand the range of
With the introduction of the 2L
EN378 is currently under revision to
applicability of a refrigerant, it is necessary
flammability category in 2010, it was
incorporate and provide new limits for
to consider a range of national and supra-
recognised that there was a group of
the 2L classification and is expected to
national regulations.
refrigerants that whilst flammable, had
issue in late spring 2016. If we are to
the potential for lower risk in use than the
exploit many of the low GWP fluids to their
more flammable hydrocarbons. Whilst
maximum extent, we need to understand
current standards and codes provide
how widely applicable they are, we need
safe boundaries for the use of flammable
to understand how regulations should
refrigerants, most do not yet recognise the
be amended to incorporate the new
2L category. Accordingly, if 2L refrigerants
classification whilst critically maintaining
are to be used in current equipment and
end-user and practitioner safety.
These regulations principally relate
to the safe use of the refrigerant in a
range of application sectors and govern
aspects of equipment design, location
and installation requirements. These
regulations are generally based on the
refrigerant safety classification or the
data used to obtain that classification, for
example flammability limits.
Whilst highly flammable hydrocarbon
refrigerants and the less-flammable
ammonia have been used for a number
of years, most in relatively small domestic
refrigeration applications or in industrial
applications, the industry has generally
relied on the use of non-flammable
fluids to ensure a high degree of safety
across a wide range of applications and
operating environments. Many countries
environments, they must be treated as if
they were category 2.
Figure 2 provides an overview of some of
the regulations and codes that are either
Under the current EN378 the maximum
under current review or which may need
charge for propane in a wall-mounted
to be reviewed in order to address 2L
indoor split a/c unit in a 3m-square
refrigerants. Any amendment of standards
room is around 0.23kg whilst that for
and building codes must be undertaken
R-32 is around 3.08kg. Whilst this is still
with a significant degree of conservatism
potentially very attractive for 2L fluids in
with respect to safety. Furthermore, many
some application sectors, there are other
of these codes and standards are only
regulations, many of them at a National
reissued on a 3-yearly or so basis and with
level, that place more severe limitations on
a degree of interdependence. As a result,
their use.
it will be a number of years before the
have regulations that prohibit the use
For example both Italy and France
of flammable refrigerants in many
currently prohibit the use of flammable
applications.
refrigerants in room air conditioners.
potential for 2L fluids to provide low GWP
solutions across a range of sectors will
become clear.
Issue 20 PECM
65