Responsible Refrigeration
The price for ammonia is a big attraction , being nearly 10 times cheaper than most F-gases .
Daikin has looked at alternative refrigerants for its room air conditioning units and has introduced R32 . This is said to be more environmentally friendly than R410A through leak emissions . Daikin says through its energy efficiency and environmental advantage , “ R32 air conditioning provides the perfect opportunity to future-proof the air conditioning system ”.
Natural hydrocarbon ( HC ) refrigerants , now in favour , are non-toxic refrigerants that have zero ODP and low GWP . Hydrocarbon refrigerants such as R290 ( propane ), R600a ( isobutane ) are now commonly used in domestic refrigerators , beverage coolers and small refrigeration systems . These two refrigerants , in particular , are climate-friendly and costeffective refrigerants in small refrigeration applications .
It is feasible that we could see R290 being used in room air conditioners in the years to come . These air conditioners would not present any concerns due to flammability because we are seeing R600a in domestic refrigerators already . It does require a greater competence of the installation and maintenance practitioners working on hydrocarbon systems however . These practitioners must be trained in the safe handling procedures for hydrocarbon refrigerants , be registered with SAQCC Gas and be authorised to issue a Certificate of Conformity .
A CoC is a requirement of the Occupational Health and Safety Act and Pressure Equipment Regulations regulation 17 .
Hydrocarbons , carbon dioxide and ammonia used in various applications are safe energy-efficient alternatives to what has been used previously for moderate to high ambient air temperature climates . The engineering technology of refrigeration systems has progressed in leaps and bounds for the efficient use of these refrigerants .
Selecting new refrigerants requires thorough investigation of the initial time and maintenance costs . If the engineering and selection is done within standards and good practice many new projects can be initiated with natural refrigerants . New safe handling of refrigerant protocols and procedures for refrigeration and air conditioning systems can contribute to greater use of low GWP refrigerants .
All refrigerants are safe if safe handling of refrigerant guidelines and safety standards are adhered to . The SABS SANS 10147 and Pressure Equipment Regulations and the SARACCA safe handling training manual ensure good practice and conformity to the legal requirements . RACA
" GWP is a measure of how much heat of the gas is trapped in the atmosphere as a greenhouse gas over a period of time . ODP is a number which refers to the amount of ozone depletion caused by a substance such as refrigerant in the stratosphere ."
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RACA Journal I March 2023 www . refrigerationandaircon . co . za