Users of HCFC refrigerants are being urged to prepare for the imminent phasing out of these products, and to consider how they will be affected and what action to take.
The EC Regulation on Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS) (2037/2000) came into force on 1 October 2000, with immediate effect in the UK.
It applies to users as well as designers, equipment manufacturers, and installation and maintenance contractors. It deals with the manufacture and use of refrigeration and air conditioning equipment.
It applies to users as well as designers, equipment manufacturers, and installation and maintenance contractors. It deals with the manufacture and use of refrigeration and air conditioning equipment.
Time is now running out to address the remaining parts of the Regulation, which deal with banning the use of HCFCs in the EU. The important dates are:
1 January 2010 – ban on use of virgin HCFCs for the maintenance and servicing of refrigeration and air conditioning equipment, which applies even if you bought fluid before this date. The effect of this is that there will be no possibility to stockpile virgin HCFCs, although reclaimed/recycled HCFCs can still be used until 1 January 2015
1 January 2015 – ban on use of all HCFCs including reclaimed/recycled materials for plant maintenance So, how is a user affected and what should it do? The DETR and the DTI recommend the following steps be taken: Establish which HCFC refrigerants are being used and in what equipment.
Identify the relevant ownership category:
Category 1 user – has small self-contained units which are mass-produced by a factory using hermetically sealed compressors, which are usually leak free for their working life.
Category 2 user – has small, medium or large systems using more complex items of refrigeration equipment, usually requiring some on-site systems assembly and refrigerant filling. These are susceptible to leakage and may require regular maintenance.
Plan and assess – dependent on ownership category, plan for the impact of the phase out of ODS on equipment, taking into account environmental issues, financial issues, waste, and health and safety issues. Assess the importance of refrigeration systems by considering the practical and financial implications; for example, is the kit already old and worthy of conversion or more beneficial to replace?
Take action – suggested options being: Install new HCFC-free system – expensive, but would minimise leakage, maximise energy efficiency and ensure future compliance;
Change HCFC refrigerant to an alternative – this would enable continued use of existing equipment with alternative non-ozone depleting refrigerant. It would be cheaper than the option above but would necessitate extra investment in order to minimise leakage and maximise reliability and efficiency;
Recovering R-22 for recycling – this should be taken in conjunction with either of the options above
A combination of the above
Take no action – the easiest and cheapest option but a “˜high risk approach’.
Subsequent action will be dependent upon obtaining supplies of reclaimed/recycled R-22. Accordingly, it is recommended that suppliers are contacted now to ascertain whether the quality and quantity of the materials required.
In any event, taking no immediate action will only delay the decision that has to be made before the phase out date of 1 January 2015.
A detailed guidance document is available on http://www.berr.gov.uk/files/file29101.pdf (DTI guide).