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R22 Refrigerant Gas Phase Out

The phase out of R22 refrigerant (HCFC) equipment started back in the year 2000 with steps taken to outlaw the manufacture of new plant fitted with HCFC (Ozone depleting) refrigerants. Very soon the regulations tighten further and a total ban on the recharging of refrigerant will come into effect. There are two main dates that should be considered; up to 31/12/09 for the use of virgin refrigerants, and 2015 at the latest for the use of recycled refrigerants, although this last date may be brought forward.

Powermaster can help you with the forward planning and installation of R22 refrigerant plant replacement and advise you on the best approach to achieving your required capacity and improving energy efficiencies.

R22 refrigerant is traditionally one of the UK’s most popular refrigerants for chillers and air conditioning systems. From January 2010, only recycled or reclaimed material will be available which will inevitably be more expensive. The implications of the directive have been known for many years however UK industry has so far taken little action. It is estimated that over 50% of all cooling installations still depend on HCFC’s such as R22 refrigerant.It will be illegal to use virgin HCFCs after 31st December 2009 for the maintenance and servicing of refrigeration and air conditioning equipment. As the regulation deals with the ban on use of virgin HCFCs there will be no possibility to stockpile these products. A complete ban on use of all HCFCs including reclaimed/recycled products will be in place by 1st January 2015

Refrigerants affected:

Most equipment will be labeled with the type of refrigerant used. A list below details the refrigerants affected by the Regulation. It should be noted, however that, that some of the prefixes (ie CFC) may have been replaced with a trade name or an 'R'. If you are in any doubt, contact your equipment supplier. It may be necessary for a suitably qualified technician to carry out an analysis of the refrigerant used.

CFCs
CFC 11, CFC 12 ( R12 ) , CFC 13, CFC 113, CFC 114, CFC 115, CFC 500, CFC 502, CFC 503 and R 13B1.

HCFCs
HCFC 123 , HCFC 22 ( R22 refrigerant ) , R401A , R401B , R402A , R402B , R403A , R403B , R406A , R408A , R409A , R409B , R411B

The vast majority of air conditioning plant affected will contain R22 refrigerant refrigerant.

EU legislation has meant that R22 refrigerant and R22 refrigerant-containing blends have already been banned in new plant. The next stage is a ban on the use of “virgin” or new R22 refrigerant for topping up existing systems, which comes into effect from the end of 2009. After that date only recycled R22 refrigerant may be used to top up plant. After the end of 2014, top-up with any R22 refrigerant will become illegal. The price of R22 refrigerant is expected to increase rapidly as the chemical manufacturers wind-down production of R22 refrigerant. Powermaster Process Ltd have expert engineers ready to provide advice to ensure that those with R22 refrigerant-based cooling plant make the right, cost-effective decisions for the future.

 
HCFC’s including R22 refrigerant Refrigerant Phaseout Overview:  
01/01/2001 - Freeze at 2% of CFC consumption in 1989 + total HCFC consumption in 1989 by 01 January 2001.
01/02/2002 -

15% cut

01/01/2003 -

55% cut

01/01/2004 -

70% cut

01/01/2008 -

75% cut

End 2009 - 100% cut Phase out complete

Powermaster are experts in our field and have the resources and technology to resolve any air conditioning and process cooling temperature control project.

R22 replacement chillers can be either air or water cooled packages, ranging in capacity from 50kW to 2500kW, suitable also for free cooling, heat recovery, heat pump, gas engine drive with or without integral pumps and buffer vessels.

The complete chiller range utilise only environmentally benign HFC refrigerants and the latest scroll, screw or Turbocor centrifugal compressor technology all manufactured to ISO9001 manufacturing standards. Every single chiller is tested to EN14511:2004 in purpose designed climatic test chambers.

Applications
Process cooling
HVAC
State of the art technology available
High efficiency operation for exceptional COP and ESEER ratings
Low noise
Oil free
Full Turn-Key installation service available
Call now for a free, no obligation site survey.
Enhanced Capital Allowance
All units comply with UK government low CO2 emission policy and qualify for enhanced capital allowances. Visit www.eca.gov.uk

Eurovent Standard
All units are manufactured and certified to Eurovent standards. Visit www.eurovent-certification.com

Next: R22 refrigerant Key Facts...

R22 refrigerant Phase out - R22 refrigerant Key Facts - HFC F Gas Legislation - Useful links - Energy Efficient Chillers