R22 – the end

by Brian Ware
NBS Technical Author

After many years of widespread use, R22 is being replaced in line with EU regulations on ozone depleting substances. The Ozone Regulation came into force in 2000 and it has already banned the use of ozone depleting HCFC refrigerants such as R22 in new systems. R22 remains a very common refrigerant in existing systems in the food and drink industry. The regulations can be summarised as follows:

• From 1 January 2010 no more virgin R22 can be used as a top up in existing systems
• From the end of 2014 no more reclaimed R22 can be used in existing systems
• After 1 January 2015 a complete ban on the use of recycled or recovered R22.

Replacing R22 with an acceptable alternative, i.e. R407c or R410a, isn’t always straight forward as some components such as expansion valves, filters and oil may not be compatible with the new refrigerant.

The regulations also call for all operators of HCFC refrigeration systems to prevent leakage, ensure leak checks are carried out and repair any leaks as soon as possible as well as arranging refrigerant recovery. All fixed equipment systems must be checked for leakage. The frequency of testing depends on refrigerant charge:

• Plants with 3 kg to 30 kg of HFC refrigerant must be checked annually
• Plants with 30 kg to 300 kg must be checked once every 6 months
• Plants with more than 300 kg must be tested once every 3 months.

This must be undertaken by qualified personnel and they will be required to recover any HCFC refrigerant removed from a system.

Start planning for HCFC Phase Out now. This will ensure that sufficient time is spent considering the most appropriate options and enable budgets to be prepared for any investments required.

Related NBS information:

Selected links:

• HVAC

Written March 2009

ViewAllArticles

BackToTop