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Operation and Maintenance
ThermoCooler HP
DSTCH.191101.01.EN
Continuous product development may give rise to specification changes without notice.
1.7 Handling of refrigerant
The following information summarises the requirements and guidelines for hand-
ling the refrigerant used in cooling units. For further information, see the F-gas
Regulations (517/2014). The purpose of the regulations is to contribute to achie-
ving EU goals for reduced climate impact in accordance with the Kyoto Protocol.
Operator responsibilities
Generally speaking, the unit operator must:
• Minimise and prevent leakage
• Take corrective action to repair any leakage that arises
• Ensure that the service and repair of the refrigerant circuit is carried out by a
certified refrigeration technician
• Ensure that refrigerant is handled in an environmentally secure manner and
in accordance with national regulations.
By operator, we refer to the European Parliament’s definition: “...the natural or
legal person exercising actual power over the technical functioning of the equip-
ment and systems...”.
The levels for the various actions to be taken for a system are calculated using
carbon dioxide equivalents, CO₂ e(ton). This figure is calculated by multiplying
the refrigerant’s GWP value (Global Warming Potential) by the charge in kilos.
GWP for R410a is 2088. A charge of 5.0 kg R410a therefore corresponds to
(5.0×2088)/1000 = 10.44 CO₂ e(tons).
The unit is marked with refrigerant quantity and carbon dioxide equivalent.
Leakage inspection and registration
•
Leakage inspection
must be carried out by a certified refrigeration techni-
cian:
– when installing/commissioning the unit, size 190-980
– periodically at least once every 12 months,
i.e. no more than 12 months between inspections, size 190-980
– within one month of any work being performed (e.g. sealing a leak, repla-
cing a
component), size 190-980
• The operator must
record
events, such as the volume and type of refrigerant
topped up, recovered refrigerant, results of inspections and work done,
person and company who carried out service and maintenance, size 190-
980.
If a unit has been assembled on site, the rules for recording, installing and perio-
dic leakage inspection are applicable to size 100-150 as well.
