Engineering manual - SAB 193-233-283 S A-frame (including ATEX)
008831 en 2022.02
29/175
3.2.10
F-gas regulation (fluorinated greenhouse gases)
In the European F-gas regulation, No 517/2014, about reduction of harmful gases in the at-
mosphere, the European Parliament (EU) has established guidelines for the regulation of cer-
tain fluorinated greenhouse gases. The following is an extract from the guidelines and is
relevant for end users and operators.
Fluorinated refrigerants are included in the category of greenhouse gases and therefore fall
under the F-gas regulation. The table below lists a few of the relevant refrigerants and their re-
spective GWP (Global Warming Potential) according to the F-gas regulation. The so-called
“HFOs” and natural refrigerants do not fall under the scope of the regulation.
Refrigerant
GWP (Global Warming Potential)
R134a
1300
R407C
1650
R404A
3785
R507
3850
Requirements of the F-gas regulation include:
•
Bans and limitations
•
Labelling
•
Leakage test
•
Recovery of refrigerant
•
Certification of personnel
•
Record keeping.
Bans on GWP
R404A/R507A and other refrigerants with a GWP over 2500 are banned from new stationary
systems after 2020. Existing systems can be serviced with reclaimed refrigerant until 2030,
provided that proper-quality refrigerant is available. Read the local regulations.
Labelling
The unit must be fitted with a label (name plate). Refrigerant type, charge in kg and CO
2
Equi-
valent (CO
2
eq) must be stated on the plate.
Leakage test
It is the operator’s responsibility to ensure that the unit is checked for leakages by a competent
person. For units charged with fluorinated greenhouse gases, the following conditions apply
depending on type of plant and amount of charge:
•
for equipment that contains fluorinated greenhouse gases in quantities of 5 tonnes of
CO
2
eq or more, but of less than 50 tonnes of CO
2
eq: at least every 12 months; or
where a leakage detection system is installed, at least every 24 months
•
for equipment that contains fluorinated greenhouse gases in quantities of 50 tonnes of
CO
2
eq or more, but of less than 500 tonnes of CO
2
eq: at least every six months or,
where a leakage detection system is installed, at least every 12 months
•
for equipment that contains fluorinated greenhouse gases in quantities of 500 tonnes of
CO
2
eq or more: at least every three months or, where a leakage detection system is in-
stalled, at least every six months.