DANGER
Pay close attention to the fact that large amounts of escaping (or released) refrigerant entail risk of
suffocation. Body contact with leaking liquid refrigerant entails high risk of injuries caused by intense
cold.
Purging a refrigeration plant
Purging of air or other non-condensable gases is required in order to keep high system
performance and avoid corrosion of the equipment, which could endanger the safety of persons
and equipment.
When purging a refrigeration system, ensure to observe the following:
• Refrigerants must not be released into the atmosphere, except CO
2
, which can be released
slowly into the atmosphere.
• When purging an ammonia system, use an approved air purger. The purged air must pass
through an open container or water for any remaining ammonia (R717) to be absorbed. The
water mixture must be sent to an approved hazardous waste disposal site.
• Halocarbon refrigerants (CFC, HCFC and HFC)
cannot
be absorbed by water. An approved air
purger must be fitted to the system. This must be checked regularly by use of a leak detector.
All precautionary measures practicable must be taken to prevent and minimise leakage of
refrigerant from refrigeration and air conditioning systems to the atmosphere.
Note:
The occurrence of air is usually an indication of poor maintenance or lack of
thoroughness at installation.
Note:
Ammonia systems should be purged on a regular basis to avoid atmospheric air and
other non-condensable gases.
F-gas regulation (fluorinated greenhouse gases)
In the European F-gas regulation, No 517/2014, about reduction of harmful gases in the
atmosphere, the European Parliament (EU) has established guidelines for the regulation of certain
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 following table lists a few of the relevant refrigerants and their respective
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
SAB 283-355 A-Frame OHU 6042 and OHU 7650 (including ATEX) Screw Compressor Unit
32
