R-22 you ready?

Ipswich, UK - Use of virgin R-22 refrigerant will be banned from the end of this year, under EU Ozone Regulation EC2037/2000, because it contains ozone-depleting hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs). From January 2010 to January 2015, recycled HCFCs will be permitted but it is expected that supplies will be limited.

For companies using R-22 within their compressed air system the pahse out could result in a significant operational headache. The likelihood of compressed air systems using R-22 as a coolant increases significantly for equipment that is over 10 years old.

However, the legislation also represents an opportunity to help resolve two major issues currently facing industry - the rising cost of energy and environmental compliance.

“R-22 will be totally phased out from the start of 2015 and relying on recycled HCFC is a risky strategy,” says Airchannel national sales manager, Andrew Barraclough. “To minimise the impact on their organisation, both operationally and financially, companies should address the issue as a priority.

According to Barraclough, businesses have three main choices. If it fits into the legislative timetable, they can run their chilling equipment to the end of its life and then install new technology. The other alternatives are to remove the R-22 refrigerant and replace it with another compound that is suitable for their current systems, and which complies with the legislation, or outright new equipment.

A number of new products have been put forward as potential replacements for R-22, although some require greater pressures that would have major implications for system components and current system designs.

With the higher pressure gases there are potentially several problems, such as can the system sustain the new pressure?, all new control switches would be required and oil changes inside the refrigerant could be difficult. As a result this may not be a viable option on the grounds of cost.

However, Barraclough believes the phase-out of R-22 issue should be viewed as an opportunity that will ultimately offer operational efficiency and has the potential to reduce day-to-day energy costs. He adds that any company in doubt as to the coolant used in their compressed air system should contact an independent expert to arrange for an assessment as soon as possible.

“Some companies are using the R-22 issue as an opportunity to review their entire systems, which has become even more important with the recent increases in energy prices,” concluded Barraclough. “It is very easy for businesses to take their systems for granted. But  this is an issue that has a deadline and needs addressing to ensure the
appropriate action can be taken in time,”