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22 July, 2021
The maintenance of refrigeration systems
22 March, 2022
Refrigerant gases circulate through any refrigeration cycle that is used to reduce or maintain the temperature below the ambient temperature. To achieve this, the heat has to be extracted from the space and transferred to another element that has a lower exterior temperature than the one we want to refrigerate.
Refrigerant gas begins in an initial state and undergoes different processes to return to its initial condition. This series of processes is called the “refrigeration cycle” and will be repeated as many times as are necessary to absorb the required heat.
This refrigerant gas is a chemical compound that is subjected to physical changes in order to obtain the desired results. Since it is a chemical compound, it contains pollutants that cause the greenhouse effect. For that reason, rules and restrictions exist to regulate how it is handled. These regulations, together with the tax on fluorinated gases (Article 5 of Law 16/2013) has led to the search for alternatives that can replace the most polluting gases, which are called “green refrigerants”.
Refrigerant gas begins in an initial state and undergoes different processes to return to its initial condition. This series of processes is called the “refrigeration cycle” and will be repeated as many times as are necessary to absorb the required heat.
This refrigerant gas is a chemical compound that is subjected to physical changes in order to obtain the desired results. Since it is a chemical compound, it contains pollutants that cause the greenhouse effect. For that reason, rules and restrictions exist to regulate how it is handled. These regulations, together with the tax on fluorinated gases (Article 5 of Law 16/2013) has led to the search for alternatives that can replace the most polluting gases, which are called “green refrigerants”.
Background to the types of refrigerant gases.
For many years, there has been a debate about the effects of the release of refrigerants into the atmosphere and the impact that this is having on the ozone layer. This debate mainly stems from the negative effects of refrigerants such as CFCs which contain components of chlorine (Cl) and are responsible for the destruction of ozone (O3). Consequently, the removal of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) that have a high chlorine content and the removal of HCFCs has been stipulated.
Types of commercial refrigerant gases
Fluorinated refrigerant gases (F-Gases)
In large refrigeration units, such as those in a supermarket for example, fluorinated gases like R-134a (HFC) and R-404A (HFC blend) are used.
In terms of air conditioning units, fluorinated gases mixed with HFCs are used, although the use of alternative refrigerant gases with a much lower GWP are becoming more widely used.
Lastly, we can find alternative non-fluorinated refrigerants, which are called natural refrigerants and do not have a final use date. An example of this type of refrigerant is ammonia.
Gases with a final use date
From January 1st, 2022, the commercial use of refrigerant gases with a GWP above 150 in new refrigerators or freezers is totally prohibited.
R-410A
This is a fluorinated refrigerant which is free from chlorine and, therefore, does not cause any harm to the ozone layer. It provides a high-energy performance that offers savings in terms of maintenance. Furthermore, it is non-toxic, non-flammable and can be recycled and reused.
R-407A
This is a fluorinated refrigerant which is free from chlorine and, therefore, does not cause any harm to the ozone layer. It provides a high-energy performance that offers savings in terms of maintenance. Furthermore, it is non-toxic, non-flammable and can be recycled and reused.R-407F
This consists of a HFC gas which is blended with a low GWP and offers a greater performance coefficient. In addition, it enables cost savings in manufacturing and reduces CO2 emissions.R-134A
This is a chlorine-free refrigerant which is used in industries such as: automotive, air conditioning, refrigerators, aerosols... In terms of air conditioners, it has a wide variety of uses: from dehumidifiers to water coolers. This type of refrigerant gas is permitted for use without a final use date in stationary refrigeration units.R-449A
It has a hydrofluoroolefin base which does not have a harmful effect on the ozone layer and has a low global warming potential. For this reason, it is the replacement for R-404A and R-507 in commercial industrial applications.R-448A
This is a HFO and HFC blend which has a higher energy efficiency and does not require liquid injection.R-450A
This is the replacement for R-134a in new refrigeration systems for food, transport or industrial refrigeration processes, among others.These are some examples of the types of refrigerant gases approved by the Ministry of Industry. Updates of these tables are constantly being produced with new types of refrigerant gases, which maintain a balance between the needs of refrigeration systems and needs of the environment.
Here at fridec SOLUTIONS we are continuously committed to R+D+i in order to offer efficient refrigeration system that respect our strong environmental commitment.