ECO FUTURE
Growing environmental concerns have increased interest in hydrocarbon refrigeration systems, which have no potential for destruction of the ozone layer (ODP), and have negligible global warming potential (GWP). To control emissions from fluorinated greenhouse gases (F-gases), that have a relatively high global warming potential, the European Union has adopted a legislative act the ‘F-gas Regulation’ which covers key applications in which F-gases are used.
GREEN FUTURE OF INDUSTRIAL REFRIGERATORS
What are F-gases?
Fluorinated gases (F-gases) are artificial gases that once released can stay in the atmosphere for a very long time and contribute to a global greenhouse effect. There are four types: hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), perfluorocarbons (PFCs), sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) and nitrogen trifluoride (NF3). Each of them is used differently in various industries however the most common one is (HFCs) which are widely used in refrigeration equipment.
The actions are taken towards reduction of F- gases (F-gas Regulation)
The new Regulation, which applies from 1 January 2015, strengthens the existing measures and introduces many far-reaching changes such as:
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Limiting the total amount of the most important F-gases that can be sold in the EU
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Banning the use of F-gases in many new types of equipment where less harmful alternatives are widely available, such as fridges in homes or supermarkets, air conditioning and foams and aerosols
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Preventing emissions of F-gases from existing equipment by requiring checks, proper servicing and recovery of the gases at the end of the equipment's life
What does it mean to you? - The F-gas Regulation in practice
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The objective of the regulation is to improve the prevention of leaks from equipment containing F-gases; all equipment containing those gases needs to be labelled accordingly
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The personnel and companies involved in activities covered under this Regulation need to be trained
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From 2015 the volume of HFCs will be subject to quantitative limits, which will be phased- down over time; measures include restrictions on the marketing and use of certain products and equipment containing
F-gases
The climate-friendly alternatives to F-gases
The European F Gas Regulation encourages the wider adoption of alternatives to high GWP HFC refrigerants. With the technology available, refrigeration equipment can be adapted to the global warming challenge. Many appliance manufacturers adjust to the increasing need of designing new equipment using renewables
as energy sources.
Choosing the right supplier is essential
At SHS Equipment Ltd we are already ahead of a game in the refrigerator market. We offer a comprehensive range of refrigerators using technologies with good energy efficiency. We emphasize harmless to environment alternatives to conventional chemicals. Our refrigerators use natural refrigerants e.g. propane (R290). This gas, also known as CARE® 40, has not only a high impact on the environment but also because it is more efficient in terms of performance and energy consumption. It is non-toxic with zero ODP and very low GWP. Our trials demonstrated that natural refrigerant-based equipment works more energy-efficiently than the HFC and HCFC units. We strongly recommend that catering companies start thinking about adapting to inevitable changes to refrigeration regulations. Choosing an eco-friendly perspective solution saves not only the planet but also your budget. Investing now will benefit in the future by cutting down the cost of repairing, maintaining and decommissioning banned appliances.
If you would like advice or help with any of the issues highlighted in this article please do contact us.