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FAQs - Refrigerants


Q)

How do the F-Gas regulations affect refrigerants that are supplied in non-returnable cylinders?

A)

From 4th July 2007 the phase-out of disposable (non-returnable) cylinders began, as a result of the new F-gas regulations. These regulations mean that the manufacturers cannot fill any more cylinders with "F gases", but cylinders already filled can be sold for as long as the stocks last.

This affects the common refrigerants R134a, R404A, R507, R407c, R413A (MO49), R422A (MO79), R417A (MO59), and others.

It is illegal to fill new cylinders after 4th July, but existing full cylinders are legal and can be sold and used until stocks are exhausted. The cylinders we supply have all been filled before the 4th July cutoff date.

Disposables are very popular with our customers, so we have decided to keep supplying them until supplies of these cylinders run out.

Once the last of the disposables have been sold, all customers will have to switch to using returnable cylinders, which of course we will have in stock.

 

Q)

What is the position on CFC refrigerants (R.11, R.12, R.13, R.502)?

A)

From 01/10/00 the sale or exchange of ownership (even free of charge) of CFCs was prohibited. From 31/12/2000 the use of CFC's for servicing and maintenance was also prohibited, any stockpile remaining had to be destroyed by approved technology. Before dismantling or disposal of equipment, CFCs must be recovered and sent for destruction by approved technologies. It is allowable to continue to operate existing systems using CFCs.

 

Q)

How long can we use HCFCs (R.22, R.401, R.402, R.403, R.405)?

A)

The use of virgin HCFCs is allowable until 31/12/2009. The use of recycled HCFC is allowable until 31/12/2014.

From 1/1/2001 HCFCs were prohibited in all new refrigeration and air conditioning installations, with the exception of fixed air conditioning equipment with a cooling capacity of less than 100 kW.

From 1/7/2002 HCFCs were prohibited in cooling only air conditioners manufactured after 30/6/2002, but allowed in heat pumps.

From 1/1/2004 HCFCs were prohibited in all heat pumps manufactured after 31/12/03.

Equipment manufactured or imported before the cut-off dates can be continue to be sold and installed until stocks in the supply chain are exhausted.

 

Q)

What drop in refrigerants are available for CFCs & HCFCs?

A)

There are many. We currently offer the following:

1. Drop in for R12 : R.413a (MO 49)
Pressures and duty very close to R.12. Has to be charged into the system in liquid form. There is no need to change the oil in the system.

2. Drop in for R22: R.417A (MO 59)
Pressures and duty close to R.22 Has to be charged into the system in liquid form. There is no need to change the oil in the system.

3. Drop in for R502: R422A (MO 79)
Pressures and duty close to R.502. Has to be charged into the system in liquid form. there is no need to change the oil in the system.

 

Q)

R410A pressures are higher than other refrigerants. What does this mean for the installer?

A)

The high side pressure on R410A systems is typically between 30 and 32 bar (425 to 460 psig) and the low side between 8 and 9 bar (115 to 130 psig).

R410A is stable and efficient, from both the compressor and heat exchanger viewpoint. It gives designers the opportunity to make equipment more compact, lighter in weight and with a lower energy consumption so as to achieve a good rating under the forthcoming Energy Labelling requirements for air conditioners. In these respects R410A is superior to R407c for air conditioning applications in smaller systems.

Most R410A air conditioning split systems use pipe line sizes no greater than 7/8" (generally line sizes are smaller than for the equivalent R22 system) and refrigeration quality tube to normal UK spec. is acceptable - thicker walled tube is not necessary. (see FAQs - air conditioning).

Manufacturers have, in general, retained flare connections. However it is preferable to use long neck flare nuts (N- rather than NS-), as these give greater support to the tube so reducing the risk of flare fracture. Our stock codes for these are LFFT100 for 1/4", LFFT102 for 3/8", LFFT103 for 1/2", LFFT104 for 5/8", LFFT105 for 3/4".

To ensure a good quality flare joint, a modern flaring tool such as the ITE type FTE-800 is recommended. This tool has an eccentric action that rolls out the flare and is torque limited, so causing less stress to the tube. Our stock code for this flaring tool is TLT185.

To avoid flaring tubes at all, use swivel flare-to-solder connectors (KRCY type), which are silver brazed to the pipe work and enable connection to male flare fittings without flaring the tube end. Our stock codes for these are LFFT004 for 1/4", LFFT006 for 3/8", LFFT008 for 1/2", LFFT010 for 5/8".

A dedicated R410A manifold set, fitted with gauges for the higher pressures, is essential. Heavy duty hoses are also required, fitted with special connectors, as the traditional ¼" schraeder is replaced by a 5/16" male connection on R410A units.

Our stock codes for a 2 way dedicated R410A manifold complete with guages is TLT380 or TLQ41652.

Dedicated R410A hose sets are stocked under codes TLT487 for 36" and TLT489 for 72".

To adapt existing hoses, a straight 1/4" x 5/16" adaptor is stock code TLT412, whilst an angled one is TLT413.

If you have a modern vac pump this should be OK. Similarly a recently purchased recovery machine it is also likely to be R410A compatible; check with the supplier if you are not sure.

 

Q)

Do you supply secondary refrigerants?

A)

Yes we can supply a range of 100% glycols or diluted for direct application. The Glycols are :-
Monopropylene or Monoethylene


 

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