Phasing Out R22 Refrigerant
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by: DanielStouffer | Total views: 86 | Word Count: 543
When it comes to harming the environment, R22 refrigerant is one of the guilty parties. That's why the United States and many other countries around the world have joined together in an effort to convert usage of R22 refrigerant in commercial facilities to a more environmentally friendly alternative. The conversion process is already underway among many organizations to meet the 2015 phase out deadline. Others are implementing measures to comply with tracking and reporting requirements required of existing systems.
Used extensively throughout the world, R22 refrigerant is vital to the operation of heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems installed in the majority of commercial and business facilities. It can also be found in process chiller and industrial refrigerant plants. The widespread use of the chemical is a paramount concern because when a leak occurs hydrochlorofluorocarbons are released. They are deemed harmful because they damage the ozone layer and contribute to global warming.
Replacing R22 refrigerant involves making changes to existing heating and cooling systems or buying and installing new equipment with minimal interruption to business. In addition, the safe removal of R22 is paramount, with federal law dictating requirements for proper discarding. In 2009, the law requires companies with systems that contain 50 pounds of R22 refrigerant to submit annual reports of its usage, service and leaks. Facilities using larger systems are required to submit reports more frequently.
Previous laws have already led to the banning of R22 refrigerant in various areas of production, in household equipment and in certain types of vehicles. The chemical is no longer used in the manufacture of new refrigeration and air conditioning equipment. By 2010, new R22 refrigerant for the maintenance and servicing of existing refrigeration and air conditioning systems will be banned and by 2015, recycled R22 refrigerant for the same purposes will be prohibited.
There are extensive containment and management practices that commercial facilities must adhere to under the U.S. Clean Air Act pertaining to the recovery and recycling of R22 refrigerant during installation, service, or retirement of a system. To make the tasks more manageable, many businesses use software programs and tracking applications that monitor everything automatically.
As R22 refrigerant is phased out under federal regulations established by the United States and other countries worldwide, alternative substances have been identified. These alternatives are friendlier to the environment and more energy efficient. Among the commercial use refrigerants approved by the Environmental Protection Agency are ammonia, R404A and R407c.
R22 refrigerant contains hydrochlorofluorocarbons, which damage the ozone layer. As a result, many companies have already taken steps to implement and comply with the new regulations for refrigerant use. They are monitoring the equipment using R22 refrigerant, tracking its usage and reporting any leaks. As a result of new laws passed in 2009, managing the use of R22 is more important than ever as government regulators conduct unannounced spot checks to ensure tracking records comply with the law's requirements. If there is a leak, documentation must show how the gases were recovered.
Addressing R22 refrigerant is one of many ways that the United States and other countries are identifying substances that cause long-term harm to the ozone layer and have the potential to contribute to global warming. By taking proactive steps, like phasing out the chemical, ensures a healthy, environmentally stable world in the future.
About the Author
Daniel Stouffer has much more data on the importance of good refrigerant gas management and more data about r22 refrigerant.
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