The UK, and by extension the Isle of Man, are approaching the final phase-out date for R22 refrigeration systems widely used in processing and air conditioning systems.
Fortunately (or perhaps unfortunately) R22 was, and remains, a very good refrigeration gas, and has been very widely used. R22 has been the most common refrigerant gas until recently and is estimated to have been used in over 60% of air conditioning units in the UK, and by extension the IOM.
This may be of very high importance for many companies and organisations and in effect means that all users of R22 and other HCFC systems need to consider alternative refrigerants or the purchase of new equipment ahead of these phase-out dates.
Minister Gawne, said, “I am sure the majority of businesses are making great progress and are fully prepared for the final phase-out of this refrigerant gas. I hope this News Release can serve as a reminder for the remainder to make any necessary preparations ahead of those final dates of the phase-out.”
The phase-out of HCFCs for maintenance of existing refrigeration and air-conditioning systems began at the end of 2009. The Regulation has stopped the use of virgin HCFCs across the entire EU for maintenance from the end of 2009 and the use of recycled fluid from the end of 2014.
HCFC refrigerants, especially R22, are affected by EU Regulation 2037/2000 on ozone depleting substances. Although the Isle of Man is not in the EU, this regulation has a direct impact here because the Regulation has meant that the availability and supply of these refrigerants is ceasing.
Typical applications include refrigeration in food retail, blast coolers, cold stores, process coolers and many types of building air conditioning. Many of these applications are required to be operating to enable the continued operation of their owners’ business.
Peter Longworth, Energy Initiatives Officer commented, “We have found changing over to a modern refrigeration system in some of our systems actually meant the performance improved and running costs reduced, so it performs better than before and costs less to run. It is also important to have the time to prepare before the final cut off dates so any changes are planned and scheduled rather than rushed and reactive.”
It is recommended that Facilities Managers and Maintenance Contractors check they have identified all units using R22 as a refrigerant gas and then decide on a course of action between three basic options: “Replace equipment”, “Convert it” (using a drop-in replacement gas or alternative refrigerant) or leave “as is”. The third option is only viable if there is a guaranteed stock of HCFCs or the system is not business critical. It should also be noted R22 will become unavailable from the end of 2014.
Many of the systems will be able to convert to an alternative refrigerant gas by contacting maintenance contractors, suppliers and Trade Bodies. It may also be appropriate to assess the relative costs and benefits of changing to a replacement system if a conversion is not possible. In many cases, the improved performance and lower running costs of new systems will more than cover the cost of changing to a non-R22 system.
Existing units using R-22 have not been able to continue to be serviced with virgin R-22 since 1st of January 2010, (as the Phase-out process is already underway). Therefore new refrigerant cannot be bought to fill these existing systems, only existing, stockpiled or reclaimed R22.
