By Michael Labacher – head of environmental services: A-Gas
As the Montreal Protocol and Kigali Amendment drive the global industry toward more environmentally sustainable refrigerants, the characteristics of the synthetic refrigerant blends being adopted are noticeably different from those we have historically relied upon.
Traditional refrigerants such as R404A, R507 and R410A were near- azeotropic, meaning they exhibited minimal glide. However, the next-generation synthetic refrigerants we are transitioning to, such as R448A and R449A, are zeotropic and exhibit glide ranging from 3°C–8°C.
This fundamental difference necessitates a shift in how systems are commissioned, maintained and repaired. Proper handling and best practices are critical to ensure that systems using these new blends operate efficiently and reliably.
The importance of managing glide in zeotropic refrigerants
Zeotropic refrigerants, due to their glide, behave differently during phase changes. Glide refers to the temperature range over which a refrigerant evaporates or condenses at a given pressure. If a system experiences a significant leak – defined as a loss of more than 10% of the refrigerant charge – the composition of the remaining refrigerant can change, leading to efficiency issues and potentially compromising system performance.
Good practice dictates that in the event of such a leak, the entire refrigerant charge should be recovered and can be returned through any one of our refrigerant return options (Refri-Claim or Rapid Recovery), and the system recharged with a new blend.
This ensures the proper composition of the refrigerant and avoids the inefficiencies that arise from an imbalanced mixture.
A-Gas’s laboratory services: supporting the transition
To support the industry during this transition, A-Gas has expanded its laboratory services in South Africa, mirroring successful initiatives implemented in other regions that have already undergone this change. These services are designed to help end users and contractors adopt good practices and maintain optimal system performance.
One such good practice is the implementation of an annual refrigerant health check programme. By performing regular checks on refrigerant purity and system conditions, end users can proactively address potential issues, ensuring long-term system efficiency. Additionally, A-Gas recommends conducting refrigerant health checks whenever work is performed on a system, whether before or after maintenance.
What does a refrigerant health check include?
A refrigerant health check evaluates the following key parameters in accordance with AHRI-700 specifications:
- Purity testing
- Verifies the refrigerant’s composition aligns with its original specifications
- Ensures no contamination or mixing with other refrigerants, which could affect performance or system compatibility
- Composition and blend ratio analysis
- Confirms the ratio of components in zeotropic blends (for example, R-417A, R-448A, R-449A) matches the manufacturer’s specifications
- Identifies imbalances caused by leakage or improper charging
- Moisture content
- Measures the amount of moisture in the refrigerant, as high levels can lead to acid formation, freezing issues or corrosion within the system
- Acidity levels
- Detects the presence of acids formed due to refrigerant degradation or moisture contamination
- Acid can harm compressors, seals and other components, leading to system failures
- Non-condensable gases
- Tests for the presence of air, nitrogen, or other non-condensable gases that can reduce system efficiency and increase operating pressures
- Oil analysis (optional add-on)
- Examines the condition of the system’s lubricant, checking for acidity, moisture and refrigerant dilution
- Ensures proper lubrication for compressors and other moving
Empowering end users with knowledge
The transition to zeotropic refrigerants requires careful management to avoid inefficiencies and maintain system performance. A-Gas’s extended laboratory services provide the
tools and expertise necessary to navigate this transition successfully. By adopting practices such as regular refrigerant health checks end users can ensure their systems operate efficiently while aligning with global environmental goals.
The proactive management of refrigerants, encapsulated in the concept of lifecycle refrigerant management, is essential to preserving the environmental benefits achieved through the Montreal Protocol and Kigali Amendment. With the right tools, knowledge and practices, the industry can confidently embrace the next generation of refrigerants and the sustainable future they promise.