Operating manual- SAB 355 (including ATEX)
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Safety precautions
4.6 Purging a refrigeration plant
Purging of air or other non-condensable gases is required in order to keep high system perform-
ance and avoid corrosion of the equipment, which could endanger the safety of persons and
equipment.
When purging a refrigeration system, make sure to observe the following:
• Refrigerants must not be released into the atmosphere, except CO
2
, which can be re-
leased slowly into the atmosphere.
• When purging an ammonia system, use an approved air purger. The purged air must pass
through an open container or water for any remaining ammonia (R717) to be absorbed.
The water mixture must be sent to an approved hazardous waste disposal site.
• Halocarbon refrigerants (CFC, HCFC and HFC) cannot be absorbed by water. An approved
air purger must be fitted to the system. This must be checked regularly by use of a leak
detector. All precautionary measures practicable must be taken to prevent and minimise
leakage of refrigerant from refrigeration and air conditioning systems to the atmosphere.
Note: The occurrence of air is usually an indication of poor maintenance or lack of thoroughness
at installation.
Note: Ammonia systems should be purged on a regular basis to avoid atmospheric air and other
non-condensable gases.
4.7 F-gas regulation (fluorinated greenhouse gases)
In the European F-gas regulation, No 517/2014, about reduction of harmful gases in the atmos-
phere, the European Parliament (EU) has established guidelines for the regulation of certain fluo-
rinated greenhouse gases. The following is an extract from the guidelines and is relevant for end
users and operators.
Fluorinated refrigerants are included in the category of greenhouse gases and therefore fall under
the F-gas regulation. The table below lists a few of the relevant refrigerants and their respective
GWP (Global Warming Potential) according to the F-gas regulation. The so-called “HFOs” and nat-
ural refrigerants do not fall under the scope of the regulation.
Refrigerant GWP (Global Warming Potential)
R134a 1300
R407C 1650
R404A 3785
R507 3850
Requirements of the F-gas regulation include:
• Bans and limitations
• Labelling
• Leakage test
• Recovery of refrigerant
• Certification of personnel
• Record keeping.
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