Role of R22 in Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Equipment.
Role of R22 in Refrigerating and Air Conditioning
Equipment.
(8319 K)
Didion, D. A.; Cohen, R.; Tree, D. R.
International Institute of Refrigeration. International
Colloquium of Brussels, Refrigeration and CFCs. March
19-20, 1990, Paris, France, 1-18 pp, 1990.
Keywords:
alternatives; chlorofluorocarbons;
hydrochlorofluorocarbons; hydrofluorocarbons;
refrigerants; system design
Abstract:
The U. S. Environmental Protection Agency has recently
performed an analysis that shows the need for nearly
100% worldwide-acceptance of total CFC phase out. The
adoption of HFCs (for example R134a) and HCFCs (for
example R123 and R22) alternatives, at least in the
interim, is the only feasible means by which this
schedule can be met. In the past four years, there has
been more research for the adaption of R134a and R123 to
R12 and R11 systems than ever in the history of the
refrigeration industry. Refrigerant properties
measurements, materials compatibility studies, and
hardware and system design changes have been conducted
worldwide with information exchanged between countries
on almost a daily basis. Even so, some previously
unforeseen problems persist so that the system design
for virtually any application is not yet final, and for
some applications system design solutions are not even
in sight. Tried and proven R22 systems are being
extended to temperature and capacity ranges beyond their
usual application to fill in these gaps; for example,
for food refrigeraion systems. Manufacturers in
developed countries need alternatives and strategies
that they can depend on before investing in the
development of new products and equipment necessary for
the CFC phase out. It is not likely that industry will
make the large investments necessary to produce new
equipment until new refrigerants are proven acceptable
and are known to be available in adequate quantity for
use. Developing countries need viable alternatives to
combat a natural reluctance to participate in the CFC
phase out in order to improve their standards of living.
They cannot afford the risk or economic impact of a
refrigeration systems that are unproven or not in
adequate supply. Thus, the HCFC and HFC refrigerants
represent the only interim solution known today.
