As newer and stricter F-Gas regulations come into force across the UK and EU, it is now essential the appropriate refrigerant is considered for any upgrade or new design to ensure compliance. As existing hydrofluorocarbons (HFC’s) begin to be phased out due to their high Global Warming Potential (GWP), the way forward may be to look to the past…
Natural refrigerants were widely and successfully used until Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and HFC’s became commonplace, around 100 years ago. Being natural, unsurprisingly these refrigerants have little or no GWP, making them complaint with strict F-Gas regulations. R290 Propane is one of these natural refrigerants attracting significant attention in industrial refrigeration, with a GWP as low as just 3 it has very little environmental impact compared to its predecessors (for example, the HFC R134a had a GWP of 1430 over 100 years).
EU Legislation
The European Union adopted F-gas Regulation 2024/573 in March 2024 to phase out fluorine-based refrigerants. The new regulations have accelerated the transition away from synthetic refrigerants like HFCs towards more environmentally friendly options, including natural refrigerants such as R290.
The UK is currently reviewing its F-gas regulations and is expected to align with the EU regulations. The UK’s Climate Change Committee (CCC) has advised aligning regulations with the EU, potentially leading to a 73% reduction in F-gas emissions by 2040. This will likely create further demand for R290 and other low-GWP alternatives.
One Issue
R290 provides significant benefits, such as low-GWP, but it is a highly flammable product. It therefore needs to be carefully managed. Any use of this refrigerant must comply with government safety regulations, such as EN378, ATEX regulations and The Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations (DSEAR).
ATEX regulations
ATEX refers to two European Directives:
- Directive 99/92/EC (also known as ‘ATEX 137’ or the ‘ATEX Workplace Directive’) (DSEAR now covers this in Great Britain)
- Directive 2014/34/EU (also known as ‘ATEX 114’ or ‘the ATEX Equipment Directive’) (the 2016 EPS regulations now cover this in GB)
As well as refrigeration units, vehicle paint spraying and workplaces handling fine organic dusts such as grain flour or wood are classed as places where work activities create or release flammable gases or vapours. You will see EX signage (see image) where this is relevant.
Managing R290 in refrigeration units
R290 has been used for some years and is seeing a real resurgence in air-source heat pumps, as well as commercial refrigerators.
Within these units, the gas has to be pumped around to do its job. The fans that do this have to meet ATEX regulations. SUNON’s range of energy-efficient, high performance EC fans are available with high levels of Ingress Protection and ATEX-certified.
How Sunon fans meet ATEX requirements
- SUNON’s ATEX range have a spark-proof design. This includes encapsulating the motors and moving components.
- They have thermal protection built in with automatic speed control to prevent overheating.
- The precision ball bearing’s design delivers extended lifespans and reduced maintenance.
- Also available with IP68 rating, meaning they are 100% dust and waterproof.
All of this makes them safe for hydrocarbon refrigerants, such as R290, and mean they are fully ATEX-certified for use in Zone 2 hazardous areas. For more information about how to integrate fans and other key components safely and effectively into electronics intended for hazardous zones, click here.
How we can help
Gelec is working with increasing numbers of manufacturers needing to manage hydrocarbons such as R290. As a SUNON Partner, we can supply exactly the components you need. Get in touch now to discuss your needs
