ACR Journal

June | July 2021 LEAK DETECTION 24 Climalife UK head of sales, Dave Richards, looks at leak detection and why it has a vital part in achieving the UK 2050 net zero targets. Crucial role on road to net zero Volume 7 No.4 F-Gas regulations plan for a 79 per cent decrease in total CO 2 equivalents (tCO 2 e) for HFCs placed on the market by 2030, with a further slight reduction to achieve the Kigali Amendment goal 2036. The overall aim is to reduce and contain refrigerant emissions by taking every step to adopt responsible refrigeration practises. A leaking system costs money and will go on costing money until the leak is fixed. Fixed leak detectors ensure a leak is identified quickly and also helps the equipment owner remain legally compliant with F-Gas legislation. Leak detection and prompt action following a leak being detected can help maintain the optimum system eciency, avoiding an increase in energy consumption, reducing the amount of refrigerant lost to the environment and the amount needed to restore a system to the correct level. System requirements Reducing emissions of global warming gases is a key aim of the F-Gas legislation. The requirement for leak detection, inspection and leak check frequency depends on the total CO 2 equivalent tonnes (tCO 2 e) charge of the equipment. It is mandatory under the F-Gas regulation (EU517/2014) for systems with a refrigerant charge of 500 tCO 2 e or more to be equipped with fixed leak detectors. F-Gas compliance also requires regular refrigerant leak checks and immediate repairs should any leaks be found. In addition to industry-specific legislation, the UK Government is looking for net zero carbon emissions by 2050. Managing refrigerant usage and minimising leaks is key to the industry playing their part to achieve this target. Owners and operators of the system have the overall responsibility for the legislation, and therefore they are responsible for: • Preventing refrigerant leakage • Ensuring that leak checks are carried out • Repairing any leaks as soon as possible • Arranging proper refrigerant recovery • Maintaining records of any refrigerant losses, additions and servicing Detect leaks early to reduce refrigerant loss When it comes to F-Gas compliance, detecting a refrigerant leak early means that the leak can be fixed as swiftly as possible. This also means that the leak cannot grow into a large-scale loss, and the equipment can continue operating with little to no downtime. From a financial perspective, the cost to replace the lost refrigerant is significantly reduced by early leak detection, minimising any potential P E R A M The Multi-Zone enhances effective refrigerant management, detecting leaks early to enable cost savings by reducing refrigerant recharge, improving energy efficiency, and reducing the risk of refrigeration failure and produce a loss. Dave Richards, head of sales, Climalife UK