What are synthetic refrigerants?
Synthetic refrigerants are substances that do not occur naturally, but have been developed by man for industrial purposes. Synthetic refrigerants are known as (H)CFC (chlorofluorocarbon) and HFC (hydrofluorocarbon). Long after the development of the synthetic refrigerants was the effect of (H)CFC and HFC leaks clearly visible on our ozone layer and the enhancement of the greenhouse effect.
Synthetic refrigerants are divided into three types:
- (H)CFC (chlorofluorocarbon). The most well-known of this group are products with Freon such as Freon 12 (R12) and Freon 22 (R22). Both of these products are harmful to the ozone layer. The use of R12 refrigerant has been banned for some time. The phasing out of the R22 refrigerant came into effect on January 1, 2015. From this date onwards, it is no longer permitted to use R22 refrigerant or to use R22 blends. The phase-out is formalized in a European directive and each EU member agrees to ban R22 refrigerant.
- HFC’s (Hydrofluorocarbons). This is a more modern refrigerant in which single hydrogen atoms are replaced by a fluorine atom. They are ozone-friendly substitutes for the ozone-damaging freon types. These so-called greenhouse gases have a detrimental effect on our environment because the refrigerant contributes to climate change. The most used products covered by this group are R134a, R125, R404a, R410a and R507.
- (H)CFC / HFC Blends. These refrigerants contain (H)CFC’s and fall under the usage ban since January 1, 2015, under European legislation. Products included in this group are R408, R402a and R401a.
More information about the use of refrigerants?
GE Solutions is a F-Gas registered company, that can provide you with more information about the latest European directives and the correct usage of refrigerants in installations in your company.
We will be happy to provide you with more detailed information about the possibilities within your company.
