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R-22 FREON ABANDONMENT LEGISLATION |
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Under new European legislation and international norms which are consistent with the Montreal Protocol (1987), American and European companies in the refrigeration industry are required to gradually replace the type of refrigerants used in their refrigerators until 31/12/2009, passing from common types of freon into more sophisticated forms and natural refrigerants.
According to the Montreal Protocol, signed by the U.S. government as well as most of the E.U member countries, since the beginning of 2010, the most commonly used type of freon in the cooling and refrigeration industry (HCFC-22) will be prohibited.
EUROPEAN LEGISLATION
• In year 2000, the European Commission, put in effect Regulation
2037/2000, in adoption of the Montreal Protocol. This regulation
specifies the standards for the production, sale, use and disposal
of materials and substances hazardous to ozone,
also known as ODS (Ozone Depleting Substances).
• Regarding cooling and air conditioning, the most important ODS
substances are hydrochlorofluorocarbons, known as HCFC,
represented mainly by R-22. On 1/8/2008, the E.U. presented
a proposal as an addition and modification of Regulation 2037.
According to this proposal, abandonment of ODS substances is
to be completed gradually until the year 2010.
• On 1/1/2010, all production of virgin hydrochlorofluorocarbons
is prohibited.
What are options for an R-22 gas type user
Maintaining the same equipment and premises, and replacing the R-22 gas with new types of hydrofluorocarbons (e.g. R-404A, R-407C), by completely removing the old circuit lubricants, since R-22 lubricants are not compatible with these types of gases, and replacing the pressure valves, filters, safety valves, etc. |
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