R22 Product/Service Information Dealing with Phase Out of R22

If you are using R22 or another HCFC refrigerant then you need to consider a plan for phase out in addition to ensuring low levels of leakage from existing plants. The phase out of HCFCs for refrigeration applications will occur in two steps

Virgin HCFC phase out: After 31st December 2009 you cannot use virgin HCFCs for plant maintenance (even if you bought the fluid before this date). You will be allowed to use recycled HCFCs, but there is no guarantee that supplies will be available at a reasonable price.

Recycled HCFC phase out: After 31st December 2014 you cannot use recycled HCFCs for plant maintenance.

The best phase out option depends on the age and efficiency of existing equipment. If your plant is old, unreliable or inefficient it is best to consider plant replacement. If the plant still has some years of useful life then it may be possible to retrofill with a “drop-in” replacement refrigerant. Your three main options are to:

1. Replace the whole plant with a new system. This is the most expensive option, but enables you to minimise leakage and maximise energy efficiency.

2. Change the refrigerant to a suitable alternative.This is much cheaper than a new plant, but you will still have to make additional investment to ensure leakage is minimised and reliability and efficiency maximised.

3. Delay a decision until nearer the 2014 final phase out date. This is initially the easiest option, but it is only delaying the decision and it is a high risk strategy, as recycled R22 might be in short supply and at a cost.

For the correct solutions and technical support for your specific R22 phase out plan contact Clover Technical Services.

We provide a 24 hour 7 days per week, 365 days per year call-out service.

Our normal office hours are 8.30am - 5pm Monday to Friday. However you can still contact us in emergencies throughout the night on 0151 650 1551. Our team will ensure that your problems are dealt with in a fast and efficient manner any time of day, every day of the year.