Service
F-Gases Regulation
That’s why you, as the operator, need to act now.
What is the F-Gases Regulation?
The provisions in detail:
Until 31.12.2016
Facilities containing less than 3 kg of fluorinated greenhouse gases or hermetically sealed facilities containing less than 6 kg of fluorinated greenhouse gases are not subject to leak testing.
As of 1.1.2017
All plants with a CO2 equivalent greater than 5 t and less than 50 t must be tested for leaks once every 12 months (obligation of the operator).
From 1.1.2020
The use of refrigerants with GWP greater than 2500 is prohibited in systems with cryogenic temperatures greater than -50 °C. In systems with a cryogenic temperature of less than -50 °C, these refrigerants may still be
be used.
Validity
The F-Gas Regulation is valid in all countries of the European Union. All equipment sold in this region must comply with the applicable regulations.
Aim of the F-Gas Regulation
The regulation aims to limit the global temperature increase to 2 °C in order to avoid undesirable climate impacts. CO2 emissions in industry are to be reduced by up to 73% by 2030 compared to 1990 levels. To achieve the target, the estimated CO2 equivalent of 104 million tons in 2030 must be reduced to about 35 million tons.
FAQ on the F-Gas Regulation
When is a leak test necessary?
Systems using refrigerants containing CFCs and HCFCs (e.g. R22, R123) must be inspected every 12 months. Systems using refrigerants with HFC, HFC (e.g. R134a, R404A) must be inspected every 12 months. Leak test is mandatory
Which products are covered by the F-Gas Regulation?
The F-Gas regulation covers all refrigeration equipment that uses a refrigerant that has a GWP > 2500.
What does GWP mean?
GWP is the abbreviation for “Global Warming Potential”, it stands for the global warming or greenhouse potential of a substance. The GWP value of a refrigerant defines its relative global warming potential with respect to CO₂ (also referred to as CO₂ equivalent). The value describes the global warming effect over a certain period of time, usually 100 years in the case of refrigerants. The higher the GWP value, the more harmful the corresponding substance is to the climate.
What does CO2 equivalent mean?
CO₂ equivalents (CO₂e) are a unit of measurement used to standardize the climate impact of different greenhouse gases.