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Safety Data Sheets

HCFC Phase Out 2010

Additional Info F-Gas Regulation Other Recent Legislation

HCFCs including R22 will be banned from use from January 1st 2010.

Under the Montreal Protocol it was agreed that ozone depleting substances (ODS) including CFCs and HCFCs would be phased out globally.
European timescales:

• In Europe CFCs have been banned since 1994. (e.g.R12, R502)
• The use of HCFCs has been banned in new equipment since 2000. (e.g.R22, R408A)
• The use of HCFCs in service and maintenance has been reducing since 2000 and virgin HCFC will be completely phased out by Jan 1st 2010.

HCFC Alternatives

HCFCs currently make up over 55% of the total Refrigerant & Air-conditioning market by volume in the UK. (R22accounts for most of this figure)What can customers do when 55% of the market is being phased out? There are 3 options:

• Change HCFC to HFC Alternatives
• New Equipment configured for HFC, Ammonia, CO2 or Hydrocarbons
• Recycled HCFCs may be used after 2010 until 2015 (limited stocks) Customers looking for guidance should be referred to BOC Refrigerants team. (Further details of HCFC alternatives are listed in section 5 under products)

Many systems will need HFC alternative products or Natural Alternative products to be fitted into existing HCFC systems. This can be a complicated process with many variables but help is available. Every system and situation is different and BOC technical staff should always be consulted before attempting to choose a HCFC replacement with any alternative.

There are 5 key areas that need to be looked at when choosing a HCFC alternative.

1. The co-efficient of performance (between the replacement compared to HCFC)
2. Compressor manufacturer has approved use of the replacement
3. Does the oil type need to be changed
4. What will be the new charge size
5. Does the expansion valve, drier cores, jointing & o-rings have to be replaced

Using HFC Alternatives in the Same System

Drop In Products
Systems that can simply swap HCFC refrigerant with HFC alternatives is known as Drop Ins.
Minimal alterations to system are required;

• oil type usually does not need to be changed – e.g.: from mineral oil to synthetic oil
• always seek technical advice

Retrofit Products

Some systems will require alterations to the unit before HCFC refrigerant can be replaced with HFC alternatives – known as Retrofit Products.
Alterations to the system are required;

• oil type usually does need to be changed – e.g.: from mineral to synthetic oil
• always seek technical advice

Installing a New System

Some products will require more than retrofit alterations, new equipment may be needed and in some circumstances a complete new systems is the best option.

Example: Products that require higher pressures

• R410A
• Natural Alternatives R717 Ammonia, R744 CO2, Hydrocarbons.

Please Note: For further information please contact the refrigerants team on 0800 02 0800 or visit  www.gas2010.com For information on Refrigerant Services offered by BOC click here   As there are many alternative products replacing only a few traditional products, there are many solutions available. Please contact BOC technical staff for unbiased advice on the product that best suits your application. Recycled HCFCs may be used after 2010 until 2015.