German KBA Authority Offers New Report on AC Refrigerant Soap Opera

If the Daimler AG versus France air-conditioning refrigerant saga would be a book, this new information would be the chapter when the plot suddenly thickens.

As you all probably know by now, France has banned the sale of the Mercedes-Benz A-Class, B-Class and the CLA on their territory over the models' use of the R134a AC coolant, which will be outlawed by the European Union from 2017 for environmental reasons.

Germany's Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA) recently issued a report of its findings following the subsequent testing of a number of cars that use the new R1234yf air conditioning coolant, which is set to replace the old R134a.

Their conclusion? The new refrigerant - which has been ostracized by Daimler AG following over 100 in-house test that proved it possesses an increased fire risk during certain types of head-collisions – is more hazardous than the old one, but it doesn't comprise a serious danger.

“Due to the comparisons with the previous refrigerant 134a in Stage 3, one can ascertain that the safety level of cars tends to deteriorate when 1234yf is used,” the KBA report mentioned.

Although the report is kind of in line with France's stance in the matter, looking deeper in the details given it also appears that Daimler AG is not exactly the boy who cried wolf when there wasn't any wolf in sight.

Of the four cars tested by the KBA (A Mercedes-Benz B-Class, A Hyundai i30, Subaru Impreza and an Opel Mokka) one of them burst into flames and also emitted a pretty considerable amount of the highly toxic hydrogen fluoride gas.

According to the report, quoted by Reuters, “non-negligible” amounts of the gas were detected in two of the other cars being crash tested, but the coolant itself only ignited in one test. In other words, for the time being, everyone is right about the matter. A more comprehensive final report will be released in mid-september, while the EU officials will obviously have the final word. Our say? Why don't you check out our editorial to find out a more personal opinion.

Update: Car engineers pour cold water on Daimler refrigerant fire claims

29 April 2013 | By Andrew Gaved

Car engineering research group SAE International has reported the conclusions of its extensive analysis of HFO 1234yf, calling the refrigerant “safe and effective to use in automotive applications” - free to view, simply register

The team on SAE’s Cooperative Research Programme, comprising most car manufacturers from Ford to Renault to Toyota, concluded that “the risk of passenger exposure to a vehicle fire associated with this refrigerant is exceptionally remote”.

The CRP was established to examine Mercedes owner Daimler’s claims that HFO 1234yf ignited in a staged head-on collision, whereas the previous refrigerant R134a, outlawed by the Mobile Air Conditioning directive, did not.

In the wake of lurid claims about the risk of flammability in the UK tabloid press, the SAE said CRP team members had again concluded that the refrigerant release testing conducted by Daimler is unrealistic, following numerous additional tests of various types to study ignition of an HFO 1234yf leak in a crash-damaged vehicle.

In another strongly worded statement, SAE said Daimler’s test “is not an appropriate test to verify the safety of refrigerant applications in vehicles. The Daimler testing did not include any actual vehicle collisions or the mitigating factors that occur in an actual collision.”

It said these factors include the quenching effect of front end compartment deformation, the extinguishing effect of steam released due to radiator breakage, and dispersion of the refrigerant from the condenser outside the engine compartment.

“Daimler’s refrigerant release apparatus and nozzle does not represent actual crash-damaged refrigerant lines, and was found to be artificial.”

The report was welcomed by Honeywell Fluorine Products, the manufacturer of the HFO, which emphasised that even those German manufacturers which have indicated they are in favour of using CO2 in the future cars had not found anything unsafe about the HFO.

Honeywell European managing director Paul Sanders said: “Pretty much all of the car industry has said publicly it can use 1234yf safely, including all members of the [German carmakers group] VDA, apart from Daimler. Opel had its test programme undertaken by engineering body TUV (above), which is globally respected.”

Following the report, Mr Sanders said Honeywell was now calling for the European Commission to censure Daimler for continuing to defy the MAC Directive. If strictly applied, the EC could forbid the registering of non-compliant cars, such as the Mercedes A and B class models which are still being produced with R134a, in contravention of the directive.

He said: “All we can ask is that the law is adhered to. The MAC directive is unequivocal that non-compliant cars should not be registered. The car industry has had seven years to make a compliant vehicle. HFO 1234yf is available today, it meets the MAC directive and it is cost-effective.”

Mr Sanders also claimed that Daimler’s preferred refrigerant carbon dioxide – which it has asked the EC for more time to develop – is not as environmentally friendly as HFO 1234yf across the lifetime of a vehicle.

He said: “CO2 is a smokescreen and it is three to five years away at best. As it is an asphyxiant it would need significant changes to car designs and the service charges would be higher, since if it was to leak, it would all leak at once.”

He warned that the Commission needed to take action against Daimler or risk appearing ineffectual: “It sets a dangerous precedent for the forthcoming F-Gas regulations if one company is allowed to go its own way and flout the law. Allegedly Daimler is saving 50 euros a car for not using 1234yf.  It is not a safety issue, it is a political issue.”

Products Helpful in Recovery, Reclamation

By Peter Powell

April 8, 2013

While the reclamation process may not be meeting industry expectations, numerous manufacturers are offering equipment and devices that make the process easier than ever before. Listed below are a few of the industry’s newest products and technologies benefiting recovery and reclamation.

Atlantic Chemical & Equipment Co.’s (www.atlanticchemical.com) ACESeal AC/R and HVAC/R leak solutions seals small (up to 300 microns) leaks in condensers, evaporators, and refrigerant lines. The AC/R can handle up to 1.5 tons while the HVAC/R can handle up to 5 tons. The AceSeal is not a polymer-based sealant, so no drying agent is required. In addition, it does not require evacuation of refrigerant to input sealant, and the sealant blends with oil/refrigerant mix to travel to the leak. The oil and refrigerant escape through the lead while larger molecules in the sealant bond together to seal.

Fieldpiece Instruments’ (www.fieldpiece.com) SMAN4 is a four-port, wireless digital manifold that has a 3/8-inch port for evacuations and recovery. The four ports allow technicians to evacuate a system, pull a vacuum, add refrigerant, and dial in the charge at one time without having to hook or unhook any hoses.

Fluke Corp.’s (www.fluke.com) CNX Wire System wirelessly connects multiple measurement modules and sends simultaneous readings to a master device up to 20 meters away, allowing users to troubleshoot problems. The customizable tool set allows users to choose various measurement modules based on their specific troubleshooting scenario to read the measurements outside the arc flash zone.

General Tools & Instruments’ (www.generaltools.com) digital refrigerant leak detector (RLD400), which features a semiconductor sensor lifespan of more than 300 hours of operation or 10 years normal use. Three sensitivity levels let users choose the right level for specific environments.

Hilmor’s (www.hilmor.com) electronic gauge with vacuum sensor is a hybrid gauge with both analog and digital readouts with lights color coordinated to the selected refrigerant. It also features a micron gauge, self calibration, and is accurate to within 1 percent. The company also recently introduced a dual readout thermometer with thermocouple clamps that can be attached to any manifold using the hook provided. The tool features two digital temperature readouts so calculating superheat and subcool no longer requires multiple tools. An aluminum manifold has a forged aluminum body with rubberized handles, protective gauge boots, replaceable stainless steel valve stems, and a pressure indicator ring that allows users to mark a spot with a marker.

Polar Technology (www.refrigerantauthority.com) recently introduced TrakRef®, a proprietary and comprehensive refrigerant management program. As explained by the company, the product is designed to provide comprehensive and transparent tracking and management of refrigerants throughout their entire lifecycles. This includes from the time of purchase to deployment throughout maintenance cycles, through recovery and reclamation, to their final destruction at the end of the lifecycle. When the program is incorporated among the participating points in the supply chain, more of the original refrigerant is kept within the supply chain, ownership of the refrigerant can be accounted for, and regulatory compliance is inherently managed. It is available in three customized versions for contractors, distributors, and system owners.

Refco Mfg. Ltd.’s (www.refco.ch) Enviro is a one-knob operation refrigerant-recovery machine. It allows for recovery of all popular CFC, HCFC, and HFC refrigerants using an oil-less, air-cooled compressor. The Enviro is equipped with a self-purging mode as well as a built-in filter.

RefTec Intl. Systems LLC‘s (www.reftec.com) BullDog recovery/recycle/reclaim unit is available in three sizes, the unit processes R-22, R-134a, R-410A, R-11, R-123, and other common refrigerants with the same unit. It processes gas at speeds of 600 pounds per hour. Features include zero cross contamination of compressor oil to gas, portable design so it fits through standard 36-inch doorways, and single power source for unit and controls. The 80 percent tank-full float switch and 12-foot float cable ensure cylinders are not being overfilled.

Robinair (www.robinair.com) introduced the RG3000 Cube, a compact and lightweight refrigerant recovery machine from Promax. It is designed for liquid and vapor recovery of commonly used CFC, HFC, and HCFC refrigerants including R-410A. Equipped with a high-pressure shift-off switch, the machine automatically shuts off if pressure rises above 550 psi, helping to prevent pressure building in a tank or machine. The high-efficiency, cross-flow airflow design allows for more efficient refrigerant recovery leading to shorter cycle times, the company said. The company also displayed a refrigerant recovery, recycle, evacuate, and recharge machine. It can be used for multiple refrigerants. The portable machine’s microprocessor-controlled functions prompt the user through programming and signal preventive maintenance. The float chamber auto adjusts from liquid to vapor. The lockout panel prevents mixing of refrigerants. The heavy-duty filter drier removes moisture and acid from the refrigerant; it can handle 300 pounds between changeovers. The Promax® Cube™ refrigerant-recovery machine is capable of recovering both liquid and vapor refrigerant. The machine has a 1/3-hp, single-cylinder oil-less compressor.

Spectronics Corp.’s (www.spectroline.com) Optimax 400 leak-detection flashlight features power comparable to high-intensity, 150-W lamps, and an inspection range of up to 25 feet.

SuperCool’s (www.supercoolsliderule.com) Slide Rule is an R-22 and R-410A charging and duct calculator that performs superheat, subcooling, and duct calculations in one tool. Fixed meter-device charging is provided for R-22 and R-410A. TXV charging is also provided for R-22 and R-410A.

Superior Signal Co. LLC (www.superiorsignal.com) introduced the AccuTrak® VPE-GN ultrasonic leak detector with a 9 ½-inch gooseneck. The unit is sensitive to the ultrasonic sound of a turbulent gas leak. Using a technology called heterodyning, it translates the sound to a lower frequency which human ears can interpret, said the manufacturer. The device maintains the original sound characteristics, making it possible to distinguish leaks from other background sounds. The leak detector is designed to pinpoint leaks in air conditioning and refrigeration systems, acknowledging present air, vacuum, refrigerant, or gas leaks.

Testo AG’s (www.testo.com) testo 316-3 is a refrigerant-leak detector that includes a sensor head, transport case, calibration certificate, batteries, and a filter. It has one-button operation and the high/low sensitivity adjustment allows users to pinpoint the leak source. The company also offers the testo 310 and testo 320. The 310 is a residential combustion analyzer with a built-in condensate trap. The 320 is a high-definition combustion analyzer for both residential and commercial applications. There are many features with the 320, including its full-color, high-definition screen.

Universal Enterprises Inc. (www.ueitest.com) introduced the DRS220 digital refrigerant scale, which measures weight in both metric and English units, is programmable, and has a built-in alarm to indicate a programmed threshold has been exceeded.

Publication date: 4/8/2013

Peter Powell is Refrigeration Editor. E-mail him at peterpowell@achrnews.com.

Reclamation Looking for Jumpstart

By Peter Powell

April 8, 2013

A fractional distillation tower in Ohio.
(Photo courtesy of A-Gas RemTec.)

Reclamation is in a rut. Shortly after the arrival of the Montreal Protocol, 25 years ago, came the 3 R’s: Recover, Recycle, and Reclaim. Service technicians would recover refrigerant to avoid fines for illegal venting. They’d then run the gas through an on-site recycling machine to clean it up a bit. But if they were not sure how pure the stuff they were planning to put back into the system was, they would put a virgin version of the same refrigerant into the system and send the old stuff to off-site reclamation facilities, to be brought back to the certified highest level of purity — ARI 700. The reality is that in 2012, and thus far in 2013, few technicians and contractors are bringing R-22 back for reclamation despite an abundance of capacity at many reclamation facilities. “Based on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) report, the amount of R-22 reclaimed year over year has remained relatively flat for the past five to six years, hovering around 5 or 6 percent of HCFC-22 demand,” said Debra D. Goodge, refrigerant reclaim programs manager for DuPont. “Beginning in 2010 with the issuance of the Final Rule (regarding phase out of R-22), there was an expectation that reclaim would be needed to fill a projected R-22 supply-demand imbalance — somewhere in the neighborhood of 27.5 million pounds each year. For the past two years, there has not been an uptick in the amount of reclaimed R-22 going through reclaimers. It’s remained steady around 8 million pounds.” Christopher Foutz, marketing manager, Honeywell Refrigerants, said, “The amount of R-22 reclaimed in 2011 was similar to the amount of R-22 that was reclaimed in 2006.”

What’s the Problem?

“One of the major contributors to the flat or declining recovery rate is that many R-22 users have adopted a practice of reusing their recovered refrigerant,” said Gordon McKinney, vice president and COO, ICOR Intl. “Even though some might be making an attempt to recycle (filter out particulates and/or separate out oils), without properly analyzing the recovered gas to determine composition and quality, the user and equipment owner are rolling the dice.”

Walt Baker, vice president of sales and marketing, Polar Technology, said, “A lot of this can be attributed to the commodity nature of refrigerant gases. Supplies are plentiful and prices reflect the availability of supplies. Therefore, the role of reclaim has been relegated to philosophies regarding environmental stewardship.”
Then there is the economics of reclamation for the contractor, said Ken Beringer, senior vice president of Airgas Refrigerants Inc. “The industry has not seen a significant increase in returned R-22 because, in my opinion, the majority of the product is harvested in small batches which do not have a great deal of value. Until January 2012, the returned gas had very little value and, in many cases, there was a disposal charge when the product was returned.”

Patti Conlan, who manages the reclaim program for Arkema, said, “In the past, the volume of reclaim has been low due to monetary gains not being passed down to the contractor level as an incentive to reclaim, as well as the possible legal and illegal reuse of R-22.”

Yet awareness is growing, said James Sweetman, president, Consolidated Refrigerant Solutions. “We have seen heightened awareness among contractors regarding the need to become involved in a viable reclaim program.”

Arkema’s Conlan is also predicting an uptick. “As the EPA has anticipated, we have just recently started to see an increase in reclaim coming back with the increasing price of R-22.” Said Beringer, “With the phaseout of HCFCs, the amount returned should increase as the price of used gas continues to rise. The very rapid appreciation in new product pricing may have led to the illegal practice of filtering used product and introducing it into the system of a different owner.” Ken Logan, president of A-Gas U.S. Holdings Inc., agrees, stating that “Currently the decreasing availability of virgin product is starting to make a difference. Over time the gap will widen further and the two will become inversely proportional.”

The HFC Factor

Also entering the equation is the industry’s focus on the use of HFC refrigerants as retrofits into systems originally designed for R-22. Owners of large amounts of equipment can move recovered R-22 around to not-yet-retrofitted systems and may or may not look at the reclamation option.

Honeywell’s Foutz said, “Retrofit HFC refrigerants have been available for several years. To date, the availability of the retrofit HFC refrigerants has not stimulated significant growth in R-22 reclamation. As R-22 supplies tighten, the economic incentive should stimulate retrofits to HFC refrigerants and stimulate R-22 reclamation growth.”

ICOR’s McKinney looks at the HFC retrofit from a historical perspective. “If given the opportunity, equipment owners will squeeze the most life out of their systems as possible. It was R-12-alternative HCFC refrigerants that played the most significant role in closing the supply/demand gap during the CFC phase out. Based upon the tremendous market shift in the last few months to HFC alternatives, history is set to repeat itself.”

He noted, “In the near future the R-22 supply — virgin and reclaimed — will be set aside for critical applications where alternative refrigerants are not suitable, such as flooded chillers and systems that have highly sophisticated refrigerant-specific controls.”

For A-Gas’s Logan, this can be iffy. “Keep in mind, retrofitting a system to a refrigerant it wasn’t initially designed for normally involves compromises and not everything is capable of retrofit. The industry itself will decide what can and cannot be retrofitted successfully. Retrofit activity will help conserve supplies of reclaimed R-22 overall.”

Jump Start

What will jump start the sector?

DuPont’s Goodge said, “It is a matter of supply-demand dynamics. If R-22 supply is limited, or the price increases dramatically, there is added incentive to manage the R-22 asset. A major element of a refrigerant management plan is extracting value from the installed R-22. Options include using recovered R-22 to do one or more of the following: gain access to lower-cost R-22 to continue to service equipment that remains on R-22, lowering the cost to retrofit existing equipment to an alternative HFC refrigerant, and/or reducing equipment replacement costs by extending the life of R-22 equipment by using either reclaimed R-22 or an HFC alternative.”

Airgas’s Beringer said it is a matter of economics, “People do not waste what is valuable. If the EPA had more enforcement, and made people accountable for their used product, then the culture would change. Higher pricing should help.”

As will awareness, said Consolidated’s Sweetman. “We believe that there is sufficient interest within the cooling and refrigeration industry to support increased reclamation. Companies that, for years, have been ‘kicking the can down the road’ or ‘dragging their butts’ are really starting to get on the ball. These contractors that have been conducting business as usual are finally reaching out to us for a more viable reclaim option.”

Publication date: 4/8/2013

Peter Powell is Refrigeration Editor. E-mail him at peterpowell@achrnews.com.

EPA Finalizes R-22 Allocations for 2012-2014

By Charlie McCrudden | April 4, 2013 | Leave a Comment

On April 3, the U.S. EPA published in the Federal Register the final rule adjusting the allocation of HCFCs (including R-22 refrigerants) for the years 2012-2014 (2013 Final Adjustment Rule).

According to the Final Adjustment Rule, R-22 allowances for 2013 will rise by about 13% relative to 2012, and decrease by 20% in 2014 relative to 2012. The allocations for the years 2015-2019 will be set in a subsequent rulemaking. These allocations became effective on April 3, 2013.
See the chart below (click to enlarge).

Contractors may want to contact their wholesalers or gas distributors to inquire about any changes in pricing or sales policies in light of the 2013 Final Adjustment Rule. Despite the unexpected increase in the allocations for 2013, the market remains volatile and prices for R-22 may not respond to the increased supply.

Background
The U.S. EPA controls the production and use of HCFCs, including the refrigerant R-22, through a cap and trade program. The amount of virgin R-22 that can be produced in a given year is set by annual allocations. The production and use of HCFCs is slowly being phased out in the United States, because these chemicals are known to damage the ozone layer when released into the atmosphere.

In 2011 the EPA was ordered to reopen the 2009 Allocation Rule that set the allocations for the years 2010-2014. The order came from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit in a lawsuit filed by two gas producers who charged that the EPA had failed to recognize their legally traded allocations.
In August 2011, the EPA proposed to adjust the R-22 allocations in the three remaining years of the 2009 Allocation Rule (2012-2014).

Based on consultation with industry stakeholders, the EPA determined there was an oversupply of virgin R-22 in the marketplace, evident with low demand, increased reuse of R-22, and low wholesale prices. In 2010, R-22 producers only utilized 86% of their allocations. A trade organization representing the manufacturers and importers of R-22 supported these claims, and advocated for a 20% reduction in allocations for 2012-2014.

Since 2012 refrigerant producers and importers have been operating with only temporary, 12 month authority through “No Action Assurance” letters from the EPA. Without a finalized Adjustment Rule, and without the No Action Assurance letters, virgin R-22 could not be legally produced or imported into the United States. The No Action Assurance letter from the EPA advised allocations would be less than the 2009 Allocation Rule.

The 2013 Final Adjustment Rule sets the allocations for the years 2012 (retroactively), 2013, and 2014.
In 2013, the total amount of R-22 allocated to all producers and importers is about 62.8 million pounds, compared with about 55.4 million pounds allocated for 2012. In 2014, the total allocation of R-22 will drop to 51 million pounds.

How to Choose the Right R-22 Retrofit Refrigerant

4/17/13 1:00 pm to 4/17/14 1:00 pm AKDT

Contact: Jacqlyn Ucinski

This webinar will provide a technical overview of the many different R-22 retrofits available today and how to choose the right retrofit solution. Also a brief discussion of R-22 market dynamics will be covered. A summary of what products are offered and for which specific application each one is best suited will be included along with selection criteria. The tradeoffs and compromises that occur when using retrofit refrigerants in a system specifically designed for R-22 will also be addressed. After attending this seminar, you will: Understand the R-22 EPA activity and market response Learn why some refrigerants may be better than others for your retrofit applications Understand why there are no real “drop-in” retrofits but may still have hassle-free options Become familiar with the most important criteria to consider when selecting a new R-22 alternative refrigerant

The EPA Cracks Down on Illegal R-22 Importation and Sale

The Alliance for Responsible Atmospheric Policy, an industry coalition, said in November 2012 the United States government successfully concluded 11 criminal and civil cases related to HCFC-22 refrigerant smuggling over the last two years. The alliance said that individuals and companies were found guilty of various crimes related to the illegal importation or sale of over 3.3 million pounds of R-22, fined over $1.5 million, required to forfeit proceeds of almost $2.7 million, and received jail and probation amounting to over 26 years.


“The U.S. government is very serious about tracking down those who illegally import or sell HCFC-22. Anyone devising illegal schemes to import or sell this refrigerant is on notice that the U.S. will arrest and convict you,” said Dave Stirpe, alliance executive director.

Only Buy Legal R-22

Stirpe went on to say that the alliance cautions industry and the public to be certain that their R-22 refrigerant purchases are legal, and to report any offers to buy illegally imported refrigerants to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). R-22 refrigerant may be legally produced domestically and imported into the U.S. provided that EPA-issued quota allowances are expended. Anyone importing HCFCs without legal allowances is in violation of federal law. R-22 is generally used to service and maintain existing commercial air conditioning and refrigeration equipment. Newly produced equipment generally relies on HFCs and other refrigerants.

"Purchasers of the illegal refrigerant are at risk,” Stirpe said. “The government may confiscate any illegally imported refrigerant, even if it has been passed down through the marketplace, and it may prosecute purchasers who knowingly buy illegal material. Consumers should also be wary of the refrigerant since some of the imported material has been found to be of poor quality, or it could be counterfeit.”

He went on to say that purchasers of imported R-22 should verify that their importer is an authorized EPA baseline consumption allowance holder, or was involved in a subsequent legal trade of consumption allowances. An EPA list of baseline consumption allowance holders can be found at www.epa.gov/ozone/title6/allowance.html.

Some other points made by the alliance about importation and purchase of R-22:

• The recipient of a trade can show a letter from EPA acknowledging the approval of the trade.

• Purchasers who question the legitimacy of an HCFC-22 importer should request a copy of the EPA approval letter from the seller.

• Importers of used HCFCs must follow EPA petition process requirements listed at www.epa.gov/ozone/title6/imports/usedclasstwo.html.

• Violations should be reported at www.epa.gov/tips/, and may be done so anonymously.

A-Gas Acquires RemTec and Refrigerant Reclamation Technologies

Refrigerant Updates

Converting Away From R-22

Editor’s Note: The following article was prepared by ICOR International and references some technologies and products specific to the company.


With the impending phaseout of R-22 looming, the price and availability of the product will soon make it impractical to use.

With virtually tens of millions of R-22-designed a/c systems in operation, refrigerant users and equipment owners will need to employ a number of alternative options to satisfy their cooling needs. Due to the special application designs and cooling requirements found in multifamily structures, there are a unique set of challenges in maintaining cooling equipment and fewer practical options.

It is illegal to purposely vent any refrigerant. All refrigerant users must possess an EPA 608 certification (required by law under The Clean Air Act) to recover all refrigerants. Recovered refrigerants are to be recycled or returned to an EPA-registered reclaim service provider (one example of which is Refri-Claim [www.refri-claim.com]).

The law does allow equipment owners to recycle and reuse refrigerants in their own equipment without processing it through a reclaim company. However, this practice adds additional costs in the form of equipment, labor, and energy, and, if done improperly, can create additional service problems and even equipment failures.

Equipment Replacement

HFC-410A is the non-ozone depleting replacement of choice by new equipment manufactures. Since R-410A operational pressures are much higher than that of R-22, R-410A-designed systems incorporate unique materials and components. For this reason users cannot use R-22 in an R-410A-designed system, or use R-410A in an R-22-designed system. The refrigerants must be segregated and used only in systems designed for their unique characteristics.

Even though R-410A is a highly efficient refrigerant and the equipment’s physical footprint does not pose any new challenges, the cost of replacing an existing R-22 designed system with an R-410A system may be impractical. With most multifamily systems, the evaporator (indoor unit) has a much longer lifespan than does the condenser (outdoor unit). However, R-410A pressures require the replacement of the outdoor unit as well as the indoor unit. And since R-410A systems require the use of a product specific lubricant — POE oil — the system piping (line sets) must be flushed with a special solvent to remove any build up along the piping walls.

Refrigerant Conversion

For equipment owners with a restrictive budget, full equipment replacement to R-410A may be impractical.

The simplest and least costly option to maintaining an existing piece of R-22 equipment is to convert the system to a direct replacement refrigerant. For example, HFC-422B (marketed by ICOR International as NU-22B) is a non-ozone depleting, nontoxic, and nonflammable direct replacement that nearly duplicates the operating characteristics of R-22. System conversions to R-422B do not require the use of any product-specific materials or components. Therefore decision-makers can extend the lifespan of both the indoor and outdoor units and avoid any costs associated with flushing or replacing system piping.

The Conversion Process

Here is the conversion process using R-422B as an example:

1. Recover all of the R-22 from the system following EPA regulations.

2. Complete all necessary system services and repairs.

3. Pressurize system and performance leak check.

4. Pull system into a vacuum.

5. With the system off, initially charge R-422B in the system to 80 percent of the original R-22 charge as a liquid. Note: Charging a system with R-422B as a vapor will reduce system performance.

6. Start system and allow pressure to stabilize.

7. To maximize system performance on a fixed orifice system, check compressor superheat; on expansion valve units check system subcooling. Adjust charge as necessary. Note: Refer to the original equipment manufacturer’s superheat and subcooling specifications.

8. Leak check the system and establish preventive maintenance schedule.

A special note: For large-tonnage equipment or unique systems, and or applications, contact ICOR’s Tech-2-Tech department for conversion assistance. Do not use R-422B or any other 400 Series refrigerant in a flooded evaporator application.

DuPont Wins Counterfeit Case

January 21, 2013

WILMINGTON, Del. — DuPont Refrigerants recently finished a two-year effort to investigate counterfeit activity of DuPont refrigerant brands in Quzhou City, Zhejiang Province, China.

In 2009, a distributor alerted DuPont to potential counterfeiting of DuPont Suva and DuPont Freon brands. The information they provided led Dupont to suspect counterfeiting activity of Quzhouzhou Fuming Co. Ltd., in Quzhou City. With assistance from a local law firm, DuPont requested that local authorities conduct a raid of the suspected counterfeit facility. A raid action in late September 2011 resulted in the seizure of 1,500 empty refrigerant cylinders with DuPont Suva and Freon packaging, 1,000 counterfeit labels, and 1,000 counterfeit DuPont Freon R-22 cylinders.

After the raid, DuPont issued cease-and-desist letters, however, the company did not respond to the request and continued to sell the counterfeit refrigerants. In response, DuPont filed legal action against those responsible.
A court case was undertaken in China and a judicial settlement was reached in August 2012. The defendant was required to pay the equivalent of $39,400 to the Chinese government and $32,000 in damages and court costs to DuPont. The company is under a permanent injunction to not sell DuPont refrigerants or engage in counterfeit activities involving DuPont trademarks going forward. As part of the sentence, the judge also required the company to post a formal public apology in two Chinese newspapers.

“We will continue to combat counterfeiting of DuPont refrigerants, using assistance from local law enforcement, government officials, and customs organizations,” said Greg Rubin, DuPont global business manager. “This effort is ongoing and this case was an excellent example of cross-regional work between DuPont and our distributors. This is a collaborative effort. We can’t combat counterfeiting alone.”

Publication date: 1/21/2013 AHRI THE NEWS

A-GAS INTERNATIONAL EXPANDS ITS PRESENCE IN AMERICA

LEADING REFRIGERANTS SUPPLIER A-GAS INTERNATIONAL COMPLETES STRATEGIC ACQUISITION OF KEY INDEPENDENT US REFRIGERANTS SUPPLIER AND DISTRIBUTOR, COOLGAS

Bristol-based A-Gas International (or“the Group”), one of the world’s largest independent suppliers of refrigerants, associated environmental services, and speciality gases and chemicals, has completed the acquisition of Houston, Texas based Coolgas Inc. (“Coolgas”), a leading independent supplier and distributor of refrigerants to the US market. The terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

The transaction represents the fifth strategic acquisition completed by A-Gas so far in 2012, and forms part of the Group’s acquisitive growth strategy which is being executed both in the UK and internationally. The enlarged group will have a turnover of c. £130m and 237 employees.

Founded in 1994 by Jesse Combs, Coolgas has grown over the past 18 years to become one of the leading independent distributors of refrigerants in the US. Coolgas’ “refrigerants made simple” philosophy reflects the focus on customer service that has enabled it to grow first to a regional and then to a national player. Coolgas has recently commissioned a new refrigerant storage and packaging facility in Houston and has distribution centres in California, Utah, Arizona, Indiana, Michigan, Maryland and Georgia ensuring that Coolgas is close to its customers wherever they are located.

In recent years Coolgas has also become an EPA registered reclaimer of refrigerants and a project developer for the generation of carbon offsets on the California Climate Action Reserve exchange. These capabilities enable Coolgas to manage the lifecycle of Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS) and substances with high Global Warming Potential (GWP) to safeguard the environment.

The acquisition builds on A-Gas’acquisition of Ohio based refrigerant reclaimer and halocarbon management specialist RemTec International in July 2012. Coolgas provides a strong strategic fit, bringing a strong brand and complementary footprint that will accelerate refrigerants sales growth. Further the reclaim and carbon credits businesses extend A-Gas’ existing operations in the US Environmental Services market which is already well established in the UK and Europe.

The acquisition of Coolgas follows on from the successful acquisitions not only of RemTec International in July 2012 but also of Australian based Technochem in March 2012 and SA Rural in May 2012, and UK based A-Zone Technologies in April 2012.

Commenting on the acquisition:

John Rutley, Executive Chairman and founder of A-Gas International said:
Jesse Combs and his management team have built a great business in the US refrigerant sector and we are delighted to add it to our rapidly expanding presence in this important market. The fit with our recently acquired business, RemTec, is perfect and allows us to offer a full range of products and services to our customers in the world’s largest refrigerant market.

Jon Masters, Regional Managing Director of A-Gas International said:

The acquisition of Coolgas will significantly strengthen our position as the leading independent global supplier of refrigerants at a time when regulatory changes are providing increasing opportunities for reclamation and recycling of used refrigerants using our market leading technology developed in the UK. We look forward to supporting the Coolgas management team and workforce in continuing to provide outstanding service to its customers.

Jesse Combs, CEO of Coolgas said:

I feel honoured that A-Gas saw Coolgas as a strategic fit and entry point into the US refrigerants’ distribution business. Our team of professionals have a customer service mind-set that I believe sets Coolgas apart from the rest of the industry. I have the upmost confidence that the A-Gas team will support and grow upon our "refrigerants made simple" philosophy for many years to come.

About A-Gas International

A-Gas is an international group of companies with headquarters in Bristol, UK. A-Gas is a market leader in the supply of refrigerants within its core territories in the U.K., South Africa, and Australia, and has state of the art storage, blending, packaging and reclamation facilities in Bristol, Cape Town, and Melbourne. The company also has marketing and distribution centres in Singapore, Thailand, China and Mexico. In the US, A-Gas has a Performance Chemicals business located in Doylestown, Pennsylvania; RemTec International, a refrigerant reclaimer and halocarbon management specialist located in Bowling Green, Ohio; and now Coolgas, headquartered in Houston, Texas. For more information, visit www.agas.com

About Coolgas

Coolgas Inc. was started in 1994 as a distributor of refrigerant gases. Through a continual focus on customer service embodied by its “refrigerants made simple” philosophy it has gained customers across the United States and grown to become one of the leading independent distributors of refrigerants. Coolgas supplies a full product range from essential use CFCs through to the most recent HFC blends. Coolgas also supplies in a wide variety of formats from the smallest auto aftermarket disposable cans through to bulk tankers for industrial customers. Coolgas is an EPA approved refrigerant reclaimer. The Coolgas, Inc. headquarters are located 40 miles north of Houston, Texas. For more information visit www.coolgas.com

Global Expansion Continues With US Deal

The Bristol Post
Michael Ribbeck
August 8 2012

A-Gas buys disposal specialist

A company based in Portishead which specializes in supplying gases used in refrigeration has just completed its fourth takeover this year.

A-Gas has gone on its acquisition spree as part of a strategy to expand into international markets.

The firm is already one of the world's largest suppliers of refrigerated gases, environmental services and specialty gases and chemicals.

The company, which also has offices in Bristol, has bough United States based RemTec International in its latest deal. The firm specializes in disposing of harmful gases.

The value of the deal was not made public but it took place with support from private equity specialist LDC, which invested in the firm in April 2011.

RemTec was set up in 1986 and provides products and services inolved in managing Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS) and substances high in Global Warming Potential (GWP) across the world. 

As part of the expansion plan A-Gas has now got a presence in the Middle East, China, Australia and India as well as Latin America.

RemTec has contracts with organizations all over the world to remove, recycle and remarket halocarbons.

The acquisition of RemTec follows on from similar acquisitions of Australian-based Technochem in March and SA Rural in May, and UK based A-Zone Technologies in April.

John Rutley, chairman of A-Gas International, said, "The acquisition of RemTec is another great example of our ambition to grow the business on a global scale."

"RemTec brings a market leadership position in Halons and a strong platform for growth in refrigerants; we believe that there is real scope to build further upon RemTec's success to date in North America, whilst also driving value across the enlarged group."

Ian Podmore of LDC added: "2012 has been an exceptionally busy year to date for A-Gas. RemTec is the fourth strategic acquisition completed by the business this year and not only strengthens their existing position in the global refrigerant market but also gives the business real scale within the USA."

"The transaction brings many strategic benefits to A-Gas and is part of an agreed strategy to rapidly expand and build the business both through organic investment and bolt-on acquisitions. We will continue to work closely with the team to drive their amitious growth plans."

Yann Souillard, managing director of LDC South Region, added: "LDC's South team has worked in close conjunction with the management team to support their ambitious 'buy and build' growth strategy. As part of our investment commitment, LDC works closely with our investment portfolio to provide expertise and follow-on funding when the right target companies become available."

West Gas Firm Expands With Buying Spree

Western Daily Press
9 August 2012

A company based in Portishead which specializes in supplying gases used in refrigeration has just completed its fourth takeover this year.

A-Gas has gone on its acquisition spree as part of a strategy to expand into international markets.

The firm is already one of the world's largest suppliers of refrigerated gases, environmental services and specialty gases and chemicals.

The company, which also has offices in Bristol, has bough United States based RemTec International in its latest deal. The firm specializes in disposing of harmful gases.

The value of the deal was not made public but it took place with support from private equity specialist LDC, which invested in the firm in April 2011.

RemTec was set up in 1986 and provides products and services inolved in managing Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS) and substances high in Global Warming Potential (GWP) across the world. 

As part of the expansion plan A-Gas has now got a presence in the Middle East, China, Australia and India as well as Latin America.

RemTec has contracts with organizations all over the world to remove, recycle and remarket halocarbons.

The acquisition of RemTec follows on from similar acquisitions of Australian-based Technochem in March and SA Rural in May, and UK based A-Zone Technologies in April.

John Rutley, chairman of A-Gas International, said, "The acquisition of RemTec is another great example of our ambition to grow the business on a global scale."

The Coalition for Responsible Fire Protection September Conference

US seafood company to pay $700,000 for R22 violations

USA: One of the USA's largest seafood companies has agreed to pay a $700,000 fine for illegally importing R22 and committing other clean air violations.

The settlement, outlined in a consent decree lodged by the US Department of Justice on behalf of the US Environmental Protection Agency, concerns the improper release and illegal import of ozone depleting refrigerants.

American Seafoods Co and Pacific Longline Co, both subsidiaries of the American Seafoods Group have agreed to phase out the use of ozone depleting refrigerants, implement a comprehensive leak detection and repair programme aboard a number of their vessels and pay a $700,000 penalty to resolve federal Clean Air Act violations.



Between 2006 and 2009, American Seafoods Company and Pacific Longline Company used R22 as a refrigerant in industrial refrigeration units aboard its fishing vessels. American Seafoods illegally imported 70,000 kg of R22 refrigerant to the United States without holding valid allowances. 



The companies were also said to have failed to repair refrigerant leaks in a timely manner; failed to verify adequacy of repairs to its refrigeration systems; having inadequate records of repair service on refrigerant system and using uncertified employees to perform refrigerant-related work.

In addition to the penalty, the companies will spend an estimated $9m to $15m to convert refrigeration systems on several vessels to operate using non-ozone depleting refrigerants. The companies have also purchased and retired R22 allowances to offset the harm caused by their illegal importation.


American Seafoods Company is one of the country's largest seafood harvesters and at-sea processors of pollock, hake, cod, scallops and yellowfin sole. The company sells its products in the United States, Asia and Europe. American Seafoods Company and Pacific Longline Company are based in Seattle.

Dangerous counterfeit R-134a

By Elvis L. Hoffpauir, President and COO MACS Worldwide

Last December, MACS circulated a press release from member company Neutronics Inc’s. Refrigerant Analysis Division, warning about counterfeit R-134a refrigerant contaminated with significant quantities of R-40 (aka methyl chloride or chloromethane). R-40 is extremely toxic, flammable and highly reactive when exposed to aluminum. In some cases R-40 may react with aluminum to form a third, highly unstable compound (trimethylaluminum or TMA) that ignites in contact with air.

This counterfeit R-134a mixed with R-40 and other refrigerants has apparently been purposely designed to mimic pure R-134a at a substantially reduced cost, the likely motivation of the counterfeiters. Current refrigerant identifiers, certified to SAE J1771, are not designed to directly identify R-40.

Prior to issuing the warning, Neutronics had been engaged by the oceangoing shipping industry to assist with an R-134a refrigerant contamination problem involving R-40 that resulted in three deaths in three separate incidents. Since that time Neutronics has been working with the Army, which positively identified R-134a contaminated with R-40 in Army depot supplies. Ground combat and tactical vehicles serviced in Afghanistan and Iraq have been affected, and while the Army does not currently know the depth of contamination, it suspects that vehicles and reclaimed supplies may be contaminated.

At an April 25 meeting of Society of Engineers Interior Climate Control Standards Committee, Peter Coll, MACS director and vice president of Neutronics Refrigerant Analysis, provided field test data from 30 samples of recovered refrigerant from both vehicle and commercial applications. R-40 contamination levels of the samples ranged from less than one percent to 10.1 percent. All of the samples tested also contained other refrigerants including hydrocarbons, R-22 and R-12.

Army representatives asked that the SAE Committee form a working group to develop procedures to identify and isolate contaminated vehicles and equipment, as well as ways to safely service vehicles to return them to mission-ready status.

It should be noted that these contaminated refrigerant systems can pose a major safety issue to those working on them. Currently the industry is working on, but has not determined, the best service procedures to be used. Contaminated systems can damage recovery and recycling equipment, and can result in the requirement to replace all vehicle refrigerant circuit components.

At an April 24 meeting on R-40 in Australia organized by Michael Bennett, general manager of Refrigerant Reclaim Australia, industry representatives discussed the discovery of the counterfeit refrigerant in newly manufactured equipment imported from China. Very high levels of corrosion were said to be present in these systems, and it is thought that rapid corrosion takes place once a contaminated system is installed and operated. Like the SAE and others, this group is working to gain a better understanding of the potential extent of the contamination in order to develop an appropriate plan to manage the threat.

Ron Henselmans, vice chairman of Mobile A/C Partners Europe and editor-in-chief at “Automotive A/C Reporter,” first reported R-40 contamination found in Europe in his March, 2011 issue.
In December, 2011 R-40 contamination had not yet been discovered in North America, but in April 2012 lab tests confirmed the presence of R-40 in a number of containers of recovered refrigerant in the U.S. With the confirmation from the military that infected vehicles have invaded our shores, containment actions are of paramount importance. This problem has been seen in many parts of the world having much smaller mobile A/C fleets, so there is the potential for the same problem in the North American market.

While there is no reason to believe that this contamination is currently widespread in this market, its existence serves as one more reason service shops should remain vigilant and purchase their refrigerant from authorized distributors of their chosen refrigerant manufacturer.

The Mobile Air Conditioning Society’s blog has been honored as the best business to business blog in the Automotive Aftermarket by the Automotive Communications Awards and the Car Care Council Women’s Board!

When having your mobile A/C system professionally serviced, insist on proper repair procedures and quality replacement parts. Insist on recovery and recycling so that refrigerant can be reused and not released into the atmosphere.

If you’re a service professional and not a MACS member yet, you should be, click here for more information.

You can E-mail us at macsworldwide@macsw.org or visit http://bit.ly/cf7az8 to find a Mobile Air Conditioning Society member repair shop in your area. Visit http://bit.ly/9FxwTh to find out more about your car’s mobile A/C and engine cooling system.
The 33rd annual Mobile Air Conditioning Society (MACS) Worldwide Training Conference and Trade Show, Be the Best of the Best will take place February 7-9, 2013 at the Caribe Royale, Orlando, FL.

RemTec International: Full Service Halon, Refrigerant & Clean Agent Specialist

RemTec Launches New Website!

Check out RemTec's new website! We have updated the look and and usability for the convenience of our customers and future customers. Thanks for visiting!
www.remtec.net

California Home Service Contract Association Reports: Value of Home Service Contracts Increases in Wake of EPA Proposal to Reduce Allowances of Freon(R)

VAN NUYS, Calif., May 17, 2012 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- As a steady increase in the price of a common air conditioning refrigerant prompts a spike in maintenance costs for homeowners across California and the nation, the California Home Service Contract Association (CHSCA) reports home service contracts are increasing in value.

On Jan. 1, 2010, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) placed a ban on the manufacture of new air conditioners using R-22, a refrigerant more commonly known as Freon(R), because of its ozone depleting effects. The use of R-22 was not banned, but allowances were dictated on its future manufacture and in order to service existing home air conditioners.

Then on Jan. 4 of this year, the EPA proposed a rule that, if adopted, would significantly reduce production and distribution of Freon(R) by as much as 50 percent. This has significantly increased, and in many cases, more than doubled the price of Freon(R) in recent weeks, according to the CHSCA.

"The majority of the time our industry repairs an existing air conditioning system, R-22 is involved in that repair," Jeff Powell, chairman of the CHSCA, said. "That means the cost of repairing air conditioners has gone up significantly. However, because home service contracts cover service and repair to existing systems, and providers have generally not increased the price of those contracts, the value to consumers has increased."

Home service contracts generally provide service, repair or replacement for items such as dishwashers, ovens, disposers, electrical and plumbing systems -- and most importantly, heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems. Many home service contract providers also offer a menu of optional items such as pool and spa equipment, well pumps, and free standing appliances such as refrigerators and clothing washers and dryers for an additional fee. Contracts do not cover pre-existing conditions, but provide service, repair or replacement for failures arising due to normal wear and tear during the contract period.

To learn more about home service contracts and providers in California, please visit http://www.homeservicecontract.org/california.htm .

About CHSCA
Members of the new CHSCA, which provide approximately 95 percent of all home service contracts in California, include 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty, American Home Shield Corporation, BPG Home Warranty, Fidelity National Home Warranty Company, First American Home Buyers Protection, HMS National/Cross Country Home Services, Inc., Home Security of America, Inc., Home Warranty of America, Inc. and Old Republic Home Protection Co., Inc.

About the National Home Service Contract Association
The NHSCA is a non-profit 501((C)) (6) industry trade organization of member companies serving home service contract providers and consumer interests throughout the United States. To learn more about the NHSCA and to find answers to the most common questions regarding the purchase of home service contracts, visit www.homeservicecontract.org .
SOURCE: California Home Service Contract Association

        
        For California Home Service Contract Association 
        Jeff Powell, 818-374-7477 
        Art Ansoorian, 805-653-1648