The future use of R404A and new F Gas Regulations

New F Gas Regulations came into force on 1st January 2015 and placed restrictions on the use of specific HFC refrigerants in some applications. R404A has a GWP of 3922 and therefore is in the selection of refrigerants that has a GWP >2500. It’s this group that will be most affected by the new regulations. The key sections of the regulation that will have a major impact on using R404A are; From 2018 there will be a substantial phase down in the amount of HFCs available on the market. This will reduce the supply of HFCs from the 100% level of 2015, to just 21% of that total in 2030, with a major cut of 37% in 2018. From 2020 refrigerants with a GWP of 2500 or more in new stationary refrigeration equipment will be banned, except in those intended for applications designed to cool products to temperatures below – 50 °C. From 2020 refrigerants with a GWP of 2500 or more used in the service and maintenance of refrigeration equipment where the charge size is greater than 40 Tonnes CO2 equivalent (approximately 10kg of R404A), will also be banned. However, military applications and systems intended to cool below ‐50°C product temperature will be exempt Until 2030 the use of reclaimed and recycled R404A for service and maintenance will be allowed From 1st January 2015 Leak Detection requirements changed from 3kg, 30kg and 300kg thresholds to 5T, 50T and 500T CO2Eq. From 1st January 2015 a R404A system with a charge of 127kg or more also needs to have automatic fixed leak detection. R404A is the most prevalent gas used in refrigeration applications, but other refrigerants with a GWP>2500 are R507, R422A, R422D, R434A and R428A. The leading advice is that you seek the views of equipment manufacturers, refrigerant producers and suppliers about the effect quotas will have on their ability to supply R404A in the future and the suitability of lower GWP alternatives available for your specific application.