Regulation (EU) No. 517/2014, known as “F-Gas 2”, was adopted on 16 April 2014 with the aim of protecting the environment by reducing greenhouse gas (GHG[LH1] ) emissions by 80% to 95% by 2050 compared to 1990 levels.
Depending on the size of system, the amount of refrigerant used to top up existing systems is between 0.5 and 20%. The absence of leaks in a circuit is critically important in a refrigeration system and each system may experience different problems depending on use. Studies have clearly shown that certain refrigerants have an impact on the ozone layer. As a result, virgin CFCs and HCFCs have been banned. Only reclaimed HCFCs can be used in Europe and this is only until 31/12/2014. Although HFCs and HFOs have a zero ODP and a lower GWP than their predecessors, a system's annual leak rate remains a major issue. Leaks not only have environmental effects, but also an economic effect on the life of a system. Leak detection is covered in the F-Gas Regulation.
What may cause a refrigerant leak?