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HCFC Refrigerant Gas Phase Out Well Under Way: What's Next?

By Daniel Stouffer

Republish: EasyPublish™ Published: 01Feb2010 Word count: 508 Viewed: 622 time(s) Get Free Content For Your Site

A government directive has been issued in countries that are impacted by the Montreal protocol or the US Clean Air Act. The HCFC phase out is covered, and is intended to decrease and eventually cut out production and use of hydrochlorofluorocarbons. Those organizations that use air conditioning systems, commercial refrigeration, industrial process refrigeration appliances, or HVAC systems now have a schedule for compliance.

These phase out regulations are nothing new. The protocol was written many years ago. In fact, some countries are well ahead of schedule and plan to complete R-22 and other refrigerant gas phase outs ahead of schedule. The interesting twist is the relationship between ozone depleting substances like HCFCs and their added impact as high global warming potential greenhouse gases.

According to the HCFC phase out, developed nations must meet certain criteria as they strive to achieve total eradication of hydrochlorofluorocarbons by certain dates. This phase out began in 2003 and ends in 2030, which should allow ample time for the development and implementation of safer substitutes.

Whilst all types of HCFCs must follow a reduction schedule as set forth by the worldwide protocols, the HCFC phase out has been stepped up a pace in the United States, with a big push towards eradication of the most harmful hydrochlorofluorocarbons, HCFC-141b, HCFC-142b and HCFC-22.

Production or import of HCC-141B has been halted in the United States under the HCFC phase out. By 2010, production and import of HCFC-142b and HCFC-22 will have ended. Some exceptions will be made for equipment which is still in use, as long as it was made prior to January 1, 2010

In the future, under the HCFC phase out, no production or imports of HCFCs will be allowed starting in 2015. An exception will be made for refrigerants used in equipment made prior to January 1, 2020. In the year 2020, production and import of HCFC-142b and HCFC-22 will finish. This schedule means that the use of hydrochlorofluorocarbons would be banned in new refrigeration and cooling equipment with only small amounts in existing gear.

The HCFC phase out has a goal of improving the environment by ridding it of hydrochlorofluorocarbons that are believed to be responsible for damaging the ozone layer. Man-made chemicals can cause damage to animals, plant and marine life and humans alike, and carry a high potential for causing global warming.

A large number of businesses, particularly those with central air conditioning in their offices or facilities, are affected by the HCFC phase out. HVAC equipment uses the HCFC refrigerant gas R-22, covered by the government's phase out program. A great many industries, ranging from hotels, hospitals, restaurants, offices, retail stores and food processors will be directly affected by the regulation.

Facilities that use equipment which contains hydrochlorofluorocarbons are required by the HCFC phase out to keep detailed and up-to-date maintenance records. Should leaks occur they must be fixed within 30 days. All business locations are required to report, in order to track refrigerant use as well as leaks through an entire system. Substantial fines will be imposed by the EPA for noncompliance.

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