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Safe Handling of Flammable Refrigerants June 01, 2023 (Thursday)

This document provides safety guidelines for working with flammable refrigerants like propane (R-290) and isobutane (R-600a). It outlines the lower and upper explosive limits of these refrigerants, potential ignition sources to avoid like open flames or sparks, and precautions like proper ventilation, protective equipment, and cylinder handling and storage. Service technicians are advised to ensure any equipment being worked on matches the refrigerant labels, have qualifications working with flammable refrigerants, and take special precautions like explosive gas detection when working in confined spaces.

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kaleem siddiqui
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80 views18 pages

Safe Handling of Flammable Refrigerants June 01, 2023 (Thursday)

This document provides safety guidelines for working with flammable refrigerants like propane (R-290) and isobutane (R-600a). It outlines the lower and upper explosive limits of these refrigerants, potential ignition sources to avoid like open flames or sparks, and precautions like proper ventilation, protective equipment, and cylinder handling and storage. Service technicians are advised to ensure any equipment being worked on matches the refrigerant labels, have qualifications working with flammable refrigerants, and take special precautions like explosive gas detection when working in confined spaces.

Uploaded by

kaleem siddiqui
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Safe Handling of Flammable

Refrigerants
KALEEM IFTIKHAR SIDDIQUI
JUNE 01, 2023 (THURSDAY)
FOR ENGINEERS AND TECHNICIANS NEEDS SPECIAL
FOCUS
1. Uses of Hydrocarbons as Refrigerants
2. HC Regulations and Standards
3. Refrigerant Properties and Safety
4. The Refrigerant Cycle
5. System Components
6. Servicing Procedures
HYDROCARBON
REFRIGERANTS

R-290-Propane R-600a-Isobutane R-441A-Flammable blend

Must follow recommended safety practices when working with


these approved flammable refrigerants
UPPER AND LOWER EXPLOSIVE
(FLAME) LIMITS
LEL -Lower Explosive Limits
R290-2.1%
R600a-1.8%
UEL-Upper Explosive Limit
R-290-9.5%
R600a-8.5%
IGNITION
SOURCES

• Temperatures greater than 460°C or 860°F;


• Flame from a match;
• Torch including halide leak detectors.
IGNITION
SOURCES
Electric sparks from:
• Light and Socket Switches
• Unsealed Relays and Overloads
• On Off switches
• Contactors
• Pressure Switches
IGNITION
SOURCES
Electric sparks from:
• Defrost Timers
• Thermostats
• Vacuum Pump Switches
• Electronic Leak Detectors
SIMPLE
PRECAUTIONS

• Do not smoke
• Do not keep ignition sources within 2m
• Do not let HC refrigerant accumulate
• Work in naturally well ventilated area, outdoors or use forced /
Induced ventilation system
• Wear gloves, goggles, clothing that cover human body while handling
• Store Minimum HC indoors
CYLINDER
SAFETY

• Never store or expose to temperatures above 125°F (52°C);


• Never apply open flame;
• Never heat with water or heat blanket above 110°F (43°C);
• Never refill single trip cylinders;
• Never exceed refillable limits;
• Never remove or obscure labels;
DIFFERENT TECHNOLOGY WARRANTS
DIFFERENT APPROACH

• Be an qualified refrigeration technician;


• Be familiar with the safety precautions for flammable
refrigerants;
• Be familiar with the information provided by other sources,
such as the manufacturers of the system equipment,
component manufacturers, and refrigerant suppliers.
The service technician must …….

• Before servicing equipment look for MATCHING refrigerants equipment


labels (the unit and compressor)
• If the compressor and refrigerant match then it should be acceptable to
service the system
• If the labels do not match assume the system has been retrofitted and
• STOP work on this system immediately
• Contact the owner
• Inform owner of system violations
• Refuse to service
• Offer to replace system with approved systems
CONFINED SPACE

All refrigerants in confined space have inherent dangers.


Remember to:
• Use a combustible gas detector and /or monitor
• Ventilate area and clear the area of any potential LEL or UE;
• Eliminate all sources of ignition
• Work in confined spaces must be avoided. The area around the workspace
is to be cordoned off.
• The area shall be checked with an appropriate HC refrigerant detector
prior to and during work.
Thank you

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