R22 just wont do!

The European Union has already banned the refrigerant in new plant, but only recycled R22 may be used to top up plant from January 2010. Its use will be completely outlawed by 2105, though there are suggestions that the European Commission may bring this final date forward by up to three years.

Dr John Davey of leading UK refrigerant specialist Harp International says: “There is a vast amount of equipment out there still running on R22. It is estimated that up to a third of the cooling systems in the UK depend on it. For many cargo operators, it is critical to their operations. Managers must act now, as time is running out.”

A Carbon Trust survey of 350 organisations showed that 70% have at least one cooling system using R22. It warns: “In most cases, these refrigeration air conditioning plants are of strategic importance, as they provide crucial cooling.”

The price of R22 is expected to increase sharply as the chemical manufacturers wind-down production of R22 over the next few months in the run up to the ban. In the US, the cost of R22 has already risen by a factor of five – and is still rising.

Those with R22 plant have three main options: strip out systems and replace with new; keep existing plant and retrofit to run on an alternative refrigerant; or manage existing plant to keep operating on with recycled R22 up to deadline.The most cost-effective solution will depend on a number of factors, including the age of plant and the comparative cost of each alternative.

Mr Davy says: “It is vital that those with R22 systems act now. Those who delay could find that, come the deadline, there simply won’t be the capacity in the refrigeration industry to cater for the surge in demand.”

“The key thing is to address the problem now, determine the best solution and have a plan in place. Those who do this can rest easy, knowing their business is safe. Those who bury their heads in the sand will pay a high price, and, in some cases, it could prove disastrous.”