F-Gas Category I flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

F-Gas Regulation 2024/573

The EU regulation controlling fluorinated greenhouse gases; it sets leak-check frequencies, phase-down of HFCs, certification requirements, recovery obligations and labelling rules for equipment and containers.

ODS Regulation 1005/2009

The EU regulation on ozone-depleting substances; it bans production and use of CFCs and restricts HCFCs, requiring recovery and destruction of ODS at end of life.

CO2e charge calculation

Multiply the refrigerant mass in kilograms by its GWP to give tonnes of CO2 equivalent; this value sets the leak-check frequency and phase-down obligations.

Leak-check frequency thresholds

For non-hermetic systems: no statutory check below 5 t CO2e, then every 12 months from 5 t, every 6 months from 50 t, and every 3 months from 500 t CO2e.

Record retention period

Operators must keep refrigerant records - charge, leak checks, repairs and recovery - for at least five years and produce them to the competent authority on request.

Venting prohibition

Deliberate release of F-gases or ODS to atmosphere is prohibited; refrigerant must be recovered by certified personnel before servicing, dismantling or disposal of equipment.

GWP definition

Global Warming Potential is the climate impact of one kilogram of a gas relative to carbon dioxide over a 100-year horizon; CO2 has a GWP of 1.

ODP definition

Ozone Depletion Potential is the ability of a substance to destroy stratospheric ozone relative to CFC-11, which is assigned an ODP of 1.0.

R-410A composition

A near-azeotropic HFC blend of R-32 and R-125 at roughly 50/50 by mass, with a GWP near 2088; it must be charged as liquid.

R-32 properties

A single-component HFC with GWP around 675, classified A2L (lower flammability), used in split systems; it is not a blend so fractionation does not apply.

R-134a GWP

A single-component HFC with GWP around 1430, ODP zero, classified A1; commonly used in chillers and mobile air conditioning.

R-717 ammonia

A natural refrigerant with GWP near zero and ODP zero, but toxic and flammable at certain concentrations; requires specific safety and materials compatibility measures.

R-744 carbon dioxide

A natural refrigerant with GWP of 1 and ODP zero; it operates at high pressures and requires transcritical system design and high-pressure safety controls.

Blend fractionation

When a zeotropic blend leaks, components escape at different rates, changing composition; blends must therefore be charged as liquid and recharged fully after significant loss.

Pressure testing gas

Dry nitrogen or oxygen-free nitrogen is used for pressure and leak testing; oxygen and refrigerant must never be used for pressure testing due to fire or environmental risk.

Evacuation target

Evacuate the system to below about 500 microns (or manufacturer specification) and hold to confirm no moisture or air in-leakage before charging refrigerant.

Commissioning record contents

As-built charge in kilograms, refrigerant type, GWP, CO2e tonnes, pressure and evacuation results, leak-test method, and certifying technician's details.

Weighing charge method

Charge is verified by weighing the cylinder before and after charging; pressure gauges and sight glasses alone do not confirm the correct mass.

Equipment label requirement

Equipment containing F-gases must carry a label stating refrigerant type, charge mass and CO2e tonnes where required, updated after any retrofit or charge change.

Electronic leak detector

A handheld instrument that senses refrigerant concentration; it must be calibrated for the specific refrigerant because sensitivity and cross-sensitivity vary between gases.

Post-repair leak check

After repairing a leak, a follow-up leak check must be carried out within one month to confirm the repair is effective and the system is leak-free.

Leak-detection system check

Fixed leak-detection systems must be verified at least every 12 months and alarms logged; a failed system reverts the site to standard leak-check intervals.

Unrepaired leak action

If a leak cannot be repaired, the remaining refrigerant must be recovered and the system decommissioned or charge reduced within the regulatory timeframe.

Recovery definition

The removal of refrigerant from a system into a container for reuse, recycling, reclaim or destruction; it must be done by certified personnel.

Recycling definition

Basic cleaning of recovered refrigerant to remove oil and particulates so it can be reused in the same or similar equipment; it does not restore full specification.

Reclaim definition

Reprocessing recovered refrigerant to new-product specification, typically by a certified facility, with a certificate of analysis meeting AHRI 700.

Recovery cylinder fill limit

Recovery cylinders must not be filled above 80% of water capacity by mass; overfilling risks hydraulic rupture when the cylinder warms.

Mixed refrigerant rule

Never mix different refrigerants in one recovery cylinder; mixed refrigerant is treated as waste and must be destroyed or reclaimed by an approved facility.

Cylinder storage rules

Store cylinders upright, secured, away from heat and ignition, below maximum permitted temperature, and never use cylinders past their hydrostatic test date.

Cold burn hazard

Liquid refrigerant boils at very low temperature and can cause frostbite; wear gloves, eye protection and a face shield when handling liquid lines or charging.

Asphyxiation risk

Refrigerant vapour is heavier than air and can displace oxygen in basements and plant rooms; use gas detection and ventilation before entering confined spaces.

Brazing decomposition hazard

Heating refrigerant or its decomposition products can release toxic hydrogen fluoride; purge lines with nitrogen and ensure no refrigerant remains before brazing.