IE F-Gas Category III flashcards

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

F-Gas Regulation

EU Regulation 517/2014 that controls fluorinated greenhouse gases, including HFCs, PFCs, and SF6, through phase-down quotas, leak checks, and certification requirements.

ODS Regulation

EU Regulation 1005/2009 that phases out ozone-depleting substances such as CFCs, HCFCs, halons, and methyl bromide, covering production, use, and trade.

CO2 equivalent

The mass of a greenhouse gas multiplied by its Global Warming Potential, used to compare emissions and determine leak check thresholds under F-Gas rules.

Leak check frequency

Required intervals based on CO2e charge: every 12 months for 5–50 tCO2e, every 6 months for 50–500 tCO2e, and every 3 months above 500 tCO2e, doubled if a leak detection system is installed.

Record keeping period

Operators must keep records of refrigerant handling, leak checks, and repairs for at least 5 years under the F-Gas Regulation.

HFC servicing ban

Since 1 January 2020, servicing equipment with HFCs of GWP ≥ 2500 is banned unless using reclaimed refrigerant or for export, under the F-Gas Regulation.

Category III certification

Certification required for personnel servicing equipment containing less than 3 kg of F-Gas, or less than 5 tCO2e if hermetic, under the F-Gas Regulation.

Placing on the market

The first supply or making available of F-Gases or products containing them in the EU, subject to phase-down quotas and labelling requirements.

Ozone Depletion Potential

A relative measure of a substance's ability to destroy stratospheric ozone, with CFC-11 assigned a value of 1; HCFC-22 has an ODP of 0.055.

Global Warming Potential

A relative measure of a greenhouse gas's warming effect over 100 years compared to CO2, e.g., R-404A has GWP 3922 and R-410A has GWP 2088.

TEWI

Total Equivalent Warming Impact, which combines direct refrigerant emissions and indirect emissions from energy use over a system's lifetime.

Atmospheric lifetime

The average time a gas remains in the atmosphere; CFC-12 lasts about 100 years, while HFC-134a lasts about 14 years, affecting overall environmental impact.

ODS environmental harm

Ozone-depleting substances break down in the stratosphere and release chlorine or bromine, which destroy ozone molecules and increase UV radiation reaching Earth.

HFC environmental impact

HFCs do not deplete the ozone layer but are potent greenhouse gases with high GWP values, contributing to climate change when emitted.

Direct emissions

Refrigerant released to the atmosphere from leaks, servicing, or disposal, contributing directly to global warming based on the refrigerant's GWP.

Indirect emissions

CO2 emissions from the energy used to power refrigeration equipment over its lifetime, forming part of TEWI.

Recovery cylinder filling limit

Recovery cylinders must never be filled above 80% of their capacity by volume, and filling must be monitored with a calibrated scale.

Recovery efficiency

The percentage of refrigerant that must be recovered during servicing: at least 90% for systems with less than 3 kg charge, and at least 95% for larger systems.

Refrigerant identification

Before recovery, the refrigerant type must be identified to avoid mixing; mixing different refrigerants prevents reclamation and may make the mixture hazardous.

Reclaimed refrigerant

Refrigerant that has been reprocessed to meet specified purity standards, such as AHRI 700, and can be reused in equipment.

Venting prohibition

It is illegal to deliberately release F-Gases or ODS to the atmosphere; recovery is mandatory to prevent environmental harm.

Flammable refrigerant recovery

Recovery of flammable refrigerants like R-290 requires equipment rated for flammables and adherence to safety procedures to prevent ignition.

Recovery record

Documentation of the quantity of refrigerant recovered and its destination (recycled, reclaimed, or destroyed) is required for compliance.

Leak detection methods

Common methods include visual inspection, soap bubbles, electronic leak detectors calibrated for the refrigerant, and UV dye where permitted.

Leak repair deadline

After a leak is detected, repair must be completed within 14 days; if not feasible, a documented plan and increased leak checks are required.

Follow-up leak check

A leak check must be performed within one month after a repair to confirm the leak is fixed.

Record content

Records must include date, refrigerant type, quantity added, leak check results, repairs, and technician identification.

Personal protective equipment

PPE such as gloves and goggles must be worn when handling refrigerants; ensure ventilation to avoid asphyxiation from vapours.

Flammable refrigerant safety

When working with flammable refrigerants, eliminate ignition sources, use gas detectors, and follow ATEX requirements.

Cylinder storage

Refrigerant cylinders must be stored upright, secured, away from heat, and within specified temperature limits.

Leak detection system check

Leak detection systems must be checked annually, and their alarm function must be tested to ensure proper operation.

Electronic leak detector calibration

Electronic leak detectors must be calibrated for the specific refrigerant type and have appropriate sensitivity, typically 5 g/year.