C&G 2079-11 F-Gas Category I flashcards

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

CO2e formula

Tonnes CO2e equals charge in kilograms multiplied by GWP, then divided by 1,000; this sets leak-check and record thresholds.

GWP definition

Global warming potential compares the climate impact of one kilogram of a gas with one kilogram of carbon dioxide over a stated horizon.

ODP definition

Ozone depletion potential compares a substance's ozone-destroying effect with CFC-11, which is assigned a reference value of one.

R-22 status

R-22 is an HCFC controlled as an ozone-depleting substance; virgin supplies are phased out and recovered material faces separate restrictions.

Operator responsibility

The operator must prevent leaks, arrange certified leak checks and recovery, keep records for five years, and ensure only certified competent persons work on the equipment.

Environmental impact

F-gas releases increase global warming; ODS releases also deplete ozone; leakage reduces efficiency and raises energy-related indirect emissions.

Record retention period

F-gas records, including charge, leak checks, recovery and servicing, must be kept for at least five years and made available to inspectors.

Deliberate venting ban

Deliberate release of F-gases or ODS to atmosphere is prohibited; refrigerant must be recovered, recycled, reclaimed or destroyed through authorised routes.

A2L refrigerant

A2L refrigerants have lower flammability than A3 but still require ignition control, ventilation, leak detection and flammable-refrigerant procedures.

A3 refrigerant

A3 refrigerants are highly flammable and require strict ignition-source exclusion, ventilation, and equipment designed and labelled for flammable refrigerant use.

Asphyxiation hazard

Refrigerant vapour is denser than air and can displace oxygen in pits, basements or plant rooms, causing dizziness, unconsciousness or death.

Thermal decomposition

Heated refrigerant or refrigerant exposed to flame can form hydrogen fluoride and other toxic, corrosive products, requiring evacuation and respiratory protection.

Liquid refrigerant frostbite

Liquid refrigerant contacting skin causes rapid frostbite; impermeable cold-protective gloves and eye protection are required, and liquid must not be trapped against skin.

Recovery cylinder fill limit

Recovery cylinders must not be filled above their maximum permitted weight, commonly 80% of water capacity, leaving vapour space for expansion.

Cylinder valve protection

Valve caps or guards remain fitted during transport, cylinders are secured upright, and cylinders are never lifted by the valve.

Risk assessment hierarchy

Controls are applied in order: eliminate exposure, substitute safer options, use engineering controls, adopt safe systems of work, then PPE.

PPE for refrigerant work

Typical PPE includes safety glasses or goggles, chemical-resistant gloves and safety footwear; risk assessment may add flame-retardant clothing and respiratory protection.

Cylinder heat exposure

Cylinders must be kept away from flames, heaters and direct sun because heat raises pressure and can cause relief-valve release, rupture or fire.

Leak check threshold

Periodic leak checks apply from 5 tonnes CO2e; charge in kilograms multiplied by GWP and divided by 1,000 determines the threshold.

Leak detection system effect

A verified automatic leak detection system halves the required leak-check frequency in the 50–500 and 500-plus tonnes CO2e bands.

Leak record content

Leak records identify equipment, refrigerant, charge, CO2e, check date, findings, repairs, technician and leak-detection system verification.

Leak repair verification

After a leak repair, the repaired area is rechecked and the result recorded; repeated leaks may trigger additional containment or replacement duties.

Containment measures

Containment includes minimising joints, protecting pipework from corrosion and vibration, using correct materials and avoiding unnecessary refrigerant charge.

Nitrogen pressure test

Oxygen-free nitrogen with a pressure regulator is used for strength testing; oxygen or compressed air with refrigerant oil can cause fire or explosion.

Triple evacuation

Triple evacuation breaks vacuum with nitrogen between stages to remove moisture and non-condensables, followed by a standing vacuum test.

Vacuum gauge placement

Vacuum is measured at the system with a calibrated electronic gauge, not at the pump, and the pump is isolated before the standing test.

Commissioning charge record

Commissioning records include actual charge by weight, refrigerant type, CO2e, date, equipment identity and adjustments to superheat or subcooling.

Pressure test safety

The test area is barricaded, pressure is increased in stages, and a pressurised system is never left unattended during testing.

Recovery versus recycling

Recovery removes refrigerant from a system; recycling cleans it on site; reclamation reprocesses it to a specification and requires laboratory analysis.

Decommissioning recovery

Before dismantling, all refrigerant is recovered, the quantity recorded, the system labelled, and refrigerant and components disposed of through authorised routes.

Reclaimed refrigerant analysis

Reclaimed refrigerant must meet a published specification and be supported by laboratory analysis before it is returned to equipment.

Recovery cylinder labelling

Recovery cylinders are labelled with refrigerant identity, owner, date, gross weight and tare weight; mixtures are clearly identified as mixtures.