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New fluids in the refrigeration sector: a safety and environmental challenge for professionals
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The refrigeration and air-conditioning sector is undergoing radical change to meet the challenges of climate change.
In France and the European Union, refrigerant regulations are evolving rapidly to meet environmental requirements and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The European F-Gas III regulation, which came into force in March 2024, imposes a strict framework on the use of HFC fluids (hydrofluorocarbons), and provides for their gradual phase-out by 2035.
The main points of the F-Gas regulation
The main aim of the new regulations is to reduce HFC consumption by 79%. HFCs, although widely used in the past for their thermodynamic properties, are now recognized as contributors to global warming due to their global warming potential, which can be much higher than that of CO2. The regulation encourages the use of less polluting alternatives.
Natural fluids as an alternative to HFCs
Alternatives include :
Natural” fluids such as CO2, ammonia and hydrocarbons. These fluids have less impact on the environment while offering comparable performance.
However, their adoption requires specific expertise, as they can be flammable (like propane) or toxic (like ammonia) under certain conditions.
Appropriate technical training and compliance with safety standards for these new technologies are therefore crucial.
La nécessité de prévention et de contrôle
The transition to these new refrigerants is accompanied by increased attention to leak prevention. Indeed, even low-GWP fluids can cause damage if mismanaged. The new regulations require regular leak checks for equipment using these fluids, and rigorous monitoring via mandatory maintenance logbooks for all installations from 4 kW upwards.
What's more, old equipment still containing HFCs must be carefully managed. Their recovery and destruction are subject to strict regulations to prevent their release into the atmosphere. Companies must be certified to handle these gases, and must train their technicians in fluid recovery and management.
Handling refrigerants requires strict measures to avoid the risk of leaks, fires and poisoning. This is why the specialized experts at Kryotec Prévention play an essential role in the prevention and control of these fluids.
Strict management of equipment
Rigorous equipment management, including regular checks and the use of appropriate tools, not only helps to extend plant life, but also ensures compliance with F-Gas III regulations.
Using this type of service helps prevent costly and dangerous accidents, while ensuring that companies comply with environmental standards, thereby reducing their carbon footprint and impacts on public health.
This approach is crucial for anticipating problems, guaranteeing technician safety and limiting the impact of fluids on the ecosystem, particularly with the increase in penalties for non-compliant companies.
Our recommendations
Reducing the carbon footprint in the refrigeration sector is a priority, and regulations such as F-Gas III are pushing the industry to transform.
We recommend that companies adapt by investing in new equipment, training their staff and implementing rigorous maintenance and prevention risk analysis procedures. While the transition represents a challenge, it also offers an opportunity to optimize energy performance while reducing environmental impact.