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A-Gas UK offers refrigerant banking as a solution to R22 phase out |
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A-Gas UK offers refrigerant banking as a solution to R22 phase out
R22 is one of the most commonly used refrigerants in the UK. It is widely used in air conditioning units and extensively in the food industry from manufacturing and processing to food storage and transportation. The EC-wide ban of HCFC’s that came into force on 1st January 2010 has far reaching implications. Many end-users are still unaware of their legal obligations and the refrigerant industry is working hard to inform users and help them plan a strategy that best suits their company’s requirements.
Using ‘virgin’ or new R22 and other HCFC’s for topping up existing systems will be illegal from the end of this year. From 2010 only genuine recycled material will be allowed for top ups until January 1 2015 after which time top-ups with any R22 will be illegal (but this may be subject to change by the EC (EC 2037/2000).
A number of options are open to owners of systems running R22:
* Use a (Zero ODP) replacement refrigerant
* Invest in new plant
* Use genuine recycled refrigerant that has already been banked.
Supply for many is going to be a major headache. Stockpiling of virgin material is illegal but using an approved refrigerant bank is an option many businesses have already started thinking about. Many of the leading supermarket chains and many more businesses will be using a banking facility that will buy them valuable time to devise a more environmentally sustainable solution for their plant.
A-Gas is a registered supplier and all its recycled material meets the international ARI 700 standard which establishes purity, composition and testing specifications for new or recycled refrigerants.The benefit of a banking contract ensures continuity and security of supply for users. There is concern that should industrial users and those with critical applications start to bank large quantities that would otherwise re-enter the market after being properly re-worked, could trigger a premature shortage of re-useable R22. There are currently no indications that this is happening, A-Gas is monitoring the situation for all its customers.
Some refrigerant banks will have spare recycled refrigerant and this will be available for companies that do not have a banking contract. However stocks will be limited as stockpiling carries an element of risk in addition to associated costs of storage.
There is no doubt that the demand for recycled refrigerant is gaining momentum and keeping re-cyclers very busy. This year is already very busy and A-Gas anticipates no slow down..
Companies have no choice but to comply with the legislation. By doing nothing end users are simply exposing themselves to a very costly worst case scenario – an R22 system that grinds to a halt. Banking refrigerant now to provide access to genuine recycled refrigerant when required is a sensible and cost-effective solution.
Only approved and accredited operators are able to provide banking facilities. “ A-Gas has anticipated demand and offers comprehensive banking facilities which many of our customers have already taken advantage of to meet their future servicing needs,” says Ken Logan, A-Gas’ Managing Director.
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