1) Deadline
1/1/2010
Virgin HCFCs prohibited in maintenance and servicing of all appliances;
1/1/2015
Recycled HCFCs prohibited in maintenance and servicing of all appliances.
2) Introduction
As of 1/1/2010 it will no longer be possible to sue virgin HCFCs (R22); in case of leaks and the need to restore system operation, it will be possible to proceed as follows:
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perform a drop-in operation, i.e. use a refrigerant compatible with existing system;
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perform a retrofit operation, i.e. use a new generation Freon requiring alteration of existing system;
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utilize reclaimed HCFCs (currently not available on the market).
3) Executive procedure
End users should contact Frigomeccanica to request any maintenance or alteration work they may need.
Frigomeccanica will perform:
• drop-in operation for urgent maintenance work: integration of compatible HFC with existing system requiring only the replacement of mineral oil with synthetic oil;
• retrofit operation after evaluating and implementing the necessary changes to the system:
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replacement of thermostatic valves;
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replacement of mineral oil with synthetic oil;
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replacement of filters;
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check electric motor power;
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check minimum operating pressure of pressurized vessels (condensers or liquid receivers);
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replacement of pressure switches and safety valves, if needed.
Once the retrofit or drop-in operations have been completed, Frigomeccanica will place the recovered HCFC (R22) Freon in special containers to be purchased or hired by the End User.
Frigomeccanica will complete the log book, as required by PR.D. 147/06 and by EC regulation 842/2006, which will then have to be signed by the by the End User; in the “Recovery of controlled substances” section you will indicate the kilos of recovered HCFC, the date of the operation and the quantity of HFC added.
The End User will have to identify the containers with specific labels containing the following information:
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Producer of the waste
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Plant where the waste was generated
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Date of recovery
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Weight of HCFC Freon recovered in the container
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Gross weight of container
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Net weight of container
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Type of treatment required (if R13 Recycling, if D15 Disposal)
The HCFC (R22) recovered will have to be managed as waste directly by the End User; Frigomeccanica will provide the End User with the details needed to contact the Company Authorized for transport, recycling or disposal; the End User will then have to make a contract and request operations with the special form.
The End User will have to fill in a specific form containing the following information:
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Company name of waste producer;
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Plant where the recovery operation was carried out;
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Type of Freon recovered;
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Quantity of Freon recovered;
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Classification of waste: R13 for recycling; D15 for disposal.
The End User will have to fill in the stock registers using code CER 14.06.01
An Authorized Company will carry out chemical tests to determine whether the Freon can be recycled.
4) Gas Costs
The price of replacement gases is currently much higher than the price of Freon 22; however this is still a transaction phase, so we can expect some levelling out of prices.
5) Conclusions
In the months leading to the HCFCs (R22) phase-out date, End Users can analyze their system to plan adequate maintenance procedures or alterations.
TEL: +39 0521 835666
