Refrigerant leaks represent a serious hazard within industrial and commercial settings, creating drivers for the deployment of sophisticated refrigerant gas detection systems to swiftly identify any potential leaks and initiate actions to mitigate the risks posed by refrigerant leakage. These gas detection systems serve multiple purposes, driven by a range of objectives aimed at minimizing the adverse impacts of refrigerant leakage and optimizing operational efficiency.

Perhaps the most significant rationale for the deployment of refrigerant gas detectors is safety. The potential dangers associated with leaking refrigerants are diverse and significant, encompassing risks such as asphyxiation, oxygen depletion, flammability, and toxicity. These hazards pose serious threats to the health and safety of individuals working with or in proximity to refrigeration systems.

Another primary motivation for employing refrigerant gas detectors is the imperative to reduce costs associated with refrigerant leakage. By promptly identifying leaks, businesses can mitigate financial losses linked to the escape of expensive refrigerants. Furthermore, the reduction of refrigerant leakage aligns with broader environmental objectives by curbing emissions of potent greenhouse gases, thereby contributing to efforts to combat climate change and preserve the environment.

Additionally, optimizing the performance and energy efficiency of refrigeration systems is a crucial consideration. Maintaining the correct level of refrigerant charge is essential for ensuring optimal system performance and energy efficiency. Refrigerant gas detectors play a pivotal role in this regard by providing early warnings of leaks, enabling prompt repairs and maintenance to uphold the integrity and efficiency of refrigeration equipment.

Gas Detection & Refrigerant Safety Standards

To address these risks, regulatory bodies have established detailed safety standards governing refrigeration systems. In the United States, ASHRAE 15:2022, titled “Safety Standard for Refrigeration Systems,” serves as the primary standard for ensuring the safety and environmental sustainability of refrigeration systems. Among the various components of the standard, there are specific details for the requirements concerning refrigerant gas detection, installation requirements, and measures for personal protection.

Section 8.9.5 of ASHRAE 15:2022 stipulates –

Each refrigerating machinery room shall contain a detector, located in an area where refrigerant from a leak will concentrate, that actuates an alarm and mechanical ventilation in accordance with Section 8.9.7 at a set point not greater than the occupational exposure limit (OEL) value as published in ASHRAE Standard 34. … The alarm shall annunciate visual and audible alarms inside the refrigerating machinery room and outside each entrance to the refrigerating machinery room. The alarms required in this section shall be of the manual reset type with the reset located inside the refrigerating machinery room. Alarms set at other levels (such as IDLH) and automatic reset alarms are permitted in addition to those required by this section. The meaning of each alarm shall be clearly marked by signage near the annunciators.

The requirements for gas detection in machinery rooms is clearly delineated in the standard text. Additionally, occupied spaces are defined by Occupancy Classification in ASHRAE 15:2022, Section 4. Cold rooms fall within the category of Industrial Occupancy. Section 4.1.6 is as follows:

Industrial occupancy is a premise or that portion of a premise that is not open to the public, where access by authorized persons is controlled, and that is used to manufacture, process, or store goods such as chemicals, food, ice, meat, or petroleum.

Further clarification regarding the need for refrigerant gas detection in cold rooms comes explicitly in Section 7.3.3.d:

                                 7.3.3 Industrial Occupancies & Refrigerated Rooms

Industrial occupancies & refrigerated rooms shall comply with the following conditions:

8. Refrigerant detectors are installed with the sensing location and alarm level as required in refrigeration machinery rooms in accordance with Section 8.9.5.

Refrigerant Gas Alarms

For commercial refrigeration setups utilizing a centralized refrigeration system to fulfil all cooling requirements, the standard mandates the implementation of leak detection measures in both machinery rooms and cold rooms. Thus, adherence to these standards ensures proactive measures are taken to address potential risks associated with refrigerant leakage, safeguarding both personnel and the environment.

What can be determined from this is that both inside and outside a machinery room or a cold room, audio-visual alarms are required. Outside of the monitored space, refrigerant gas alarms must be located at each entrance, creating a measure which serves to caution personnel against entering a potentially hazardous environment.

Benefits of Refrigerant Gas Detection Systems

In summary, the implementation of refrigerant gas detection systems is a critical aspect of ensuring the safety, efficiency, and environmental sustainability of refrigeration systems. By proactively detecting and addressing refrigerant leaks, companies can mitigate financial losses, reduce environmental impact, optimize operational performance, and, most importantly, safeguard the well-being of individuals within the vicinity of refrigeration equipment.