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 Europe, EN 378, titled “Refrigerating Systems and Heat Pumps – Safety and Environmental Requirements,” serves as the primary standard for ensuring the safety and environmental sustainability of refrigeration systems. Among the various components of EN 378, EN 378-3:2016+A1:2020 specifically details the requirements concerning refrigerant gas detection, installation requirements, and measures for personal protection.

Section 9.1 of EN 378-3:2016+A1:2020 stipulates –

When the concentration of the refrigerant can exceed the practical limit in accordance with EN 378-1:2016, Annex C, detectors shall at least actuate an alarm and in the case of a machinery room the emergency mechanical ventilation.

This is followed up by a clause in Section 9.2, stipulating –

At least one detector shall be installed in each machinery room or the occupied space being considered.

The standard clearly delineates steps to be taken in ensuring the safety of refrigeration machinery rooms. Furthermore, the classification of occupied spaces is detailed by access category in EN 378-1:2016, Section 5. Specifically, cold rooms fall under Access Category C – Authorised Access. This categorization prompts the need for refrigerant leak detection systems in both machinery rooms and cold rooms, particularly when the potential amount of leaked refrigerant within these spaces exceeds the defined practical limit for the specific refrigerant involved.

In practical terms, for most commercial refrigeration setups utilizing a centralized refrigeration system to fulfil all cooling requirements, the concentration of refrigerant within these spaces may surpass permissible limits, necessitating the implementation of leak detection measures. Thus, adherence to these standards ensures proactive measures are taken to address potential risks associated with refrigerant leakage, safeguarding both personnel and the environment.

Refrigerant Gas Alarms

It is then important to consider what the refrigerant gas detectors need to do when a leak is detected. As already discussed, mechanical ventilation must be initiated in machinery rooms, but there are additional requirements related to the triggering of a refrigerant gas alarm.

This is highlighted in EN 378-3:2016+A1:2020, Section 8.3, which states –

The alarm system shall warn both audibly and visibly such as both a loud (15db(A) above the background level) buzzer and a flashing lamp.

For a machinery room the alarm system shall warn both inside and outside the machinery room. The alarm outside the machinery room may be installed in a supervised location.

For an occupied space, the alarm shall warn at least inside the occupied space.

What can be inferred from this is that both inside and outside a machinery room, audio-visual alarms are mandated, while within a cold room, they are only required internally. Nevertheless, conventional practice often extends the use of audio-visual alarms to the exterior of cold rooms as well. This additional measure 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.