The EU’s F Gas Regulation aims to reduce the emissions of fluorinated greenhouse gases (F-gases), which have a significant impact on climate change, and to encourage the adoption of more environmentally friendly alternatives.
The regulation introduced a year-on-year phasedown, driven by capping sales of HFCs on the EU market (this also applies to the UK).
F gases are a group of synthetic gases containing fluorine, which are widely used in industrial applications because of their thermal and electrical properties. However, their high global warming potential (GWP) and ozone depletion potential (ODP) make them a significant contributor to climate change.
F gases include all HFC refrigerants, including R134a, R407c, R410a and R404, used in refrigeration and HVAC systems. Hydrofluoroolefin (HFO) refrigerants, which have negligible ODPs, have emerged as a more environmentally-friendly alternative.
Virgin (unused) F gases cannot be used to refill existing refrigeration systems when:
Vessels must ensure regular checks are conducted on systems containing F gases to detect and prevent leaks. The frequency of these checks depends on the amount of refrigerant in the system and the GWP of the refrigerant used. Any detected leaks must be repaired without delay to prevent F-gas emissions. See Government guidance for further details.
Operators must keep detailed records of their refrigeration and HVAC systems. This includes the quantity and type of F gases used, maintenance activities, and leak detection checks.
These records must be maintained and made available for inspection by authorities.
Engineers may be required to annually report on the quantity of F gases used, emitted, or recovered from their systems to relevant authorities.
Those working on refrigeration and HVAC systems containing F gases must be appropriately certified, to ensure they’re properly trained to minimise emissions and handle refrigerants safely.
All equipment containing F gases must be labelled with information on the type and quantity of refrigerant. This labelling aids in the proper handling and disposal of equipment. For more information, see Government guidance.
When decommissioning equipment, F gases must be properly recovered and disposed of to prevent their release into the atmosphere. This might involve working with certified waste management services.
Those responsible for on-board refrigeration and HVAC systems need to transition to alternative gases with lower GWPs, if they haven’t already.
Aside from the legal obligation and environmental responsibilities, prices for legacy gases are on the rise, and availability is dropping significantly as the phase out progresses.
One option is to install entirely new systems, which will ensure F gas compliance from the outset, but has significant cost and downtime implications.
Another solution is to modify (retrofit) existing systems with new components and controls that allow for the use of alternative refrigerants. This can involve replacing compressors, condensers, and other critical components to ensure compatibility.
It’s a simple, convenient and low-cost way to extend the operational life of existing units, and allows the use of our RS Series of drop-in replacements, which are HFO refrigerants designed to replace R22 and R404A, R507 and all 400 series gases, as well as RS-53 (the only drop-in replacement for R410, with approximately half the GWP) ensuring you are F gas compliant until 2030.
Star International stocks the entire range of RS Series drop-in replacements.
Our refrigeration team can also supply, install, and commission refrigeration system upgrades, including: gas switch out to a compliant alternative, any necessary hardware modifications, commissioning, and removal of recovered gas.
Find out more about our services, or contact us today to discuss how we can help you minimise costs and keep compliant.
