Hydrofluoroolefins

Researchers at the University of Bristol have pinpointed eastern Asia as the source of a large proportion of emissions of an ozone-depleting precursor used in the production of refrigerants.

Tecumseh has approved R448A, a lower GWP refrigerant sold by Honeywell as Solstice N40, for use in its global commercial refrigeration systems.

Engie Axima chillers employing the low GWP HFO refrigerant R1234ze are playing a crucial role in air traffic management while making significant energy savings.

Chemours’ Opteon XL41 (R454B), a lower GWP replacement for R410A, has been selected by Johnson Controls for its York YLAA scroll chiller platform in Europe.

Honeywell’s Solstice N40 (R448A) refrigerant has been listed as acceptable by the US EPA for use in retrofits in ice rinks in the USA.

The convenience store Seven-Eleven is said to be the first Japanese retail chain to switch its R404A refrigeration systems to the lower GWP R448A.

Johnson Controls’ York YZ chiller, using low GWP refrigerant R1233zd is a finalist in the AHR Expo Product of the Year Award.

Honeywell has announced the commercial availability of R452B, the lower GWP “mildly flammable” refrigerant alternative to R410A.

Engie Refrigeration’s air-cooled Quantum chillers can now be equipped with heat recovery, making it possible to reuse up to 100% of the generated waste heat.

Trane’s new water-cooled screw chiller extends the capacity of units operating with low GWP refrigerant R1234ze up to 2,700kW.

Advanced Engineering has revealed details of the first Bosch-brand recovery machine, the RG4.0.

The compressor specialist BITZER is expanding its range of condensing units with a new series. The seven air-cooled models in the new ECOLITE series have been designed for low and medium temperature applications and come in an attractive housing.

Daikin has enlarged its oil-free centrifugal chiller range with new increased capacity water-cooled machines running with R134a and R-1234ze(E) refrigerants.

The International Institute of Refrigeration (IIR) says it has received nearly 1000 abstracts for its forthcoming 25th International Congress of Refrigeration.

J&E Hall has updated its commercial condensing unit range by introducing a compact version of its popular 12hp digital twin Fusion scroll model.

The capabilities of the A-Gas Rapid Recovery service were tested recently when called upon to retrofit over 100 convenience stores in just six weeks.

Star Refrigeration has brought an unused coldstore back to life with a system using lower GWP refrigerant R449A, advanced controls and innovative heat recovery.

Representatives from 22 US conservative groups have signed a letter urging President Trump not to submit the Kigali Amendment to phase down HFCs to the Senate for ratification.

Last week the German Federal Environment Agency (UBA) warned that the degradation of HFO R1234yf – which is widely used in mobile air-conditioning systems – into trifluoroacetic acid (TFA; the atmospheric by-product of HFOs) could contaminate the water supply as the HFO cannot be removed after contamination has taken place.

Honeywell’s announcement of a new non-flammable, lower GWP alternative to R410A is perhaps seen as the answer to an air conditioning contractor’s prayer. But does it also create problems for the industry? Neil Everitt poses a few questions.