Retail Observer

RETAILOBSERVER.COM MARCH 2016 94 A S O U R S E R V I C E O P P O R T U N I T I E S E V O L V E , S O M U S T O U R S K I L L S . S I N C E M A N Y M A N U F A C T U R E R S H A V E B E G U N U S I N G T H I S N E W R E F R I G E R A N T , W E S H O U L D E M B R A C E T H E O P P O R T U N I T Y T O A D D I T T O O U R S E R V I C E M E N U . T H E C O S T O F E Q U I P M E N T I S F A I R LY I N E X P E N S I V E , C O M P A R E D T O T H E Y E A R S O F S E R V I C E C A L L S T H E S E P R O D U C T S W I L L G E N E R AT E . I N R E A L I T Y , I T I S E A S I E R T O W O R K A R O U N D T H A N S TA N D A R D R E F R I G E R A N T S : R - 6 0 0 A I S A H Y D R O C A R B O N R E F R I G E R A N T . Q: What are hydrocarbons (HC)? A: Hydrocarbon refrigerants are environmentally friendly, nontoxic, and a non-ozone-depleting replacement for chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). From a chemical point of view, a hydrocarbon is the simplest organic compound, consisting entirely of hydrogen and carbon. Hydrocarbons (HC) are naturally occurring substances. The majority can be found in crude oil, where decomposed organic matter provides an abundance of carbon and hydrogen. Hydrocarbons are one of the most climate- friendly and cost-efficient refrigerants to heat, cool, and freeze. • Not ozone depleting: Ozone depletion potential = 0 • Not climate damaging: Global Warming Potential = for most HCs below 3 (HFC 134a = 14) • Nontoxic • Safe: with proper handling • Energy efficient: usually better energy efficiency than CFC or HFC systems • Cost- efficient: lower refrigerant purchase price, as well as lower system running costs Q: Are hydrocarbons safe? A: Yes, with proper handling. Since hydrocarbons are flammable (See R-600a Introduction, WARNING), some basic safety rules need to be respected by manufacturers, installers, and users, which may differ slightly, depending on the application. As long as these rules are respected, it is perfectly safe to use hydrocarbons as refrigerants. Propane, for example, is used universally for heating and cooking. As a result, its safe handling is widely understood and practiced by the general global population. This makes it an appropriate alternative to potentially environment-damaging chemical refrigerants in developing countries. Q: Are hydrocarbons flammable? A: Yes. However, keeping to the safety guidelines existing for any application using flammable refrigerants, the risks of using hydrocarbons can be kept to a minimum, avoiding any threat to human health and safety. Many components for commercial refrigerated appliances using hydrocarbons already meet safety standard requirements. Q: Are HCs toxic? A: No. Hydrocarbons are not toxic for humans or other living organisms, but can cause asphyxiation at high concentrations. S E R V I C E D E P A R T M E N T INTRODUCTION TO R-600a REFRIGERANT

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