Refrigerants Beyond 1995 - An Overview

Abstract

The count down has started. Less than 400 days, that is all the time left till the complete phase-out of CFC production. No more refrigerants R-l 1, R-12 or R-500 will be produced worldwide. With our extreme dependence - in the Gulf area - on air conditioning and refrigeration, and with billions of Riyals invested in existing equipment (in particular central chillers, cold stores as well as domestic fridges, freezers and air conditioners), the question is: have we prepared ourselves for the disappearance of our most common refrigerants? This paper traces the story of CFCs, their effects on the environment, the protocol mandating their phasing-out and assesses their substitutes. It highlights the need of every responsible engineer to plan a refrigerant-strategy for his refrigeration and air conditioning equipment TODAY.