International standards in refrigeration and air-Conditioning - An introduction to their role in the context of the HCFC phase-out in developing ...
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International Standards
in Refrigeration and
Air-Conditioning
An introduction to their
role in the context of the
HCFC phase-out in
developing countries
r o g r a m m e
P
n v i r o n m e n t
E
a t i o n s
N
n i t e d
U
Copyright © United Nations Environment Programme, 2014
This publication may be reproduced in whole or in part and in any form for
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3
Acknowledgements
This document was produced by UNEP Division of Technology, Industry and
Economics (UNEP DTIE) OzonAction Programme as part of UNEP’s work programme
under the Multilateral Fund for the Implementation of the Montreal Protocol.
UNEP OzonAction gratefully acknowledges the assistance of the following for
reviewing and providing comments on the draft text:
Mr. Urvyn Boochoon – Trinidad and Tobago Bureau of Standards, Implementation
Division
Dr. Marissa Gowrie, National Ozone Unit, Trinidad and Tobago
Mr. Douglas Tucker - Mitsubishi Electric US Cooling & Heating
We are particularly grateful to Mr. Daniel Colbourne from Re-phridge Ltd for his
invaluable assistance in finalising this document.
The project was supervised by:
Dr. Shamila Nair-Bedouelle, Head, OzonAction Branch
The project was managed by:
Dr. Ezra Clark, Programme Officer, OzonAction Branch
Mr. Ruperto de Jesus, Programme Assistant, OzonAction Branch
This was researched and written by:
Ms. Jana Mašíčková, consultant
Dr. Ezra Clark, Programme Officer, OzonAction Branch
Layout and design by: Aurélie Ek
Credits for photos and graphics:
Cover image: Indy Michael, Refrigeration and Air conditioning Engineer, Vanuatu,
© Michael Moller (N.B. this image and the image on page 23 are posed photographs
and do not represent actual working conditions)
Background image: © Jana Mašíčková
4
Executive
summary
The UNEP DTIE OzonAction Branch in adopted in countries for alternatives to
assisting developing countries to comply HCFCs.
with their commitments under the
It is the responsibility of each country
Montreal Protocol on Substances that
to set up appropriate national legal
Deplete the Ozone Layer, particularly
measures to comply with their
those related to the phase-out of
commitments under the Montreal
hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs). The
Protocol to phase out HCFCs and other
alternatives to HCFCs include ‘ozone
ozone depleting substances. Standards
and climate friendly alternatives’ such
can provide the framework and ‘insight’
as natural refrigerants - hydrocarbons,
as to how alternatives can be adopted
ammonia and carbon dioxide; and lower
with minimal disruption. A national
global warming potential (GWP) HFCs,
consultation process may be required
both saturated HFCs and unsaturated
prior to adoption of a standard to
HFCs (HFOs). In many sectors and
ensure the national context is carefully
individual situations adoption of
evaluated in reference to existing
these alternatives is not completely
standards and that the requirements of
straightforward, since they exhibit
all relevant stakeholders are taken into
a range of specific properties such
consideration.
as flammability, toxicity and high
working pressures which can limit Historically in most developing countries
their applicability and require special the national ozone units (NOUs) have
practices or approaches. not been closely involved with the
issue of standards. As alternatives
‘Standards’ can assist with process
are considered and adopted better
of application of these alternative
engagement with these processes is
refrigerants particularly in developing
becoming increasing important and
countries for enterprises that are not
OzonAction is providing assistance to
necessarily familiar with them and can
NOUs to increase their understanding of
be very useful tools to assist countries
the standardisation process in general
with the introduction of alternatives
and current standards in their particular
to ozone depleting substances and
national context. Guidance is also
related technologies, especially from
being provided in OzonAction network
the point of view of their safe handling
meetings and information materials as
and preventing hazards. A ‘standard’
to how to establish a dialogue with the
is a formal document developed by
relevant national standardisation bodies
experts to ensure a certain uniform level
to ensure that the relevant standards
of products and services. International,
are adopted and that these will be
regional and national standards can
appropriate to the national context and
provide an easily accessible mechanism
support their efforts to phase-out HCFCs
and examples for nationally-applicable
while adopting non-ozone depleting, low-
requirements which could be adapted/
GWP, energy-efficient alternatives.
©Shutterstock “NOUs should initially build their own capacity in understanding the standardisation process in their national context”
6
List of Acronyms
A/C Air Conditioning
Article 5 Countries operating under Article 5 of the Montreal Protocol,
(i.e. developing countries)
ANSI American National Standards Institute
AREA Air Conditioning and Refrigeration European Association
AHRI Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute
AS Australian Standard
ASHRAE American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning
Engineers
BS British Standard
BSI British Standards Institution
CEN European Committee for Standardization
CENELEC European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization
CFC Chlorofluorocarbon
DEVCO The ISO committee on developing country matters
DG Directorate General
DIN Deutsches Institut für Normung e.V.
FDIS Final Draft International Standard
GHG Greenhouse gas
GWP Global warming potential
HCFC Hydrochlorofluorocarbon
HC Hydrocarbon
HFC Hydrofluorocarbon
HFO Hydrofluoroolefin
HVAC&R Heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration
IAF International Accreditation Forum
IEC International Electrotechnical Commission
ISO International Organization for Standardization
JSA Japanese Standards Association
NGO Non-governmental organisation
NOU National Ozone Unit
NSB National standardisation body
NZS New Zealand Standard
ODP Ozone depleting potential
ODS Ozone depleting substance
RAC Refrigeration and air-conditioning
UL Underwriters Laboratories
UNEP United Nations Environment Programme
UNIDO United Nations Industrial Development Organization
WSC World Standards Cooperation
7
Foreword
As a result of the ongoing phase-out of process of the adoption of international
hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFC) under and regional standards at the national
the Montreal Protocol on Substances level, barriers to the adoption and how
that Deplete the Ozone Layer, countries to overcome them.
- particularly developing countries are in
the process of introducing alternatives to While this brief guide is principally
these ozone depleting substances (ODS). designed as an information tool for
The UNEP OzonAction Branch is assisting NOUs, it should also be of interest
developing countries to comply with to refrigeration associations, various
their commitments under the Montreal government departments, including
Protocol, particularly those related to the those working on standardisation
HCFC phase-out, which involves a range issues, and other stakeholders in the
of sectors and approaches. refrigeration and air conditioning sector.
For the developing countries which As an NOU, armed with an
UNEP DTIE OzonAction works with it understanding of the types of relevant
is clear that, at present, the issue of standards, the general mechanisms and
adoption and utilisation of appropriate means of adoption of standards, you will
standards in the refrigeration and be in a better position to start a dialogue
air conditioning sector is a relatively with the important standardisation
new or unknown topic for many of the bodies in your country to ensure that
National Ozone Units (NOUs). Given the relevant standards are adopted and
that many of the low-global-warming- that these will be appropriate to the
potential (GWP) alternatives to HCFCs national context, will be beneficial and
may have properties such as toxicity, not create any barriers to particular
flammability and high working pressure products or practices. I hope you will find
which the hydrochlorofluorocarbons this guide interesting and informative in
(HCFCs) and chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) this regard.
do not exhibit, adoption of appropriate
standards is one important approach We look forward to continue supporting
that can assist in enabling the uptake of your efforts to phase out HCFCs and
such refrigerants. adopting non-ozone depleting, non-
global warming and energy-efficient
This guide is intended to provide an alternatives.
introduction to standards and how they
can be useful in supporting the adoption
of alternatives in the context of the
HCFC phase-out in developing countries. Shamila Nair-Bedouelle PhD, HDR
It also includes an overview of existing Head of OzonAction Branch
standards related to HCFCs and their UNEP Division of Technology, Industry
alternatives, barriers to alternatives, the and Economics
8 ©Shutterstock
9
Contents
Acknowledgements 3
Executive Summary 4
List of Acronyms 6
Foreword 7
1. Introduction 10
2. ODS and their Alternatives 13
3. An Introduction to Standards 24
4. The Main Standardisation Organisations 30
5. Existing Standards 40
6. Adoption of International Standards at the National Level 50
7. Final Remarks 56
8. Further Reading and References 58
10
1 Introduction
With the phase-out of HCFCs practices, standards can assist with
(hydrochlorofluorocarbons) under the easing the application of these
Montreal Protocol on Substances that alternative refrigerants for enterprises
Deplete the Ozone Layer progressing, that are not necessarily familiar with
the introduction of alternatives with how to do it.
not only zero ozone depleting potential
(ODP) but also low global warming A standard (sometimes called a ‘norm’),
potential (GWP) and improved energy is a formal document developed by
efficiency is becoming an issue of experts to ensure a certain uniform level
increasing importance, especially in of products and services. International
developing countries. standards adapted by countries to
suit the national situation, or directly
HFCs (hydrofluorocarbons), which adopted into national legislation, bring
have a zero ODP but many of which with them the great advantage of a
have high GWPs, are still the most tool which is agreed by the consensus
commonly used replacement for HCFCs. of participants of national committees,
There are a number of other available with the aim of achieving high quality
replacements. These include ‘ozone- and safety. Such standards can be
and climate-friendly alternatives’ such useful tools for the introduction of
as natural refrigerants - hydrocarbons alternatives and technologies for ozone
(HCs), ammonia (NH3) and carbon depleting substances (ODS) especially
dioxide (CO2); and lower-GWP HFCs, through specifying safe handling
both saturated HFCs (e.g., HFC-161 practices and provision of measures for
and HFC-152a) and unsaturated minimising risks.
HFCs (sometimes referred to as
hydrofluoroolefins, HFOs, e.g., In the process of the HCFC phase-
HFC-1234yf, HFC-1234ze). However, out, developing countries can take
these alternatives exhibit a range of advantage of experiences and lessons
specific properties which may prevent learned by the developed countries that
them from being unconditionally have already significantly progressed
adopted: flammability, toxicity and along the path of HCFC phase-out and
high working pressures can limit in the development and application of
their applicability and require special such standards.
practices or approaches for safe
handling. Since these characteristics Since the middle of the last century,
represent a deviation from normal especially in developed countries,11
Introduction
several standardisation organisations influence which can be considered as
were established to produce standards - regional or international in operation,
documents based on consensus of group for example:
of participants, to ensure a certain
uniform level of goods, products and • ASHRAE - American Society of
services quality. Development of new Heating, Refrigerating and Air-
standards and their regular revisions Conditioning Engineers
reflect general technological progress, • ANSI - American National Standards
the changing needs and requirements Institute
of international trade. Through the
voluntary use of standards, producers, This booklet is intended to be a concise
users and other stakeholders can assure guide for National Ozone Units (NOU),
and be assured of comparable levels of as well as for refrigeration associations,
quality around the world. International, government departments, including
regional and national standards can those working on standardisation issues
provide an easily accessible mechanism (but perhaps not familiar with the
and examples for nationally-applicable specific requirements of the Montreal
requirements which could be adapted/ Protocol), and other stakeholders in the
adopted in Article 5 countries for refrigeration and air-conditioning sector
alternatives to HCFCs. in Article 5 countries.
The main international and regional During the preparation of this booklet,
standardisation organisations are the a questionnaire was distributed to
following: participants in several UNEP OzonAction
Regional Network Meetings. The
• IEC - International Electro-technical respondents, which were mainly NOUs,
Commission were requested to provide feedback
• ISO - International Organization for related to their national experience with
Standardization international and regional standards,
• CEN - European Committee for the level of their cooperation with
Standardization various institutions, associations
• CENELEC - European Committee for and stakeholders and to identify any
Electrotechnical Standardization barriers to the introduction of low-GWP
alternatives and technologies in their
Some national standardisation country.
organisations have a reach and12
Introduction
The responses revealed that the plethora of specific national standards.
vast majority of NOUs from countries
participating in the survey have very The scope of the standards covered in
little experience at the national level this document can be grouped into four
of the use of international or regional main categories:
standards. The majority of respondents
also indicated that they did not have, • Safety standards - for design,
or were not aware of, any regulations construction and installation of RAC
or standards which could specifically products and systems
impact the adoption and use of low-GWP • Performance standards - for
alternatives. It was also highlighted determining the efficiency and
that existing regulations may not be performance of RAC systems
appropriate to allow for the full range of and equipment, as well as for
low-GWP alternatives to be adopted. refrigerants1
• Practice standards - for identifying
Taking into account the responses from knowledge and guiding best
the questionnaire, this guide provides practices for technicians when
a general introduction to standards in handling RAC systems and
the refrigeration and air-conditioning refrigerants
(RAC) sector, including an overview of • Quality standards - these can be
existing standards related to HCFCs and general and cover any industry,
their alternatives, barriers to alternatives but can be applied to processes
and the process of the adoption of involving refrigerants such as
international and regional standards at production, accounting, certifying,
national level. A general overview and training, etc.
summary of the main relevant standards
is provided in Chapter 5. It is beyond the
scope of this document to cover in detail
all the related standards, particularly the
1
This could be useful in this context as it is a means of identifying lower indirect CO2-eq emissions13
2 ODS and
their Alternatives
The Montreal Protocol controlled by the Montreal Protocol.
It was acknowledged at the time that
The objective of the Montreal Protocol these chemicals, with considerably
on Substances that Deplete the Ozone lower ODPs, were transitional and their
Layer is to protect the ozone layer by production and consumption was also
phasing-out production and consumption to be phased out under the Montreal
of nearly 100 industrial chemicals known Protocol. Moreover, many HCFCs have
as ozone depleting substances, which high global warming potentials (of up
include chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), to 2000 times that of carbon dioxide).
hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), Therefore, the HCFC phase out will
halons, methyl bromide, carbon result in a significant reduction in ozone
tetrachloride and methyl chloroform. depletion as well as in global warming,
Under this treaty, developing and provided that low-GWP alternatives are
developed countries have equal but adopted. Table 1 shows the phase-out
differentiated responsibilities, but schedule for HCFCs.
importantly, both groups of countries
have binding, time-targeted and The refrigerants which were
measurable commitments. As of today, commonly used in the refrigeration
the Parties to the Protocol have phased and air-conditioning sectors, such as
out 98% of the consumption of ODS. CFCs and HCFCs, had physical and
In 2009 the Montreal Protocol became chemical characteristics that made
the first treaty to achieve universal them particularly suitable for these
ratification by all 197 United Nations applications. One of the particular
Member States. Given all of these advantages, in addition to the physical
factors, the Protocol has been widely characteristics that made them efficient
praised as one of the most successful refrigerants, was that these chemicals
multilateral environmental agreements. are generally non-flammable, non-toxic
and relatively unreactive. Therefore
At the 20th anniversary meeting of the the refrigeration and air-conditioning
Montreal Protocol in 2007, agreement systems that were designed to use CFCs
was reached to accelerate the Montreal and HCFCs did not place great emphasis
Protocol’s phase-out schedule for on safety issues due to the relative
the production and consumption of benign nature of the refrigerants. With
HCFCs. HCFCs were introduced in the the completion of the phase-out of
1990s as alternative chemicals to CFCs CFCs and the ongoing phase-out in
and added to the list of substances the production and consumption ofODS and their alternatives
14
HCFCs under the Montreal Protocol, Standards can be a useful tool when
there are a wide range of zero ODP preparing national legislation and
alternatives which can be adopted. facilitating the HCFC phase-out,
Some of these alternatives are similar especially in such areas where the
in properties to the chemicals they introduction of alternative substances
replace (such as HFCs), but others (such with particular characteristics (e.g.
as hydrocarbons) have characteristics flammability, toxicity) may be of
that are considerably different. Some of concern. The implementation of
these alternatives are flammable, toxic appropriate standards to cover the
or operate at much higher pressures. various aspects of the equipment,
Therefore equipment that operate with chemicals and servicing is thus very
such refrigerants require a significantly important to ensure quality, efficiency
different approach in terms of design, and safety. Adoption of existing
installation, servicing and operation international or regional standards can
which places a considerably higher be very advantageous to a country so
emphasis on safety. that each enterprise does not need to
start from scratch and establish its own
Table 1: The schedule for Article 5 (developing) countries phase-out for production
and consumption of HCFCs.
Deadline Reduction step
By 2013 Freeze HCFC consumption at base level (average of 2009-2010)
By 2015 Reduction of HCFC consumption by 10%
By 2020 Reduction of HCFC consumption by 35%
By 2025 Reduction of HCFC consumption by 67.5%
By 2030 Total phase-out
2030 - 2040 2.5 % of baseline averaged over 10 years (2030-2040) allowed, if
necessary, for servicing of refrigeration & air-conditioning equip-
ment until 204015
ODS and their alternatives
standard criteria. Standards can be range of available alternatives and the
modified at the national level by relevant benefits these can bring. The standards
experts in order to make them more themselves are voluntary instruments
suitable for specific situations. Provision and are consensus-based having been
of suitable standards are therefore one developed by participants in technical
important means of assisting enterprises committees and working groups. They
to transition away from HCFCs. However, can be adapted and/or incorporated into
excessively strict or inappropriate national legislation, but otherwise have
regulations or standards can restrict the no legal standing (except in contract
adoption of alternatives and prevent law).2
the country from benefiting from the
©Shutterstock
Alternatives to ODS
In the context of replacing HCFCs, impacts on climate taking into account
the alternatives must meet the basic global-warming potential, energy use
requirement of having zero ozone and other relevant factors. However,
depleting potential. Additionally it is there is not a single ‘one-size-fits-
beneficial, and specifically encouraged all’ option to replace HCFCs: each
by Montreal Protocol Decision XIX/6 alternative has its respective pros and
which promotes the selection of cons and several important issues need
alternatives to HCFCs that minimise to be considered, particularly relating to
environmental impacts, in particular safety.
2
As in the case in some countries, such as the UK, where it must be followed if previously agreed to.16
ODS and their alternatives
The most common low-GWP alternatives in many applications, particularly in
to HCFCs at present are ‘ozone and refrigeration, for many decades before
climate friendly alternatives’ such as the introduction of fluorocarbons.
natural refrigerants - hydrocarbons
(HCs), ammonia (NH3) and carbon Table 2 provides an overview and some
dioxide (CO2); and lower-GWP examples of the current major zero-ODS,
HFCs including saturated HFCs and low-GWP HCFC alternatives considered
unsaturated HFCs which are known as in this booklet. This list is not exhaustive.
hydrofluoroolefins (HFOs). Historically,
natural refrigerants have been used
Table 2: Examples of zero-ODS, low-GWP HCFC alternatives
HCs (hydrocarbons) e.g. R-290 (Propane),
R-600a (Isobutane),
R-1270 (propene)
Natural Refrigerants
Ammonia R-717
CO2 (Carbon dioxide) R-744
Saturated HFCs e.g., R-161, R-152a
Synthetic HFCs Unsaturated HFCs (known e.g. R-1234yf,
as “hydrofluoroolefins” or R-1234ze
“HFOs”)17
ODS and their alternatives
Table. 3: Characteristics of alternatives to ODS
Natural Refrigerants Synthetic HFCs
Refrigerant
HCs Ammonia CO2 Saturated HFCs Unsaturated
HFCs (HFOs)
GWP
(100 years) ++ ++ ++ --* ++
Flammability
-- - ++ ++* -
Toxicity
++ -- + ++ ++
Pressure
+ + -- + +
Availability
+ + + ++* --
Familiarity
+ + - ++ -
* This refers to conventional, widely used HFCs such as R-134a, R-404A, R-407A, R-410A, etc. Some saturated HFCs such as
R-161 and R-152a have low GWPs, are flammable, and may not be as easily available as the common HFCs.
++ - very positive
+ - positive
- - negative
-- - very negative18
ODS and their alternatives
The safety characteristics of refriger- 4 below). The category ‘2L’ is a specific
ants are classified according to their class for ‘lower-flammability refrigerant
flammability and toxicity as defined by with low flame speed’ which was added
international and regional standards (ISO in the latest update of the ISO standard
817:2014 and EN3 378-1:20084). The in 2014 (ISO 817:2014) and is being
letters ‘A’ and ‘B’ are used to classify considered in the revision of EN 378.
toxicity. Flammability is classified by the
categories: ‘1’, ‘2’, ‘2L’ and ‘3’ (see Table
Table 4: Classification of safety characteristics of refrigerants (ISO 817:2014)
Lower toxicity Higher Toxicity
Increasing hazard: flamability
No flame propagation
(i.e. considered A1 B1
non-flammable)
Lower Flammability A2L B2L
Lower Flammability A2 B2
Higher flammability A3 B3
Increasing hazard: toxicity
3
European Norm (i.e. European Standard)
4
EN 378 is currently under revision19
ODS and their alternatives
Barriers to using low-GWP
alternatives
In many countries, particularly
developing countries due to their
©Shutterstock
differentiated HCFC phase-out schedule,
a number of barriers to the adoption
of low-GWP alternatives may exist
at the national level. In an effort to
better understand these barriers
UNEP OzonAction prepared a report
entitled: “Barriers to the use of low-GWP
refrigerants in developing countries and
opportunities to overcome these6.” This
report, based on the responses of some
250 representatives from more than 40
developing countries, identified about
30 distinct barriers which were classified
under the following main areas:
technical (refrigeration and safety),
supply and availability, commercial,
market, information resources,
regulations and standards, psychological
and sociological. The relevance of each
barrier naturally differs according to the
country context, as well as the specific
details of the facility, equipment and
type of refrigerant. In this report, the
lack of, or inappropriate regulations and
standards was identified as a significant
barrier to using low-GWP alternatives.
6
Available from: http://www.unep.fr/ozonaction/information/mmcfiles/7476-e-Report-low-GWPbarriers.pdf20
ODS and their alternatives
Significant barriers identified by UNEP survey
General barriers identified by respondents to survey7:
• “There are no systems using low-GWP alternative refrigerants available to buy”
• “There is nothing to incentivise enterprises to invest in low-GWP alternative
technology”
• “No one is willing to invest in production of systems, parts, components and
refrigerants”
• “Consultants developing HPMPs are not recommending low-GWP alternative
refrigerant projects”
• “The rules for using low-GWP alternative refrigerants are too restrictive to allow
their use”
• “There is a general fear of the safety risks”
Barriers related to standards identified by respondents to survey:
• “There are no suitable rules to direct users how to use the low-GWP alternatives
properly”
• “The rules for using low-GWP refrigerants are too restrictive to allow their use”
• “Some stakeholders are unaware of the existence of the rules”
Barriers to implementation of
standards
A country may face a number of Development
obstacles or barriers related to Developing a specific national standard
implementation of standards for requires significant technical resources
alternatives to HCFCs. These barriers and expertise with associated financial
can be generally grouped into four main commitment. Likewise participation
categories: in international standardisation
organisations requires considerable
7
Responses to survey from: “Barriers to the use of low-GWP refrigerants in developing countries and opportunities to
overcome these”, http://www.unep.fr/ozonaction/information/mmcfiles/7476-e-Report-low-GWPbarriers.pdf21
ODS and their alternatives
resources, both in terms of personnel • The associated cost of acquiring
and cost. For developing countries, international/national standards,
particularly smaller countries this can which can be an issue for small
present a challenge particularly if the companies.
relevant national institutions are not
in place. Developing countries might
not have at their disposal the technical
Content of standards
The specific content of standards can be
expertise or resources to actively
a barrier to the adoption of alternatives
contribute to the international/regional
to HCFCs:
standard development processes.
• Without effective planning a newly
Adoption adopted standard could initially
Barriers to adoption of standards may be present a challenge for industries
related to: and companies in developing
countries which need to modify
• Time-consuming administrative and practices to be in compliance with
procedural issues. international standards.
• Lack of awareness or national • Excessively strict or constrictive
capacity. measures included in existing
• Requirements that make adoption of standards which may severely
certain alternatives difficult limit or prohibit the application of
• A lack of the relevant national particular HCFCs alternatives or
institutions. equipment.
• A lack of formal connections • Inappropriate regulations or
with international/regional standards.
standardisation bodies, and/or a • Standards may not be designed
lack of cooperation with the relevant in such a way that they can be
national institutions, etc. explained to and understood by
• Bureaucracy (in some countries) that small companies and individuals
hinder the standardisation process that make up the ‘informal sector’
especially where incorporation into of servicing technicians in many
the national legislation is concerned. developing countries, as well as
larger established enterprises and
companies.8
8
Pricing is a national decision and should reflect both the value of a standard’s content and its affordability. In general these can range,
for the standards covered in this booklet, for example, from around US$70 to approximately US$600 for each individual standard sold in
Europe22
ODS and their alternatives
Right: Cindy Liatlatmal, Refrigeration
and Air conditioning Engineer, Vanuatu
Industry uptake The National Ozone Unit as a focal
Once a standard is adopted within point for the Montreal Protocol can
a particular country there is still play an important role in ensuring the
considerable work to ensure the relevant NSB is aware of the appropriate
standard is implemented and adhered requirements in the context of the
to. In the case of large companies or HCFC phase-out management plans
enterprises this can be reasonably (HPMPs) and working closely with local
easily addressed, particularly if the and regional RAC associations and
enterprise was involved or consulted stakeholders. The standardisation bodies
in the development or adoption of the usually offer specific assistance to
standard. However, in many developing developing countries.
countries, installation and servicing
of refrigeration and air-conditioning When developing or adopting a standard
equipment is carried out by small it is important to take into consideration
companies or individuals. In order to the timing of its development or
reach these, there is a need to provide adoption to ensure it is synchronised
simple guidance and support to explain with other related or interconnected
the relevant standards and how they standards and is appropriate for the
need to be implemented. national context. For example, standards
are seldom, if ever, self-standing
There is no general or single measure documents and usually refer to many
that can be applied to address such other standards.
barriers. Initially, the relevant National
Standardisation Body (NSB) should Particularly in case of technical and
establish contact and assure national safety standards it is very important to
membership within the respective consider the ‘age’ of standards, which
international/regional standardisation may have impact on the technology
body. In relation to the development or transition process. Both standards that
adoption of particular standards the NSB, are very old or very recent can have a
prior to the adoption of international negative impact. The former can result
standards should ensure adequate in being locked into legacy systems and
consultation with relevant national the latter can present the country with a
and international experts, including considerable challenge to be innovative
consulting with experts in both HFCs and an early adopter.
and natural refrigerants to help achieve
improvements.©Michael Moller
24 3 An Introduction to Standards A standard or “norm” is developed to Main benefits of standards: ensure a certain uniform level of goods, • Ensure safety considerations (of products, and service quality. It is a products, people, production, use, formal document which requires certain etc.). characteristics or behaviour of goods, • Enable dissemination and persons, situations, etc. representing harmonisation of best practices. the consensus view of participants in • Present a harmonised, stable and the standards development process. globally recognised framework. Standards are developed to ensure a • Can support economic growth. certain uniform level of goods, products • Can minimise technical barriers for and service quality. International trade. standards are based on a consensual mechanism with a wide network of In the RAC sector, technical standards national members and stakeholders. are becoming increasingly recognised In practice however many developing as a key component in successfully countries have limited engagement transitioning away from reliance on in the standardisation process and ozone-depleting and powerful global- consequently cannot review, vote and warming gases. The adoption and contribute to standards and the process utilisation of appropriate technical of developing these. Smaller enterprises standards can establish uniform or non-industry participants can be definitions, guidelines, rules, criteria, deterred due to the often high level of methods, processes, practices or fees charged for participation. characteristics for activities and their Standards can be supported by results. supplementary information and interpretation of requirements, which can be covered by industry guidelines or codes of practice
25
An introduction to Standards
Standards and regulations
• Many industries, trade associations and governments require products and
services to conform to a standard or a regulation prior to being placed on the
market to ensure a certain level of quality and safety.
• An international standard does not have any legal force and it cannot supersede
national regulations.
• An international standard is not a mandatory regulation.
• A national regulation may refer to a standard or a part of a standard. Standards
can be used as a technical reference when developing regulations.
Development of standards
Standardisation bodies are open to focusing on specific issues. More
participation of experts from industry detailed and specific elements within the
and manufacturers, academia, respective committee can be considered
governments, consumer associations, by experts in specialised subcommittees,
non-governmental organisations (NGOs), as shown in the example below on the
etc. This varied representation by structure of the ISO Technical Committee
stakeholders is intended to ensure the 86 on Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning
quality of the final document including (Table 1). Within Subcommittees,
its scope and content. In practice, Working Groups are normally set up to
however, in many countries the vast draft documents.
majority of those participating in the
development of standards are from
industry.
Within the standardisation organisations
(international, regional, national) experts
typically work in technical committees26
An introduction to Standards
Table 5: Structure of ISO Technical Committee 86 on Refrigeration and
Air-conditioning
Subcommittee Title
SC 1 Safety and environmental requirements for refrigerating systems
SC 2 Terms and definitions- disbanded
SC 3 Testing and rating of factory-made refrigeration systems (exclud-
ing systems covered by SC 5, SC 6 and SC 7)
SC 4 Testing and rating of refrigerant compressors
SC 5 ‘Testing and rating of household refrigeration appliances” was
transferred to IEC TC 59, Performance of household and similar
electrical appliances, in 2006
SC 6 Testing and rating of air-conditioners and heat pumps
SC 7 Testing and rating of commercial refrigerated display cabinets
SC 8 Refrigerants and refrigeration lubricants
Procedure of standards The new standard is proposed to the
relevant technical committee, which
development usually sets up a working group
Formalised procedures are carried consisting of industry representatives
out within each standardisation body and other experts. The working group
to develop a standard. The first step prepares a draft standard and provides it
which initiates development of a to the technical committee for approval.
standard is its demonstrated need. The The draft standard is then distributed to
standard development is started by the all members of the standardisation body.
appropriate committee of the NSB, which In the case of an international or regional
is a member of the relevant international organisation, the draft is shared with
or regional standardisation body. the national members. Once consensus27
An introduction to Standards
is reached, the final draft is sent to all some cases this can be considerably
members of the standardisation body for longer. Existing standards are regularly
a vote. The standard is only published revised and amended.
if a sufficient number of votes in favour
of the standard is received. The process
from the acceptance of a standard
proposal to its publication can take, on
average, two to four years, although in
Figure 1: Process of international-regional standard development (based on ISO
example).“The main role of the National Standardisations Bodies is to produce or review their own standards” ©Shutterstock
29
An introduction to Standards
‘Levels’ of standards
Standards are developed at the standardisations bodies is to produce
international, regional, national or review their own standards. Bodies
and other levels9 by a variety of can be independent or linked to the
organisations. These organisations are national government. Standards issued
independent of governments, industry, at the national level generally have
associations and the private sector. priority over the regional or international
Chapter 4 provides an overview of the standards.
main standardisation bodies relevant
to the refrigeration and air-conditioning It is a common practice that
sector. international and regional standards are
adopted at the regional and national
At the national level, many countries levels. During this procedure, standards
have their own national standardisation can be modified to suit the best local
bodies. Usually these national demands and conditions. In some cases
standardisation bodies are the a contrary approach can be applied
contact points for the regional and and the standard from the national or
international organisations developing regional level may be adopted for the
standards. The main role of the national regional or international level.
9
e.g. by a private company for private use.30
4 The Main
Standardisation
Organisations
There are several principal organisations organisations and provides some
developing standards related to the examples of national and regional
refrigeration and air-conditioning standards organisations.
sector. Figure 2 below, summarises
the main international standardisation
Figure 2: Standardisation organisations31
The Main Standardisation Oganisations
International level
Of the international standardisation The International Organization for
organisations, the two main bodies Standardization (ISO)
which are principally involved into the ISO is the largest standardisation
development of standards related to the organisation in the world with 162
RAC sector are the ISO (International member countries (the complete list is
Organization for Standardization) and available on ISO website: http://www.iso.
the IEC (International Electro technical org/iso/home/about/iso_members.htm)
Commission). A formal agreement and with more than 19,500 standards
between these organisations aims issued which were developed by some
to prevent overlap and potentially 300 technical committees.
contradictory standards. The Technical Committee TC 86 on
Refrigeration and Air-conditioning is
crucial for the RAC sector. Its structure is
presented in Chapter 3.
The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) ISO Number 14001
Website: www.iso.org Year 2004
Name Environmental
management
ISO standard nomenclature:
systems
ISO 14001:2004 Environmental management systems32
The Main Standardisation Oganisations
International Electro technical Standards related to the RAC sector are
Commission (IEC) developed by experts of the technical
IEC is primarily focused on safety issues committees:
of electrical and electronic technologies, - TC 59 on Performance of household and
devices containing electronics, using or similar electrical appliances (http://www.
producing electricity. IEC has 82 member iec.ch/dyn/www/f?p=103:7:0::::FSP_
countries (national committees). The ORG_ID:1275).
list of countries is available from the IEC - TC 61 on Safety of household and
website (http://www.iec.ch/dyn/www/ similar electrical appliances (http://www.
f?p=103:5:0##ref=menu). iec.ch/dyn/www/f?p=103:7:0::::FSP_
ORG_ID:1236).
International Electro-technical Commission (IEC) IEC Number 60335
Website: www.iec.ch Number10 1
Year 2012
IEC standard nomenclature:
Name Household
e.g. IEC 60335-1:2012 Household refrigerating systems used refrigerating
for cooling and heating – Safety requirements systems used
for cooling and
heating – Safety
requirements
Environmental
management
systems
10
The first number (60335) refers to the number of the standard. The second number (1) refers to the particular part of the standard
which may consist of several parts. This standard 60335 consists of more than 100 parts.©Shutterstock
34
The Main Standardisation Oganisations
Regional level
Good examples of regional standards national standardisation bodies of all
include two European Committees for EU member countries and some other
standardisation: CEN and CENELEC European countries (33 countries in
whose approved standards are automati- total, see http://standards.cen.eu/
cally valid within the member countries. dyn/www/f?p=CENWEB:5:::NO:::).
Implementation of European
European Committee for Standards as national standards is
Standardization (CEN) and the responsibility of the CEN/CENELEC
European Committee for national member country.
Electrotechnical Standardization Standards directly related to the RAC
(CENELEC) sector are developed by Technical
CEN and CENELEC are recognised Committee CEN TC 182 on Refrigerating
European standards organisations systems, safety and environmental
independent of governments, European requirements (http://www.cen.eu/cen/
institutions and each other. These Sectors/TechnicalCommitteesWorkshops/
European standards organisations CENTechnicalCommittees/Pages/default.
cooperate with each other and with the aspx?param=6163&title=CEN/TC%20
European Commission to harmonise their 182).
work and prevent contradictions.
Members of CEN and CENELEC are
CEN and CENELEC EN Number 13313
Websites: www.cen.eu, www.cenelec.eu Year 2010
Name Refrigerating
IEC standard nomenclature: systems and
e.g. EN 13313:2010 Refrigerating systems and heat pumps –
Competence
heat pumps – Competence of personnel
of personnel35
The Main Standardisation Oganisations
Harmonised and
non-harmonised European
standards conformity to the relevant directive
The European Standardisation
or regulation (users are deemed to
organisations develop harmonised and
meet requirements of directive or
non-harmonised standards:
regulation).
• Harmonised standards are based
• Non-Harmonised standards
on an official request made by the
are not linked to directives or
European Commission. Their scope
regulations, thus producers are
is to support EU Directives and
obliged to develop methodologies
Regulations. Harmonised standards
and interpretations to achieve
are very useful as they provide a
conformity to directives and
presumption of
regulations independently.
©Shutterstock36
The Main Standardisation Oganisations
National level
At the national level, the majority A comprehensive list of NSBs is available
of countries have a national on the ISO website: http://www.iso.org/
standardisation body (NSB) or iso/home/about/iso_members.htm and
several bodies. These institutions can NSBs for IEC can be found here11: http://
produce their own national standards www.iec.ch/dyn/www/f?p=103:5
or adopt international/regional
standards. Depending on the country, Some national standardisation
national standardisation bodies can organisations can have a reach and
be independent or linked to and be influence which can be considered as
responsible to the government. regional or international in operation
(e.g. ANSI, ASHRAE).
Some examples of national standardisation bodies:
AHRI (Air-conditioning, Heating, & Refrigeration Institute),
http://www.ari.org/standards.aspx
ANSI (American National Standards Institute), www.ansi.org
ASHRAE (American Society of Heating and Air-Conditioning Engineers),
www.ashrae.org
BSi (British Standards Institution), www.bsigroup.com
DIN (Deutsches Institut für Normung e.V.), www.din.de
EOS (Egyptian Organization for Standardization and Quality Control), www.eos.org.eg
IJISI (Institute of Standards and Industrial Research of Iran), www.isiri.org
JSA (Japanese Standards Association), www.jsa.or.jp
NZS (Standards New Zealand), www.standards.co.nz
Standardization Administration of China, www.sac.gov.cn
Standards Australia, www.standards.org.au
UL (Underwriters Laboratories), www.ul.com
11
Some NSBs may be linked to ISO whilst those linked to IEC may be different (e.g., in Germany), whereas the NSB in some
countries (e.g. UK) is the same for both.37
The Main Standardisation Oganisations
Membership of standardisation
organisations
Members of standardisation bodies Advantages of membership in a
should play an active role in the standardisation organisation
development of standards and of current
• Opportunity to influence technical
and future work plans of technical
content of standards to ensure they
committees and the standardisation
reflect specific needs.
body itself. Generally, the main
standardisation organisations (ISO, IEC, • Early access to information and
CEN, CENELEC, ANSI/ASHRAE) have two technological knowledge.
distinct levels of membership: • Wide source of know-how, good
access to knowledge and resources.
• Full members: these have access • Experience in international
to all the technical and managerial standardisation work can help build
activities and functions of the national infrastructures.
organisation, they can be directly
• Improvement of access to global
involved in development and review
markets.
of standards, attend committee
meetings, sell and adopt standard at • Development of the international
the national level, and have voting trade by meeting defined
rights. characteristics of products and
services.
• Associate/correspondence members:
these have limited rights and Before accession to the international or
they can only observe standards regional standardisation organisation,
development, can attend committee it is necessary to also evaluate the
meetings as an observer and have availability of national technical experts
very limited or no voting rights. and resources to be able to actively and
meaningfully contribute to the content of
Depending on the organisation, the international standard.
other types of membership also exist
(e.g. associates, affiliates, partners,
counsellors, etc.).©Shutterstock
39 The Main Standardisation Oganisations Cooperation between standardisation organisations Cooperation between standardisation standardisation bodies in a transparent organisations developing standards at way to avoid duplication, overlap and various levels and with legislative bodies potential conflict. One of the results is the common practice. This process achieved is the synchronisation of terms eliminates double work, overlap and used in standards regarding technical contradiction. requirements. ISO and IEC are members of the World Cooperation of the European Standards Cooperation, which was standardisation bodies with ISO has established in 2001 (WSC, http://www. been established at the technical level worldstandardscooperation.org/). The so European and international standards main scope of the WSC is to promote are developed in parallel. Around 30% of adoption and implementation of standards under CEN are identical to ISO international consensus-based standards standards. In such cases the standards worldwide to ensure cooperation are called “EN ISO”. in the technical work of member Further information: International standardisation bodies organise trainings and provide technical and financial assistance to developing countries. Specific information is available on their respective websites: • ISO: DEVCO (Committee on developing country matters), http://www.iso.org/iso/ home/about/iso-and-developing-countries/devco.htm • IEC: IEC Affiliate Country Programme, http://www.iec.ch/affiliates/?ref=menu
40
5 Existing Standards
In general the standards related to the 60335-2-104), and equipment
ozone depleting substances and their charge size.
use are concerned with four major areas:
• Standards for refrigerant containers,
• Standards for the substances including content of recovery
themselves such as specifications cylinders (AHRI), colour codes, and
for refrigerant gas and refrigerant pressurized cylinders standards.
designation (e.g ISO 817).
• Other related standards such as
• Standards for systems, equipment foam final products, content and fire
and components; including, for retardant requirements, buildings
example, safety requirements for codes (which for example could
refrigerating equipment, codes/ prohibit the use of flammable
guides for refrigeration & air- refrigerants), energy efficiency
conditioning systems (e.g. ISO labelling programmes, installations,
5149), and refrigerant recovery/ and practice.
recycling equipment (e.g., IEC
©Shutterstock41
Existing Standards
Safety issues, such as safety in
construction and installation, use, Because many of the lower-GWP
service, maintenance, leak prevention, refrigerants are flammable, RAC
dismantling and recycling of equipment must conform to the
technologies and substances are of requirements of any standards for
particular importance, and in general flammable atmospheres. In most
standards aim to maximise operational countries these standards have a higher
safety and minimise hazard and risk. status than the general refrigeration
standards. For example, the UN has
There are several technical international “A Common Regulatory Framework for
ISO and IEC standards as well as Equipment Used in Environments with an
several regional and national standards Explosive Atmosphere”, to which a large
particularly from the European Union number of developed and developing
(e.g. CEN, CENELC) and the United countries are signatories.
States (e.g. ANSI/ASHRAE, UL) relevant
and applicable to ozone-depleting Although the general refrigeration
substances and technologies relying on standards include provisions for
them. flammable refrigerants, they are
not considered to provide adequate
In the context of the HCFC phase- guidance for how to safely apply them.
out and requirement for non-ozone In this regard, the design, construction
depleting, low-GWP alternatives, there and evaluation requirements for
is a requirement that existing standards achieving safety of equipment using
are updated and/or new standards flammable refrigerants must be sought
created to cover the use of these in the relevant standards (such as EN
substances. Some important relevant 1127-1 and the IEC 60079-series in the
standards, published several years ago European Union).
have recently been revised and updated
(e.g ISO 5149, ISO 817) or are currently The most important standards which
under the process of revision (e.g EN have a role in supporting the HCFC
378). The previous version of standard phase-out and standards related to the
ISO 5149 on ‘Mechanical refrigerating low-GWP alternatives and alternative
systems used for cooling and heating – technologies are listed below. Full details
Safety requirements’ which was issued of all the related standards can be found
in 1993 essentially prohibited the use of in the catalogues of standardisation
flammable refrigerants which are now organisations and bodies.
widely applied in many sectors.42
Main technical standards relevant to the HCFC
phase-out and low-GWP alternatives
International Organization for Standardization
ISO 5149:2014 Mechanical refrigerating systems used for cooling and heating –
Safety requirements
• Recently revised from 1993 version
• Includes requirements for new classification on low flammability (2L) for
refrigerants
• Specifies the requirements relating to the safety of persons and property for
the design, construction, installation and operation of refrigerating systems
and puts an emphasis on minimising the leakage of refrigerant to the
atmosphere
• Specifies classification of the refrigeration systems
• Specifies monitoring of leakage; i.e., refrigeration concentration in the
machine room - a special requirement for ammonia
• Applicable to all types of refrigerating systems in which the refrigerant is
evaporated and condensed in a closed circuit
ISO 817:2014 Refrigerants – Designation and Safety Classification
• Provides a clear system for numbering and assigning composition-designating
prefixes to refrigerants (e.g. for chlorofluorocarbons the prefix CFC is used)
• Refrigerant safety classification (flammability, toxicity)
• Refrigerant concentration limits
• Is intended to be used with other relevant safety standards such as ISO 5149,
IEC 603352-24 and IEC 60335-2-40
ISO 17584:2005 Refrigerant properties
• Specifies thermophysical properties of several commonly used refrigerants
and refrigerant blends
• Applicable to the refrigerants R-12, R-22, R-32, R-123, R-125, R-134a, R-143a,
R-152a, R-717 (ammonia), and R-744 (carbon dioxide) and to the refrigerant
blends R-404A, R-407C, R-410A, and R-507
• Includes specifications of several properties, including the following: density,
pressure, internal energy (total energy contained by a thermodynamic
system), enthalpy, entropy, heat capacity at constant pressure, heat capacity
at constant volume, speed of sound and the Joule-Thomson coefficientYou can also read
