Detecting Gas Leakage From Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Units

Commercial and domestic refrigeration units alike may contain any number of different refrigerant gases. While the highly toxic sulphur dioxide disappeared with early mechanical refrigerators and ozone depleting CFC's are still being phased out the gases used in refrigeration today are still potentially dangerous to humans and the environment alike. Safe practice, use of gas monitors and careful disposal and recycling are all key to ensuring leakage of refrigerant gases is minimised.

It was as late as the 1980's, more than 100 years after the invention of mechanical refrigeration, that concerns arose regarding the depletion of the ozone layer and the effect CFC's were having on it. Up till then car air conditioners, refrigerators, commercial air conditioners and freezers all used halomethanes. Newer formulas of halomethane gases with lower global warming potentials are commonly used but the older gases are still only being phased out, are sold widely and can still be found in many refrigeration and air conditioning units.

The gases created to replace CFC's and HCFC's such as fluorocarbons and hydrofluorocarbons have also created cause for concern. While considered to be safer to the environment international organisations such as the UN and the EU have made proposals regarding the limiting of their emission levels. While the effects of these gases on the wider environment are not necessarily clear their immediate impact on their environment can be highly dangerous. Staff working in commercial are particularly at risk of exposure as many of these gases can be highly toxic to human health. Leaks into the local environment such as streams and rivers can have a devastating effect on fish and other wildlife living in the area. For these reasons and others gas monitors are rapidly becoming standard in industries that employ refrigeration of all scales.

Ammonia has been used since the early days of mechanical refrigeration. It has no discernable effect on the ozone layer and is not especially toxic to humans but can cause respiratory problems with chronic exposure. While humans have an inbuilt mechanism to prevent its build up in the blood stream aquatic animals have no such ability. Even as small concentrations ammonia can be incredibly toxic to fish and amphibians. For this reason it is extremely important that gas monitors are in place where ammonia refrigeration occurs near rivers and streams.

Agencies that monitor gas emissions estimated that in 2005 that leakage of HFC's in supermarket refrigeration units in the UK alone was as much as 769,000kg. Refrigeration and air conditioning equipment can be in service for as long as 20 years and more. Regular maintenance and servicing should ensure that most refrigeration and air conditioning systems remain leak free. While these systems are designed to be closed systems, over the course of their use wear and tear, vibration, corrosion and other environmental conditions can contribute to the occurrence of leaks. The use of gas monitors can ensure that leaks, should they occur are detected immediately so units can be serviced and repaired promptly to ensure the safety of workers, the public and the environment.