AC/R systems: proper maintenance to protect the environment
Every year, on April 22, around one billion people in 192 countries celebrate Earth Day, the world’s largest event that commemorates the beauty of the planet and promotes its preservation.
And on this very subject, one question: do you know the impact that a not regularly maintained AC/R system has on the environment?
For years, Errecom has been working to raise awareness about this issue and to develop solutions that keep air conditioning and refrigeration systems efficient, with obvious environmental benefits. Therefore, taking advantage of the educational and informative purpose of a day like this, we thought we would share with you the reasons for the importance of regular maintenance.
Because sustainability, for Errecom, is an integrated green approach that goes beyond the choice of eco-friendly packaging and raw materials, becoming to all intents and purposes a company mission.
Regular examinations and routine checks on refrigeration and air conditioning systems allow early detection (and often even prevention) of refrigerant leaks, helping to protect our planet.
The release of some refrigerant gases into the atmosphere is, in fact, a danger to the environment: they deplete the ozone layer (CFC, HCFC), contributing to the greenhouse effect (HFC) and generating irreversible and damaging effects.
Yet, although new regulations are increasingly leading to the use of low-GWP refrigerants, there is still a long way to go. Just think of the 29 tonnes of illegal refrigerants seized in Greece last February, or of the absence of a globally recognised refrigerant regulation.
Besides, there is another problem linked to lack of maintenance, that of loss of efficiency, which does not depend on the type of refrigerant circulating in the system but is physiological to its operation.
Intending to maintain the efficiency of air conditioning and refrigeration systems over time, Errecom has studied the chemical reactions that occur between refrigerants and lubricants, leading to the development of a product that is highly appreciated on the market: AC/R Restoring Treatment. This specific treatment consists of 4 additives contained in cartridges which, when used in a precise sequence, restore the system’s original efficiency, and prevent the formation of refrigerant leaks.
Also, these additives, when used in uncompromised systems, block the chemical reactions due to the natural decay of refrigerants and lubricants, maintaining their efficiency over time.
Studies estimate that, on average, between 1% and 8% of the volume of compressor oil is carried by the refrigerant throughout the system, generating what is known to experts as oil fouling.
The lubricant settles on the inside of the evaporator and condenser pipes reducing:
– the heat exchange
– the diameter of the pipes
– the oil lubricity
– the volume of lubricant in the compressor
– the system efficiency (-30% Ashrae data)
Besides, over time, the extra moisture starts to circulate with no limits in the system, combining with the fluorine contained in the refrigerant gas and leading to the development of acidity. This in turn causes slow but steady corrosion of the rubber and metal components and, consequently, refrigerant leaks, with the inevitable environmental effects mentioned above.
AC/R Restoring Treatment solves and prevents these problems with just 24ml (6ml x 4 additives) of product.
STEP 1 – No-Acid Ultra: acid neutralising additive
The molecules of No-Acid Ultra bind to the acidity, eliminating it irreversibly and preventing its development. Safe and compatible with all refrigerants (including CFC, HFC, HCFC, R32, HFO, with the only exclusion of R717), No-Acid Ultra is the first step to follow to restore the efficiency of the system.
STEP 2 – Super Dry Ultra: anti-moisture additive
Its special formulation stabilises the lubricant, permanently eliminating the moisture developed inside air conditioning and refrigeration systems and preventing its formation. Besides, considering that moisture is one of the main causes of acidity development, the use of Super Dry Ultra is recommended to prevent this phenomenon, with obvious benefits for the system. Methanol free, Super Dry Ultra is safe for the compressor, seals, system components and is compatible with all refrigerant gases (CFC, HFC, HCFC, R32, HFO, except R717).
STEP 3 – Cool-Shot Ultra: performance enhancer for AC/R systems
Cool-Shot Ultra is the additive developed by Errecom to solve oil fouling in air conditioning and refrigeration systems and restore their original efficiency. Consisting of two synthetic catalysts and a lubricating agent, Cool-Shot Ultra removes all the lubricant sediments settled on the walls of the system, solubilises them and conveys them back into the compressor.
Research carried out in Errecom’s laboratory has estimated that the use of Cool-Shot Ultra leads to the following benefits:
-5°C in a very short time
+76% heat exchange
-20% system energy consumption
+62% compressor lubricant efficiency
+80% AC/R system lifetime.
The data shown are an average of the results recorded by Errecom after having placed Cool-Shot Ultra into different types of AC/R systems (old, new, containing different lubricants and refrigerants).
Anyway, the consequent reduction of CO2 emissions makes the use of Cool-Shot Ultra a necessary step to limit the environmental impact of AC/R systems.
Like the two previous additives, Cool-Shot Ultra acts without causing any chemical change in the compressor lubricant or refrigerant and is compatible with all refrigerant gases (CFC, HFC, HCFC, R32, HFO, with the only exclusion of R717).
STEP 4 – Extreme Ultra: leak stop additive
Extreme Ultra is the additive developed and recommended by Errecom to detect and seal any refrigerant leaks up to a maximum size of 0.3 mm.
Its formulation is 100% safe: as it contains no polymers, it does not react to air and moisture, preventing the formation of any obstructions. It is also totally safe for the operator as it is not flammable or irritating. Compatible with all refrigerants except R717, Extreme Ultra helps to reduce the environmental impact of air conditioning and refrigeration systems. Another product made by Errecom, that embraces the company eco-mission.
By removing moisture, acidity, and oil fouling from AC/R systems, and sealing refrigerant leaks, AC/R Restoring Treatment is the only product on the market that can guarantee constant efficiency and extended lifespan of the systems, protecting the planet, for a sustainable future.
