Refrigeration systems
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• First find out your refrigeration leakage rate. This should be easy to do – the information will be in the refrigerant logs kept at the plant by the refrigeration contractor. • Investigate any change in the system so that if it has been caused by a leak, this can be repaired promptly.
Maintenance/low cost measures • If you have systems with a charge of less than 300kg, you must check for leaks at least once a year. Systems over this size must have a permanent leak detection system and be checked for leaks every six months. • If there are leaks, find and repair them. • Work with your contractor to set up a leak test regime and fix leaks as they appear.
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• All leaks must be rechecked around a month after the repair to ensure it is leak-tight. • The plant should be maintained in good condition and all valves should be sealed.
Investment measures • Good practice would be to install a comprehensive leak detection system at your site with sensors at critical locations.
Purchasing/design considerations • Your system should be well installed, with full tightness testing to ensure pipework integrity. • Use brazed joints wherever possible.
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Potential savings A typical 300 kW refrigeration system with a small but continuous leak unrepaired for three months could incur an energy penalty of 10kW in electricity once the leak becomes critical, meaning an increased energy cost of £1,400. And the repair cost will be even higher as much more refrigerant gas will be needed. Larger factories and shops could contain between five and 10 such systems, each with the potential for leaks.