Refrigerant Detectors (Freons, Refrigerants)

Halogenated hydrocarbons belonging to the CFC and HCFC families have their own regulation: gas detection device Prohibiting or limiting its use with the obligation to install (refrigerant gas detectors). Refrigerants from other families are subject to regulations regarding chemical products, but common sense would also include monitoring for leaks.

Freons are generally heavier gases than air. They tend to stagnate in the ground and displace oxygen. Best detection of refrigerant leaks For , refrigerant gas detectors will be placed under the refrigeration unit and connected to a gas detection unit. In the event of a leak, the central gas detection unit will neutralize the cooling system by cutting off the power supply.

Freons are divided into several main categories based on their properties. Depending on the specificity of the needs, certain categories should be preferred:

• Organic compounds: water, CO2 (carbon dioxide), NH3 (ammonia)
• Hydrocarbons: butane, pentane, propane, propylene, etc.
• CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons): R11, R12, R113, R115, R502
• HCFCs (hydrochlorofluorocarbons): R21, R22, R123, R124, R401a, R402a, R408a, R409a
• HFCs (hydrofluorocarbons): R32, R125, R134a, R15a, R143a, R152a, R404a, R407a, R410a, R507
• Unclassifiable refrigerants: R630, R631, R12b1, R12b1, etc.

Refrigerants are rarely referred to by their international names because the pronunciation of their names is complicated. An abbreviation of the form R-ABCDe is preferred, R stands for refrigerant.

• A: The number of double bonds is invisible if equal to 0
• B: number of carbon atoms minus one (C-1), invisible if equal to 0
• C : number of hydrogen atoms plus one (H+1)
• D : number of fluorine atoms (F)
• E: letter used to identify isomers (similar gross formula but not in semi-developed form)

For example, R134 is a freon consisting of 2 carbon atoms, 2 hydrogen atoms and 4 fluorine atoms.

With the exception of some organic compounds or hydrocarbons, refrigerants are generally not harmful to humans: they are non-flammable, non-corrosive and non-toxic. However, in case of abundant leakage, they replace breathable air, especially in poorly ventilated environments (hotel rooms, EHPAD, nurseries, schools, dormitories, etc.).

In addition to the risk of anoxia, some freons also have anesthetic properties, making them potentially dangerous; hence the need (and common sense) to install a leak detection system.

The GTC Industrial team offers you a practical guide to detecting refrigerants. In this technical document you can find all the information and equipment available for the control of refrigerants in all your cooling applications: