Nowadays, hydrocarbons and mixed working fluids have become the main substitutes for refrigerants in refrigerators. Since hydrocarbons do not contain chlorine atoms in their molecules, their GWP value is zero. Meanwhile, if the GWP value of carbon dioxide is 1, that of hydrocarbons is 3, while that of R12 is 7500 and that of R134a is 1200. Therefore, as refrigerants, Its GWP value is regarded as zero, and for this reason, hydrocarbons have a unique advantage among substitutes.
Germany was the first to successfully use hydrocarbons as retardants in direct-cooling refrigerators. Other European countries have also widely adopted them. Europe has produced and sold millions of refrigerators using hydrocarbons as refrigerants. Hydrocarbons used as refrigerants mainly refer to isobutane and propane. Propane is usually not used as a pure working medium due to its noise problem. This article discusses some issues related to the use of isobutane as a refrigerant in refrigerators.
During storage
(1) The amount of isobutane stored in the warehouse must be controlled at the minimum value. The maximum storage volume of flammable gases like isobutane in the warehouse is determined by local regulations.
(2) Isobutane must be stored in a dedicated area within a dedicated warehouse. This area should be close to the warehouse door and must be marked with standard warning signs. The place should be equipped with an alarm device for detecting isobutane.
(3) Smoking and open flames are strictly prohibited in the storage area for isobutane.
During transportation
(1) Only the amount of isobutane used on the same day, after being loaded into the permitted pressure vessel, is allowed to be transported in vehicles.
(2) During transportation, the containers for isobutane must be securely fastened to the vehicle.
(3) Gas alarm devices must be equipped on vehicles transporting isobutane.
(4) Smoking is prohibited on vehicles transporting isobutane.
(5) Isobutane compressors removed from isobutane refrigerators are not allowed to be transported by vehicle until the lubricating oil has been drained or all the openings of the compressors have been connected and sealed with lock rings.
During the production process
(1)Operators engaged in the production of isobutane refrigerators must be aware of the hazards of isobutane and have received specialized training.
(2) Smoking is strictly prohibited for all personnel.
(3) Operators are not allowed to wear clothes that may generate static electricity emissions.
(4) Avoid working in limited small Spaces and operate production in large Spaces instead.
(5) All work involving open flames is prohibited. All pipeline connections should be made using lock rings.
(6) Do not use electric heating appliances such as vacuum cleaners and hair dryers.
(7) When discharging isobutane refrigerant from the refrigeration system, a hose should be used to introduce it into the outdoor atmosphere.
(8) All power transformation devices must be suitable for flammable and explosive gases.
In fact, to ensure that no accidents occur with isobutane (or other flammable refrigerants) refrigerators in users' homes, a series of safety rules must be followed during product design. For this reason, a draft amendment to the IEC335-2-24 standard has been formulated to provide safety design guidelines for refrigerators using flammable refrigerants. It is believed that with the wide application of flammable refrigerant refrigerators, this new standard will surely be implemented. A special introduction will be made at that time.
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