Title

Other than ammonia (R-717), R-22 has probably been the most commonly used refrigerant for medium and large (25 HP to 1,000 + HP) industrial process freezing, chilling, and cold storage applications.  From a design perspective its properties are very similar to ammonia and it has proven to be a real workhorse.

On January 1, 2010, new laws will take effect that begin the gradual phaseout of  R-22.  (See the EPA schedule at the end of this article.)

What does this mean to you?  Quite possibly, nothing.

If you already own a system with R-22, you need take no action at this time.  R-22 will be available for the foreseeable future to service your system.  Of course it is important now as it always has been, to take positive steps to ensure your system is tight, to minimize contribution to ozone depletion, and to avoid the ever increasing cost of replacing lost refrigerant.

Manufacturers have already discontinued the production of self-contained systems designed for R-22, as well as appliances that are shipped with refrigerant already charged – such as refrigerators, water coolers, small air conditioners, and the like.  But equipment and components for repair and replacement in existing R-22 systems can still be purchased.

If you are having a new system built, you will be able to choose between ammonia and one of the new HFC refrigerants.  Where R-22 covered a wide range of industrial applications, each of the new HFCs is suitable for a more narrow range.  So the selection will depend on various factors such as system size (capacity) and operating temperature.

In some cases, it will make sense to retrofit an existing system to one of the new HFC refrigerants.  For example, a system using a semi-hermetic compressor that suffers a major compressor failure and an exact replacement is no longer available.  You would then choose a compressor/refrigerant combination that fits your application, and proceed with a retrofit.

Things to be aware of when retrofitting from R-22 to a replacement HFC.

● Mineral oils and AB (alkyl benzene) lubricants are not miscible with HFC refrigerants.  This means a full or partial change to POE (polyolester) lubricant.

● Elastomer seals such as O-rings will have to be renewed, as they will have become saturated with the prior lubricant, and may leak due to shrinking when exposed to the new refrigerant. 

● Lines sizes, motor capacities, condenser capacities, and component pressure ratings will all have to be carefully reviewed before retrofitting.  In some cases no change will be required, while in others the existing equipment or components may be inadequate.

Per EPA; R-22 (HCFC-22) IS BEING PHASED OUT ACCORDING TO THE FOLLOWING SCHEDULE
January 1, 2010
Ban on the production and importing of HCFC-22 except for on-going servicing needs of existing systems. Production and importing of HCFC-22 will still be allowed for refrigeration systems in service prior to January 1, 2010.

January 1, 2015
Ban on the sale and use of HCFC-22 except for certain uses, including on-going servicing needs of existing refrigeration and air-conditioning systems.

January 1, 2020
Complete ban on the production and import of HCFC-22. Servicing of existing systems will still to be allowed; but R-22 will be available only from recovered or stockpiled quantities. It is difficult to predict when these supplies will run out.
Supplies may be available until almost all equipment containing R-22 is retired. However,
supplies will be more limited and costs of HCFCs will likely rise.