Launch of first European training for hydrocarbon split systems
A group of trainers from the UK, Germany and Italy, in collaboration with manufacturer Clivet, have launched a joint training programme to increase awareness and build competency in the use of hydrocarbon refrigerants in split systems.
The initiative is believed to be the first of its kind to be launched in the European market. It is designed to help the cooling industry across Europe to move towards the adoption of alternative highly flammable refrigerants in small commercial and domestic air conditioning.
The current proposals for revision of the EU F-Gas regulations, expected to be in place from 1st of January 2024, after completion of the legislative process, will place a ban on split systems with thermal capacity up to 12 kW using a refrigerant with GWP above 150 – and at present for these kind of applications the only refrigerant matching the requirement is the hydrocarbon R290 (propane).
The procedure for the safe installation, servicing and maintenance of equipment utilising natural refrigerants as R600a and R290 is completely different to those required to work with HFCs. Thus technicians who will handle these kind of systems, potentially hundreds of thousands of people across Europe, will need to be retrained.
The training which will be provided by the selected training centres will follow the REAL Alternatives project in both principles and programme. It provides a certification scheme which is mutually recognised in 20 countries globally and translated into 17 languages. The certification is already mandatory in Spain, Netherlands and Denmark. All EU countries will probably follow and 500,000 technicians (already F-Gas certified) will potentially need to be certified for the alternative refrigerants on top of the F-Gas certification they already hold, with a further two days specific training and certification.
For improved experience, a specific feedback form will be handled to the attendees at the end of the training, asking specific questions aimed at understanding the problems and the solutions and ensuring the familiarity of the technicians who will need to perform those activities in the future.
The Clivet-built hydrocarbon systems, manufactured in production facilities suitable for charging, pressure testing and handling the flammable refrigerant, have been delivered to the classrooms, laboratories and workshops of the training organisations this week.
These training centres have been equipped with specialist tools and equipment for use with flammable refrigerants (i.e. recovery machines, vacuum pumps, mobile and permanent leak detectors, ventilation fans to dilute the flammable concentration) to ensure safe operation of the new units.
All equipment is approved for use in a flammable atmosphere in accordance with ATEX and DSEAR Regulations.