R-22 Phase-out Presents Dangers and Expense -WSS
The shipping industry is facing price, supply and safety risks in the run-up to the global ban on R-22 (chlorodifluoromethane or HCFC) refrigerant, warns Wilhelmsen Ships Service, a global provider of services and products. The colorless gas, which has high ozone depletion and global warming potential, is still said to be in use on between 6,000 and 8,000 vessels worldwide. R-22 was outlawed throughout the EU in a process that ran from 2010 to January 1, 2015. It is currently being phased out in the U.S., where no new or imported R-22 will be permitted from January 1, 2020.
MHI Debuts Non-ozone-depleting Refrigerant
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI) has developed a new series of centrifugal chillers, dubbed the "ETI-Z Series," adopting a new refrigerant, HFO-1233zd(E), that offers outstanding environmental compatibility. The various models in the new series will be progressively launched starting this September. The ETI-Z series marks the world's first small-size centrifugal chillers to adopt the new refrigerant. The ETI-Z Series carries on the fundamental product concept of the ETI Series: high performance combined with compact size. The ETI series with built-in inverter panel have been widely spread in to the market since the first models were introduced in 2008. Models in the new ETI-Z Series have a cooling capacity within a range of 80 to 700 refrigeration tons*1 (RT).
US Confirms Duties on China's Refrigerant Imports
The U.S. Department of Commerce confirmed steep duties on imports of refrigerant gas from China on Wednesday, saying the goods were sold too cheaply in the United States and were produced using Chinese government subsidies. Final duties on the gas known as 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane, used in air conditioning systems, will range from 282.54 percent to 303.42 percent, taking both anti-dumping and anti-subsidy duties into account, according to a statement from Commerce. Companies affected include Jiangsu Bluestar Green Technology Co, Shandong Dongyue Chemical Co Ltd, T.T. International Co and Zhejiang Sanmei Chemical Industry Co Ltd . The complaint was lodged by Mexichem Fluor Inc, a subsidiary of Mexico's Mexichem. The duties are subject to a final decision by the U.S.
COA Making Sure Reefer Refrigerant the Real Thing
The Container Owners Association (COA) has had to develop a new global online database of refrigeration machinery repair companies, following 5 separate explosions that caused 3 deaths in 2011. Investigations into the incidents, which resulted in three deaths, concluded that the refrigeration machines had contained a gas other than the refrigerant R134a for which they were designed to operate on, which had created explosive gases inside the system. After testing samples from over 10…
Lloyd's Register Safety alert:
Explosion of refrigerated container compression units and recommendations for recharging - Applicability: Container ship operators and crew, container terminals and stevedores, road haulage firms, maintenance fitters and end users/leasers of refrigerated containers. There have recently been a number of incidents, some fatal, involving explosion of the compressor units fitted to refrigerated (reefer) containers. The cause of the explosions is still under investigation but it appears that the servicing of the refrigeration system is a common factor in each case.
APL: Refrigerated Container Fleet Safe
Shipping line takes extra measures to prevent mishaps. Global container shipping line APL today declared its refrigerated container fleet safe and announced new precautions to prevent equipment mishaps. The declaration followed reports this week from competitors that at least four of their refrigerated containers exploded during 2011. “We have reviewed our inspection records and procedures and are fully confident that our refrigerated containers are safe and in cargo-worthy condition,” said Eric Eng, Vice President of APL’s Global Refrigerated Trade. Placing new restrictions on where the containers can undergo refrigerant system repair. APL operates more than 50,000 refrigerated containers. The carrier said there have been no explosions or other catastrophic malfunctions in its fleet.
Taylor Made Environmental Receives Patent
Taylor Made Environmental has been awarded a second U.S. patent for its Chiller Compact air conditioning system. The new patent complements an earlier patent (#6,263,689), which was issued last year for the Chiller Compact unit. overall package. The Chiller Compact system is designed for boats 45-75 ft. with PVC water pipes. charging at installation. configuration. The compact base design and footprint provides for maximumflexibility in space, usage and layouts. Systems brand name.
