For the first time in two decades, automotive air-conditioning is undergoing substantial change, with the current industry-standard refrigerant R134a being replaced by two new gases, R1234yf and R744.
Both new gases and the systems designed for them will present significant changes to the tools, working practices, component standards and workplace safety considerations relating to repair, service and refrigerant recovery.
As a result Refrigerants Australia, VASA, Refrigerant Reclaim Australia and Australian Refrigeration Council (ARC) have partnered to deliver a national roadshow of educational seminars called future: gas. The seminars will explain the reason for the changes, the technical background of the new refrigerants, new safe working practices and standards relating to the quality and design of both components and service equipment.
Due to the A2L (mildly flammable) rating of R1234yf and the high operating pressures of R744, both new gases and the systems designed for them will present significant challenges.
This year, tens of millions of new vehicles will be manufactured around the world using the new refrigerants. In the future it is expected that almost every new car sold in Australia will use one of these new gases.
Vehicles with R1234yf air conditioning systems started arriving on the Australian market in imported cars from mid-2014 and the first local workshop use of the gas came soon afterwards, on a late-model European car that required smash repairs.
The arrival of R1234yf will be followed by R744. So far only Mercedes-Benz has revealed production cars that will use R744, but recently announced legislation that will make it easier to import vehicles from overseas is expected to accelerate the uptake of both R1234yf and R744 systems in Australia.
The seminars will commence at 6pm and finish at 9pm. The first event will be held in Newcastle (NSW) on July 6, Sydney on July 7, Melbourne on July 13, Hobart on July 14, Adelaide on July 26, Perth on July 27, Darwin on July 28, Townsville (QLD) on August 3 and Brisbane on August 4. For details go to www.futuregas.ac
Get all the latest refrigerant news in CCN's annual refrigerant feature in June. Get your copy at subscriptions@yaffa.com.au