The biggest Japanese manufacturers are moving ahead with HFC-32, which is likely to become a leader in the stationary air conditioning market, replacing HFC-410A.
HFC-32 has only been commercially available for two years, but in 2013 a significant quantity of precharged equipment containing HFC-32 was imported into Australia.
Daikin, Panasonic, Fujitsu General, Hitachi and Toshiba are all using HFC-32. Daikin Industries and Fujitsu General launched HFC-32 products in Australia in 2013.
Chillers charged with HFC-32 are expected to be introduced by around 2015 while ammonia systems can already be found in very large commercial applications with refrigerating capacities of up to 30,000 kWr.
With more manufacturers releasing R32 air conditioning systems and the inevitability of larger R32 systems hitting the market in the future, Heatcraft has provided a safety guide on using correct tools and equipment to service this market.
With over 60 branch locations in Australia, Heatcraft stock a wide range of R32 compliant tooling equipment and copper to meet the servicing needs for R32 and the upcoming low global warming potential (GWP) HFO, R1234yf.
"Many service technicians may not be aware that specialist tools are needed to service R32 systems. R32 is mildly flammable and has higher operating pressures. Not using R32 compliant equipment can compromise your safety which may result in injury,” explains Wayne Hayes, tools and equipment category manager at Heatcraft Australia and New Zealand.
"While technicians may not have yet started working on R32 air conditioning systems, it is highly likely they will in the future. When buying new equipment, they should make sure it is R32 compliant as this will ensure safe work practice and save equipment upgrade costs in the future.”
A recovery unit can move large quantities of R32 refrigerant and having a compliant unit is essential for safe work practice. Heatcraft’s range includes the newly released CPS TRS21A recovery unit.
The TRS21A is a rework of the very powerful and popular TR21E and now has a hard wired 240V power inlet, intrinsic on/off switch and sealed internal switching for added safety. The open design and absence of a plastic cover also assists in preventing the pooling of refrigerants, while the elimination of an electric fan also adds to its safety features.
Heatcraft has also introduced dedicated red and yellow R32 reclaim cylinders. A new Interlink R32 cylinder adaptor with left handed thread is also available to order.
Vacuum Pumps
Although there should be minimal refrigerant in a system ready for vacuum, it is not guaranteed. With the pending increase in the size of R32 units on the market, Heatcraft recommends you use a R32 specific vacuum pump.
Available from Heatcraft is the new CPS VPS6DA 144 l/m vacuum pump designed for R32, R1234yf and ammonia vapours. This unit comes with a spark proof on/off switch, is hard wired and includes sealed, internal switching. If you are starting to work with R32 or just need a new vacuum pump, getting one that is suitable for R32 will greatly assist in safe work.
Leak Prevention
“Minimising any leaks on an R32 system when installing or servicing should be high on your safe work practices list,” Hayes says. “One way to minimise the leak risk is to ensure you use a torque wrench set to the manufacturer’s recommendations on your flare joints.
“Heatcraft stock a wide range of torque wrenches including the recently released TLDTW digital adjustable torque wrench, which is an easy to operate electronic torque wrench with fully adjustable torque settings.”
This is in addition to a wide range of electronic leak detectors from CPS and Fieldpiece, and manifolds including the
Fieldpiece SMAN and the new CPS MD series digital manifold that is set up and suitable for R32 and R1234yf refrigerants.
Pipework Compatibility - When it comes to pipework, stick to material that is R410A rated, as this also suitable for R32. The Heatcraft range includes bare copper tube, copper fittings and pair coil from leading brands such as Interlink, Kembla and Refac for all your requirements.
The new Henry Flex thermoplastic hose is also suitable for use and available now from Heatcraft. For further clarification on R32 compliant equipment, contact the experts at Heatcraft Australia on 13 23 50. A special five page feature on R32 appears in the August edition of Climate Control News magazine, out this week.