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Known as the F Gas Regulations and designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. These rules
cover the hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs); perfluorocarbons (PFCs) and sulphur hexaflouride (SF6). The
main use of HFCs is in refrigeration systems but they are also used in fire protection systems, foam
blowing and aerosols. PFCs are used in the manufacture of semi-conductors, SF6 is used in high
voltage switchgear, castings of magnesium and large vehicle tyres.
HFCs have become popular since the 1990s with the phasing out of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and
hydrochloroflourocarbons (HCFCs) under the Montreal Protocol designed to prevent further damage to the ozone layer.
Not all refrigerants are covered by the F Gas Regulations but the majority of freeze driers
are using refrigerants that are covered and these rules will almost certainly affect you if you
are running a freeze drier (and other refrigeration equipment) purchased since about 1995. Older
equipment may be using refrigerants that are covered by other regulations, are already banned or
about to be phased out. Biopharma can deal with these on an individual basis and you can check
the status of your freeze driers by contacting the service team. We have the expertise and
experience to change your refrigerants if this is required under current legislation and can advise
on the affects on performance etc.
The amount of refrigerant in a system governs the responsibility “operators” have for legal
compliance. [Operators has a specific meaning under the regulations]. The responsibilities change
for systems containing:-
- less than 3 kg of refrigerant
- between 3 and 30 kg of refrigerant
- between 30 and 300 kg of refrigerant
- more than 300 kg of refrigerant
A matrix showing those responsibilities is given below.
1 The label (or labels) must contain the name of the refrigerant, the quantity of the refrigerant
and the text “contains fluorinated greenhouse gases covered by the Kyoto Protocol”
2 This is the minimum amount of leak detection required by certified personnel
All Biopharma service engineers are qualified under current regulations to install, service, maintain
and repair refrigeration equipment and we have the necessary certification. We are also qualified to
reclaim and dispose of refrigerants under waste transfer procedures and again we are certified for this.
From July 4th 2011 these regulations change and additional certification will be required. Biopharma
service engineers are all booked onto courses that will provide the highest level of compliance
(Category 1) before this date.
During the servicing of freeze driers, we will ensure that you are complying with the current
regulations (we have a responsibility to do this as service providers) and this will be recorded in
the service reports.
Should you wish to book a service for your equipment, enquire about the status of the refrigerant,
require further information, guidance or assistance then please contact
Biopharma Process Systems service department.
Current regulations and updates (for the UK) can be found on DEFRA's website
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