Refrigerator Commissioning. The environmental impact of CFCs

Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are chemical compounds that have been developed for use as refrigerants. Their molecular structure, built on the basis of methane or ethane, one or more of the hydrogen atoms replaced by chlorine or fluorine.

CFC-refrigerants, soon replaced most of the other refrigerants, except ammonia, which is still in use today. Other products made from CFCs, which were then used for aerosols, foam processes and degreasing agents.

refrigerants is their chemical stability. This long-term stability, which contributes to air pollution. After the liberation of CFCs remain in the atmosphere for many years. At low altitudes, this is not a problem. However, when they reach the upper atmosphere CFCs, ozone collapse under the influence of the ultraviolet. This leads to the release of free radical chlorine atoms which impede the normal formation of ozone and contribute to the greenhouse effect (about 10-15%).

Now there are restrictions imposed on producers of some of CFCs by the Montreal Protocol-the international agreement, which came into force in January 1989. Within ten years, the production of CFCs should have been reduced by 50 percent of 1986 levels.

Installation and service of refrigeration engineers can help in reducing emissions of CFCs. Engineers can ensure that all systems are built so that the emissions are minimal when various forms of maintenance or repair needs.