Mobile Air-Conditioner Versus The Ozone Layer
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
Your commitment to reduce the use of CFCs is needed - not only for the protection of the ozone layer. Following are some vital points/facts/informations related to ozone layer protection awareness which I adopted from Department of Environmental (DOE) brochure.
CFC in your Mobile Air-Conditioner (MAC) are bad for the ozone layer
Recovery and Recycling (2R)
-2R of CFC 12 during service will be a better solution in reducing CFC 12 emission.
-Send your vehicle to the workshop having the the 2R machine to service your air-conditioning system by a competent mechanic.
-Currently there are 200 MAC service stations that have been equipped with 2R under the MAC 2R project funded by the Multilateral Fund of Montreal Protocol and more than 150 recycling equipment provided by the air-conditioner manufacturer.
Retrofitting (1R)
Retrofitting means removing ozone depleting refrigerant from your air-conditioning system and making modifications so that it can be recharged with one of the new alternatives.
Depending on the make, model and age of your vehicle, the air-conditioning system can be modified to use the ozone friendly refrigerant. The extent and cost of retrofit depends on the system design and the alternative refrigerant chosen.
Ozone Layer And You
- Stratospheric Ozone (15-60 km) is being attacked by "Ozone Depleting Substance" (ODS) particularly CFCs and Halon.
- Without the protection given by the ozone layer, there will be an increase in skin cancer, eye cataracts, reduced immunity, lower crops yield and cause adverse effect on the marine life.
- CFC 12 or known as R12 widely used in mobile air-conditioner (MAC) as coolant.
Montreal Protocol: Trade or Environment Issue?
-The international obligations for the protection of the ozone layer by controlling on the "consumption" of ODS.
- The protocol was originally entered into force in 1989, amended in June 1990 and November 1992 with the intention to accelerate phase out of ODS.
-The Protocol places restriction on trade of controlled substances.
Ozone Protection Control
Strategy to control the use of CFCs has been adopted through the Custom Duty Order and Environmentally Quality Act.
What Is In Your Mobile Air-Conditioner
Most vehicles' air-conditioners contained CFC 12 as refriegerant. CFC 12 is known as Ozone Depleting Substance (ODS) that will be phased out soon. Malaysia and other developed countries are trying to stop producing CFCs.
Will This Phase Out Affect You?
Yes! Most mobile air-conditioners leak CFCs over time need for regressing. Once CFCs have been phased out, you may not be able to buy CFCs or it or it is available but the price may be far more expansive.
Remember!
-There will be no more CFC 12 produced by developed country in 1996
- Shortage of supply means CFC 12 will become scareful and difficult to get.
- Price may increase sharply
Ozone Friendly Alternatives
- Become an ozone-friendly buyer.
- Currently R-134a the only ozone friendly and safe gas with ODP = 0.
- No import duty for R-134a.
- Blends containing HCFC-22, HFC-152a and HCFC-124. This type of refriegerants is less harmful to the ozone layer and will operate with existing lubricant but will require some modifications.
- Most of our National Car ie. Proton and PErodua are using R-134a air-conditioners. Most 1994 imported cars onwards also used R-134a.
Minimize Leaks of CFCs
- Minimize leaks of CFCs by running your air-conditioners for ten minutes every week to ensure the seals are kept lubricated.
- Having it serviced regularly by a competent mechanic.
- Continue to run CFCs with minimum changes.
- Reduce emission of CFC 12 in the atmosphere by using 2R facilities during retrofitting process.
- Planning on conversion to phase out CFCs.
- Minimize the cost of shifting to non ODS refrigerant.
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Labels: Chemical Engineering, Environmental, Learning Curve, Problem
posted by Kipas Repair JB @ 7:32 PM,
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I’m Zaki. I used to be a project, process and chemical engineer. Few years ago I successfully became a Chartered Engineer (IChemE) and Professional Engineer (BEM). I'm now employed as a chemical engineering educator/researcher/consultant. Hope you like reading my blog. I welcome any feedback from you. My email: zaki.yz[alias]gmail.com. TQ!
