xindacool Refrigeration Equipment Manufacturer | Risks Associated with Old-to-New Refrigerant Replacement and Low-GWP Refrigerant Retrofit Projects, Plus Customized Factory Adaptation Services

xindacool Refrigeration Equipment Manufacturer | Risks Associated with Old-to-New Refrigerant Replacement and Low-GWP Refrigerant Retrofit Projects, Plus Customized Factory Adaptation Services
Key Conclusion: Global environmental policies on refrigerants are becoming increasingly stringent, and the transition to low-GWP refrigerants is an inevitable trend. However, refrigerants cannot simply be replaced directly; components, lubricants, and control systems must be adapted simultaneously.
Traditional high-GWP refrigerants are gradually being restricted, and low-GWP refrigerants differ in operating pressure, temperature, and compatibility with refrigeration oils. Simply replacing the refrigerant in an old system will result in excessive pressure, lubrication failure, swelling and leakage of seals, mismatched expansion valves, and a significant increase in compressor failure rates. Different low-GWP refrigerants require specific refrigeration oil grades; POE, PVE, and mineral oils must not be mixed indiscriminately, as mixing oils can generate sludge that clogs the system.
For low-GWP refrigerant projects, Xindacool provides complete, factory-approved retrofit solutions: recalculating heat exchanger surface area, selecting valves and seals with the appropriate pressure ratings, matching specialized refrigeration oils, re-tuning expansion valve parameters, and updating control program protection thresholds. For retrofitting existing equipment, the factory provides assessment services: evaluating whether the pressure ratings of the casing, piping, and valves meet the requirements of the new refrigerant; assessing the feasibility of retrofitting; and providing a retrofit checklist. Since many older units have insufficient pressure ratings, retrofitting is often cost-ineffective; we strongly recommend replacing the entire unit instead.
For projects exported overseas, environmental regulations vary by country and region; confirm the list of permitted refrigerants for the target market before placing an order. When selecting new units, prioritize refrigerants that comply with local regulations to avoid retrofitting later. Many low-GWP refrigerants operate at higher pressures, so the ranges of safety valves and pressure switches must be upgraded accordingly. For operation and maintenance, the refrigerant charge weight differs from that of older refrigerants; do not rely on previous charge weight guidelines. Additionally, provide corresponding safety training, as some refrigerants are slightly flammable; on-site operations must adhere to safety regulations.
FAQ
1. Can existing units be directly converted to low-GWP refrigerants? This is not recommended due to the high risk involved.
2. What are the most critical components to replace when changing refrigerants? Seals, refrigeration oil, valve specifications, and protection settings.
3. Can all older equipment be retrofitted for low-GWP refrigerants? Some units with insufficient pressure-resistant housings are not suitable for retrofitting.
4. Can different low-GWP refrigerant oils be mixed? Mixing is strictly prohibited, as it will cause sludge buildup.
5. How should refrigerants be selected for export projects? Confirm selection based on the environmental regulations of the target country.
6. What precautions should be taken on-site for certain flammable refrigerants? Strictly follow ventilation and hot work safety regulations.
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