3 Environmental Effects and Refrigerant Regulations Free Online FlashCards

What does the stratospheric ozone layer do?

The stratospheric ozone layer absorbs much of the Sun’s harmful ultraviolet radiation.

Why can replacing an ozone-depleting refrigerant with an HFC leave an environmental problem?

HFCs contain no chlorine and do not deplete ozone, but many are powerful greenhouse gases.

What does global-warming potential (GWP) compare?

GWP compares the heat-trapping effect of a greenhouse gas with that of the same mass of carbon dioxide over a specified period, commonly 100 years.

Besides GWP, what affects a refrigeration system’s climate impact?

Leaks, refrigerant charge, system energy use, and emissions during servicing and disposal also affect climate impact.

How do the Montreal Protocol and its Kigali Amendment differ in focus?

The Montreal Protocol phases out ozone-depleting substances; its Kigali Amendment adds a phasedown of HFCs because of their climate impact.

What does the AIM Act provide for?

The American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act provides for an HFC phasedown and restrictions on certain higher-GWP uses.

What does Section 608 prohibit during service, repair, or disposal?

For stationary refrigeration and air-conditioning equipment, Section 608 prohibits intentional venting of ozone-depleting refrigerants and most substitutes during service, repair, or disposal.

What safety or equipment tradeoffs can lower-GWP refrigerants have?

Lower-GWP alternatives have application-specific tradeoffs: carbon dioxide systems operate at high pressures, ammonia is toxic, and hydrocarbons such as propane are flammable.

How can chlorine- or bromine-containing chemicals destroy ozone?

Sunlight can release chlorine or bromine atoms from certain chemicals in the stratosphere; these atoms destroy ozone through repeated chemical reactions.

Which refrigerant groups deplete ozone, and which generally have greater ODP?

CFCs and HCFCs deplete ozone; CFCs generally have greater ozone-depletion potential (ODP).

What GWP value is assigned to carbon dioxide?

Carbon dioxide is assigned a GWP of 1.

What does a higher refrigerant GWP indicate?

A higher GWP means a given mass of released refrigerant has a greater warming effect by this measure.