Installation and Maintenance
The following list summarizes a few of the most important guidelines. Further information Properties of propane and propene and the resulting system and design criteria and Compressor technology. In addition to that, the specifications and safety regulations for refrigeration systems must be observed.
This information may contribute to the hazard assessment, but cannot replace it. The hazard assessment is the responsibility of the end user respectively employer.
DANGERRisk of explosion and thus danger of death in the event of refrigerant outlet and in the presence of an ignition source!
Refrigerant can ignite and also form an explosive atmosphere depending on its concentration in air!
Avoid open fire and ignition sources in the machinery room and in the hazardous zone!
- Observe the flammability limits in air (at 20°C and 1013 mbar, see also safety data sheet of the substance):
- R290 between 2.1 and 9.5% by volume
- R1270 between 2.4 and 10.4% by volume
- R600 between 1.4 and 9.5% by volume
- R600a between 1.5 and 12.5% by volume
- Observe ignition temperatures in air (at 20°C and 1013 mbar):
- R290: 470°C
- R1270: 455°C
- R600: 365°C
- R600a: 460°C
- Ventilate the machinery room according to EN378 or install an extraction device.
- To open the pipes, use only pipe cutters; do not use an open flame!
- Do not install components from which refrigerant may leak (e.g. low and high pressure cut-out) inside the switch cabinet!
If it is guaranteed that the compressor will not be operated in an Ex zone, an ATEX or Ex design is not required.
This can be guaranteed, for example, by:
- Ventilation that prevents an explosive or flammable atmosphere even if the greatest possible leak is assumed.
- Shutting off the electric consumers clearly below the lower explosive limit (LEL or LFL), which will require a gas sensor. Typically, the shut-off value of the sensor for the system is set to a maximum of 20% of the LFL. For information on this, please consult national regulations and notified bodies.