Hydrocarbon Replacement

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Study on the Potential

for Hydrocarbon
Replacements
in Existing Domestic
and Small Commercial
Refrigeration Appliances
UNEP
United Nations Environment Programme

Division of Technology, Industry and Economics
Energy and OzonAction Unit
OzonAction Programme
Multilateral Fund for the Implementation

of the Montreal Protocol
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Disclaimer
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the authors and the reviewers of this document and their employees
do not endorse the performance, worker safety, or environmental acceptability of any of the technical or policy options
described in this document.
While the information contained herein is believed to be accurate, it is of necessity presented in a summary and general
fashion. The decision to implement one of the options presented in this document requires careful consideration of a wide
range of situation-specific parameters, many of which may not be addressed by this document. Responsibility for this
decision and all its resulting impacts rests exclusively with the individual or entity choosing to implement the option.
UNEP, the authors, the reviewers and their employees do not make any warranty or representation, either expressed or
implied, with respect to its accuracy, completeness or utility; nor do they assume any liability for events resulting from the
use of, reliance upon, any information, material or procedure described herein, including but not limited to any claims
regarding health, safety, environmental effects, efficacy, performance, or cost made by the source of information.
The reviewers listed in this document have reviewed one or more interim drafts of this document, but have not reviewed
this final version. These reviewers are not responsible for any errors which may be present in this document or for any
effects which may result from such errors.
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All product names and trademarks used in this document belong to their respective companies.
Reproduction of this document

Any or all parts of this document may be reproduced without prior or written consent, as long as the reproduced portion is
attributed to UNEP.
UNITED NATIONS PUBLICATION

ISBN 92-807-1765-0
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A Message from UNEPs Executive Director
One of the major challenges posed to the Montreal Protocol is to protect the stratospheric ozone layer
while ensuring that developing countries are not economically disadvantaged during their transition to
new technologies that do not rely on ozone depleting substances (ODS). This is particularly applicable
to the refrigeration sector, which accounts for the largest share of ODS consumption in developing
countries and touches virtually every persons life, directly or indirectly.
Today, developing countries face another unique challenge. What should those nations do with the
millions of existing domestic and commercial refrigerators and freezers that use ozone-depleting
CFC-12 refrigerants? Unlike the practice in industrialized countries, the replacement of refrigerators
and freezers due to old age or fashion is not common in developing countries. For some families and
businesses, refrigerators are life-long possessions. Accordingly, repair, rather than replacement, is the
habit. Can those appliance owners in developing countries continue to use their existing refrigerators
and freezers but at the same time protect the ozone layer by retrofitting the equipment to use non-CFC
refrigerants?
Under the leadership of UNEP DTIEs OzonAction Programme under the Multilateral Fund for the
Implementation of the Montreal Protocol, and with the generous support of Environment Canada,
GTZ/Proklima, National Research Council Canada, the Netherlands Ministry of Development
Cooperation, the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and the Swiss Agency for
Environment, Forests and Landscape (SAEFL), technologists and environmentalists around the world
researched possible answers to this question. Their findings of their global studies and field experiences
are presented in this publication, the Study on the Potential for Hydrocarbon Replacements in Existing
Domestic and Small Commercial Refrigeration Appliances.
The study addresses retrofitting of existing appliances with hydrocarbons, which apart from protecting
the ozone layer, also have the advantage of not contributing to climate change as they are not greenhouse
gases (unlike HFCs). The study is intended to provide background to decision-makers in developing
countries who must weigh the positive and negative aspects of this retrofitting option.
UNEP believes that this study contributes to addressing the unique challenge faced by developing
countries in phasing-out CFCs and protecting the ozone layer.
I am particularly pleased that this study is being released in 1999, a year which
marks the beginning of the Montreal Protocol control measures by developing
countries.
Klaus Tpfer
United Nations Under-Secretary-General
and Executive Director of UNEP
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Acknowledgements
This document was produced by UNEP Division of Technology, Industry and Economics (UNEP TIE) as part
of its OzonAction Programme under the Multilateral Fund.
The project was managed by:
Ms. Jacqueline Aloisi de Larderel
Director, UNEP TIE
Mr. Rajendra Shende
Chief, UNEP TIE Energy and OzonAction Unit
Mr. Steve Gorman
Regional Network Manager, UNEP TIE
Mr. James S. Curlin

Information Officer, UNEP TIE
And
Dr. W. Keith Snelson
National Research Council Canada
The document was written by:

Synthesis Report
Dr. W. Keith Snelson
Desk Survey
Prof. Radhey S. Agarwal
Co-Chair, UNEP Refrigeration Technical
Option Committee Indian Institute of
Technology (New Delhi)
Ir. Martien Janssen
Member, UNEP Refrigeration Technical Option
Committee Re/genT BV (The Netherlands)
Workshop Report
Mr. Samuel Hess
INFRAS Consulting Group for Policy Analysis
and Implementation
Mr. Nikolas Schall
Consultant
Dr. Othmar Schwank
INFRAS Consulting Group for Policy Analysis
and Implementation
Costa Rica Country Study

Mr. Ebel Dijkstra and
Ms. Marja Tummers
Ecozone (Netherlands)
Ms. Marcela Velzquez
CEGESTI (Costa Rica)
Cuba Country Study
Dr. Nelso Espinosa Pina
Oficina Tcnica de Ozono (Cuba)
Ms. Marja Tummers
Ms. Marcela Velzquez
CEGESTI (Costa Rica)
Indonesia Country Study
Mr Manfred Egger
Swisscontact - SMEP
Ms. Marja Tummers
Quality review of specific sections of this document was done by:

Dr. Lambert Kuijpers
Co-chair, UNEP Technology and Economic Assessment Panel
UNEP TIE wishes to thank all contributors and their employees for helping to make this document possible,
as well as the generous support of Environment Canada, GTZ/Proklima, National Research Council Canada,
the Netherlands Ministry of Development Co-operation, the Swiss Agency for Development and
Cooperation (SDC) and the Swiss Agency for Environment, Forests and Landscape (SAEFL).
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
PREFACE............................................................................................................
SYNTHESIS REPORT .........................................................................................
PART I - DESK SURVEY .....................................................................................

1 Introduction ....................................................................................................
2 Acceptability of a retrofit refrigerant for domestic and small
commercial refrigeration systems .................................................................
3 Refrigerant property data .............................................................................
4 Material compatibility and refrigerant/lubricant interaction ....................
5 Appliance performance .................................................................................
6 Reliability ........................................................................................................
7 Safety aspects of hydrocarbon refrigerants .................................................
8 Regulations and standards ............................................................................
9 Availability and costs of hydrocarbon refrigerants .....................................
10 Servicing and drop-in conversion of R-12 appliances
to hydrocarbon blends ...................................................................................
11 Conclusions and recommendations ..............................................................
List of References ..................................................................................................
27
31
PART II - COUNTRY SPECIFIC SURVEYS............................................................
85
Indonesia .........................................................................................................
Introduction ..........................................................................................................
1 Overview phase-out of ODS in Indonesia .....................................................
2 Methodology...................................................................................................
3 The proposed alternatives..............................................................................
4 Could Hydrocarbons work..............................................................................
5 Results UNEP Study .........................................................................................
6 General observations and recommendations...............................................
ANNEXES ...............................................................................................................
85
89
91
92
93
94
95
114
117
Costa Rica ........................................................................................................

1 Overview phase-out of ODS in Costa Rica ....................................................
2 Methodology...................................................................................................
3 The proposed alternatives..............................................................................
4 Could Hydrocarbons work..............................................................................
5 Results UNEP Study .........................................................................................
ANNEXES ...............................................................................................................
163
167
168
169
170
171
185
187
32
34
39
42
50
53
58
62
64
66
69
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Table of contents
Cuba .................................................................................................................
Introduction ...........................................................................................................
1 Overview phase-out of ODS in Cuba.............................................................
2 Political background .......................................................................................
3 The Ministry of Environment .........................................................................
4 The development of hydrocarbon refrigerant in Cuba ...............................
5 Methodology...................................................................................................
6 Results Unep Study..........................................................................................
ANNEXES ...............................................................................................................
229
233
234
235
236
237
238
239
252
255
PART III - WORKSHOP REPORT .........................................................................

1 Introduction.....................................................................................................
2 Results of the Workshop ................................................................................
3 Conclusions ......................................................................................................
ANNEXES ................................................................................................................
283
287
289
292
295
About the UNEP DTIE OzonAction Programme .......................................................
367
About the UNEP Division of Technology, Industry and Economics ..........................
368
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Preface
Preface
The possibility of using hydrocarbons (HCs) to retrofit existing CFC-based domestic and small
commercial refrigeration applicances (e.g. refrigerators, freezers, small display cases, soft drink and ice
cream coolers) has been informally considered and applied for some years as a possible option to help
developing countries meet their obligations under the Montreal Protocol. Until now, this issue has not
been substantially investigated and documented in the context of the Multilateral Fund for the
Implementation of the Montreal Protocol.
With only anecdotal stories and isolated data available, Article 5 countries, developed countries and
other interested parties within the Multilateral Fund community have had little on which to base
potential future decisions about the viability of this technical option. This study helps close the
information gap to some extent.
The study is designed to help policy-makers make informed judgements about retrofitting existing
domestic and small commercial appliances with HCs. It provides key information: conclusions a crucial
international forum on this subject (the Workshop Report), existing technical information collected
from diverse sources (the Desk Survey), newly collected data from the field (the three Country Studies),
and a big picture report that ties each of these elements together (the Synthesis Report). It also
identifies additional work that needs to be done before making decisions.
Although developed countries, bilateral agencies and refrigeration sector experts and others should find
the data and conclusions useful and thought-provoking, the study will be of particular interest to low
volume ODS-consuming countries (LVCs). Like mid- and large-sized Article 5 countries, LVCs have
commited to reducing and eliminating CFCs and other ozone depleting substances (ODS) under the
Montreal Protocol. However unlike their larger bretheren, LVCs have more limited options available in
the short term to reduce CFC consumption in order to meet their 1999 freeze and subsequent reduction
commitments under the Protocol. Retrofitting with hydrocarbons is one approach that could help them
meet these targets.
The need for this study emerged during late 1996 at meetings of the Regional Networks of ODS
Officers, during which UNEP received repeated requests for information on such issues as the technical
and economic feasibility of equipment conversion, safety and liability aspects, servicing requirements,
and training needs. The study was approved and funded as part of UNEPs 1997 Work Programme
under the Multilateral Fund with additional financial support from Environment Canada,
GTZ/Proklima, National Research Council Canada, the Netherlands Ministry of Development Cooperation, the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and the Swiss Agency for
Environment, Forests and Landscape (SAEFL).
In the interest of disseminating this information as widely as possible, UNEP is also making this report
available free-of-charge on its website at http://www.unepie.org/ozonaction.html.
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Study on the Potential for Hydrocarbon Replacements
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UNEP
for Hydrocarbon Replacements
in Domestic and Small
Commercial Refrigeration Appliances
Synthesis Report
January 1999
W. Keith Snelson
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Synthesis Report
1. INTRODUCTION
In late 1996 interested delegates from Article 5, non-Article 5, as well as all the Implementing Agencies
attended a meeting in Costa Rica to discuss the possibilities of retrofitting used domestic and small
commercial appliances with hydrocarbons (HCs) to replace CFCs. During this and follow-up meetings
of the networks of ODS officers a strong interest was expressed by all participants in the viability of this
technology as a possible option to assist in complying with the requirements of the Montreal Protocol.
The main target for this technology would be the Low Volume Consuming countries (LVCs) that have
limited options available in the short term to reduce CFC consumption for various appliances including
refrigerators, freezers, small display cases, soft drink and ice cream coolers, etc. Any consideration of
this option leads to the question whether there is sufficient information available to enable the policy
makers and others in those countries to make informed decisions on the use of HCs for such
applications. In an attempt to respond to requests especially from national ozone unit officers and others
for more information on issues such as technical and economic feasibility of equipment conversion,
safety and liability aspects, servicing requirements, training needs, etc., the United Nations
Environment Programme - Division of Technology, Industry and Economics (UNEP DTIE) proposed
a Study on this topic in its 1997 Work Programme and approval was obtained from the Executive
Committee of the Multilateral Fund.
The Study was sponsored by UNEP with additional support from the Ministry of Development
Co-operation in the Netherlands government. The National Research Council of Canada (NRC) was
selected to provide overall project management services for the Study. As the Project Manager, the
independent stature of NRC was perceived as being able to add credibility and provide an objective and
unbiased approach to the final synthesis reporting process. The initial study work was conducted during
July/August 1997 and preliminary reports covering the various sections were prepared by the
contractors as input to a Workshop held in Montreal in September 1997. The Workshop provided a
forum for dissemination and discussion of the issues among ozone officers, technicians, and policylevel officials from Article 5 countries as well as experts from Article 2 countries and others. (The
Montreal Workshop was funded, managed and reported separately and was not included under the
project management tasks in the Terms of Reference for the Study.) Follow-up work continued after the
Workshop and revised draft reports were completed and reviewed. Most of the study reports were
subsequently finalized in late 1997. However release of the Cuban country report was delayed at the
request of the government authorities to enable the Cuban Technical Ozone Office to provide its own
input which was received in April 1998.
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2. PURPOSE AND SCOPE

The overall objective of the Study was to review and assess the information and knowledge available
(and identify areas where the level of understanding needs to be improved) on the feasibility of using
various HCs as replacements for CFCs, especially in existing domestic and small scale commercial
refrigeration equipment. With the focus on applications in Article 5 countries and the potential for
eligibility of financing from the Montreal Protocol Multilateral Fund (MF) the Study was also intended
to address the issues that need to be considered by the MF in its efforts to assess whether the technology
is proven, environmentally viable, and represents a cost-effective option.
The Study was divided into two parts:
(1) A Desk Survey (Part 1) to review all existing literature available on experiences with HCs when
used as replacements in existing domestic/small commercial refrigeration systems. The objective
of the literature review was to establish whether sufficient information was available to accept HCs
as possible drop-in or retrofit refrigerants in such applications. This task was shared by Re/genT
BV (Mr. Martien Janssen) and the Indian Institute of Technology (Prof. R.S. Agarwal).
(2) A Country Specific Survey (Part 2) to assess the particular experiences in three selected countries
of Costa Rica, Cuba and Indonesia, where various HC (and LPG) technology related programs in
this particular application area were known to have been active in recent years. This part of the
Study was undertaken by Ecozone BV (Mr. Ebel Dijkstra and Ms. Marja Tummers), with support
from Swisscontact-SMEP (Mr. Manfred Egger) and Cegesti (Ms. Marcela Velzquez). Additional
input for Cuba was subsequently provided by the Oficina Tcnica de Ozono (Dr. Nelson Espinosa
Pena).
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Synthesis Report
3. STRATEGY
3.1 Part 1 - Desk Survey
The approach taken was to consult with several manufacturers of small refrigeration appliances to
determine what information would be required to qualify any proposed new refrigerant for such
application. This type of analysis has already been undertaken by equipment manufacturers for other
CFC alternatives now commercially available. The procedure leads to the definition of eight criteria for
which information is required before any new refrigerant can be accepted for service:
Refrigerant properties data

Material compatibility and refrigerant/lubricant interaction
Appliance performance
Reliability
Safety of refrigerant and equipment
Standards and regulations
Availability and costs
Servicing procedure
Each of the defined criteria were considered relative to the specific hydrocarbon replacement
application being studied, and a thorough international literature search of all possible sources of
information was conducted. In all over 230 references were identified in the study. For each criterion
considered a summary of the status quo of the knowledge base was presented.
By analyzing the contents of the various references found against a checklist of requirements as defined
in the list of criteria, a matrix was prepared highlighting the information which is available and
identifying where gaps exist in the knowledge base. Corresponding recommendations were made on
whether the level of know-how is appropriate and some conclusions drawn concerning the applicability
of hydrocarbons as service refrigerants and as a possible replacement option in this context.
3.2 Part 2 - Country Specific Survey

For the case studies in the three countries identified the objective was to gather information on
experiences in the areas of technical and economic feasibility, safety related issues, country regulations
and liability aspects, energy efficiency, evaluation of practices, training facilities for service staff,
availability of servicing equipment, consumer awareness, and public perceptions of the technology.
The methodology used in each case was to develop a detailed questionnaire intended to provide in-depth
coverage of the above issues, and conduct interviews with key stakeholding groups and individuals in
those countries. Specifically the survey was targeted at ozone unit officers, government agencies,
refrigerator supply companies and their service departments, local refrigeration entrepreneurs,
training/education organizations, etc. The questionnaires were sub-divided into five categories covering
environmental, economic, social, technical, and regulatory and liability aspects. For each country the
information obtained from all sources and contacts was compiled into five report sub-sections each
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containing a corresponding set of observations, followed at the end by some general conclusions and
recommendations.
In the case of Indonesia a total of 51 individuals were interviewed representing 25 organizations,
comprising government ministries and agencies, refrigeration equipment manufacturers/retailers,
service workshops, technical training centres, etc. Since HC refrigerants are relatively new in Indonesia,
most respondents were not able to answer all questions and some were not relevant, but the
questionnaire served as a satisfactory framework for discussion in the various interviews.
In Costa Rica a series of 12 interviews were performed, covering a representative cross-section of those
involved in the potential introduction of HC refrigerants in that country. The group interviewed included
individuals from government, refrigerator manufacturing, refrigeration equipment distribution, service
and maintenance workshops, user industry, and university/training institutes.
In Cuba some of the planned interviews were subsequently cancelled, but eventually 11 organizations
were visited and 25 representatives mostly from government agencies were questioned. Very significant
and extensive experiences with retrofitting of a special LPG blend were discussed in some of these
interviews. Initial reporting of this information was completed by the contractor but not released,
pending review and authorization from Cuban government officials. Eventually the contents of the same
report were accepted with minor changes.
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Synthesis Report
4. MAJOR FINDINGS
4.1 Part 1 - Desk Survey
Most of the literature discussed in the Desk Survey pertains to blends of R-290/R-600a (propane and
isobutane), since these fluids can be composed to form blends having a very similar cooling capacity
and pressure/temperature conditions to that of CFC-12 and are therefore most suitable for the domestic
refrigerator working fluid replacement scenario.
Refrigerant Properties Data

The thermodynamic and thermophysical properties data for R-290 and R-600a as single
component refrigerants are all well established over many years, and with the increasing use of
these substances as refrigerant mixtures the corresponding properties of the blends of these
refrigerants are also well documented. Sophisticated computer software is also readily available to
provide complete and accurate properties data for pure hydrocarbons and their blends.
Upper and lower flammability limits by volume in air and corresponding auto ignition
temperatures are well known for R-290, R-600a and typical blends. Sufficient data is also available
on the toxicity levels, exposure limits, and corresponding safety classifications of these
refrigerants.
In hydrocarbons the presence of contaminants can lead to problems and, depending on the level,
may cause damage to compressors as well as adversely affecting system refrigeration capacities
and efficiencies. This is particularly an issue when using LPG which often contains water and other
contaminants. Impurities within the refrigerant blend concentrations can also affect capacities and
efficiencies, especially at higher deviations from the specified composition. The purity
requirements for R-290 and R-600a and limits on types of contaminants have been clearly specified
by refrigerant manufacturers, and the same spedifications would apply for the blends. However
there is little information available on the effects on refrigeration systems of deviating from the
specified purity levels.
It is clear that adequate information is available on pure HCs and blends including
thermodynamic and thermophysical properties, flammability and toxicity data,
contaminant/purity levels, and environmental data (ODP, GWP, etc.)
Material Compatibility and Refrigerant/Lubricant Interaction

Some information is available to indicate good compatibility of both propane and isobutane with
commonly used refrigeration system materials including steel, brass, copper, aluminium, and
various elastomers and desiccants. An equal or better compatibility is claimed compared to CFC12 and mineral oil systems. Further extensive but unreported experience with materials must
clearly exist among equipment manufacturers involved in the production of new domestic
refrigerators designed to operate (especially) with isobutane.
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In any refrigeration system some lubricating oil circulates around with the refrigerant through the
various system components. The effects of the oil content are strongly related to the ability of the
refrigerant to be dissolved into the lubricant. Higher levels of refrigerant solubility lead to marked
reductions in viscosity of the refrigerant/lubricant solution, which is beneficial for oil return to the
compressor but may be detrimental for bearing lubrication. In the case of hydrocarbons the
available experimental data seems to be somewhat conflicting on the solubility effects of propane
and isobutane in mineral oil when compared to CFC-12 in mineral oil. For the most part it is
reported that the hydrocarbons are more soluble than CFC-12, causing a reduction of viscosity in
the refrigerant/oil mixture, and therefore higher viscosity oil is recommended to compensate.
However there is also contradictory evidence which indicates that higher levels of viscosity are
experienced with hydrocarbons and mineral oil, leading to corresponding recommendations for
using a lower or similar viscosity oil. In other retrofit investigations the original mineral oil was
used successfully with the hydrocarbon blend replacement, implying that the viscosity of the
solution did not change significantly and provided satisfactory operation.
In summary although publications on detailed analysis of materials compatibility are
relatively limited, it is concluded that propane and isobutane in combination with mineral
oils are compatible with commonly used refrigeration system materials. However
information on the solubility of hydrocarbons in mineral oil and the effects on viscosity is
somewhat contradictory, and further investigation is needed to clarify these issues.
Appliance Performance
There are abundant references covering the performance of HC blends (especially
propane/isobutane) applied in domestic refrigerators designed for CFC-12. Many investigators
have conducted theoretical and experimental studies to determine the effects of substitution
particularly on energy consumption. The studies have investigated single temperature and twotemperature appliances and cover drop-in and various levels of optimization including capillary
tube size variation, refrigerant charge adjustments, and different blend compositions.
Various researchers have conducted measurements on the changes in energy consumption for an
unmodified single temperature refrigerator using a R-290/R600a blend (50%/50%wt.) as a drop-in
replacement for CFC-12. Reported results vary from seeing little or no change up to an increase of
over 20% in energy usage. In some cases substantial performance improvements were observed by
increasing capillary tube length, and varying the amounts of charge and mixture composition.
Minimal information is reported on the effects on cooling capacity, but there are some reports of
longer pull down times indicating reductions in capacity.
Several reports indicated that the zeotropic refrigerant blend is unsuitable for application in twotemperature appliances due to the separation of the two fluids causing unacceptably high
refrigerator temperatures and leading to elevated energy consumption levels (up to 30% higher).
However this temperature glide effect problem has been addressed in some cases by redesign of the
unit to accommodate the two-temperature capability within a single evaporator.
In the case of small commercial refrigeration appliances conversion to hydrocarbons is simpler
than for domestic refrigerators since most are single temperature appliances. One company has
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Synthesis Report
reported achieving an energy efficiency increase of 15-20% after conversion of its line of display
cases to HC blends from HFC-134a. The only modification made was to seal any electrical
components that could possibly cause a spark. Other reports of retrofitting small commercial units
with the R-290/R-600a blend indicate that energy consumption is about the same or even less than
with CFC-12, after making changes to the capillary tube length.
Sufficient information is available on energy consumption to indicate that application of
HC blends can yield small improvements depending on the level of system modifications
(e.g. adjustment of charge, capillary tube length, etc.), but can also result in increases up
to 30% for certain types of appliances (e.g. two-temperature compartments with separate
evaporators). However with regard to cooling capacity, there is clearly a lack of
information on the effects of hydrocarbon replacement. The latter is an important missing
element since it relates directly to the ability of the refrigerator to maintain specified
product storage temperatures at maximum ambient temperature conditions.
Reliability
Some lifetime tests on compressors and domestic appliances with HC mixture refrigerants have
been reported, and in general a good reliability is demonstrated. Specifically for the compressors
tested, observations indicated no problems with wear, sludge and acid formation, copper plating,
and deposits. Before and after analysis of refrigerant and lubricant also showed no degradation.
An important consideration for long-term reliability is the ability of the compressor to start and
operate at low or high voltages while exposed to low or high ambient temperatures. No data is
reported on this topic for HC mixtures operating under retrofit conditions.
There are no significant amounts of data available on reliability testing of domestic
refrigeration equipment converted to run on propane/isobutane.
Safety of refrigerant and equipment

Hydrocarbon blends are flammable in concentrations in air between 2% and 9% by volume, and
possibly a fire can start if a combustible mixture of fluid and air is present within those limits and
simultaneously an ignition source of sufficient intensity is present. Given the concern over the
potential of flammability under such conditions it is essential to adopt adequate safety measures in
the system when retrofitting or servicing with these refrigerants. The importance of the need for
safety is emphasized by the large number of relevant publications reviewed in the Study.
Approaches vary from that of ignoring the safety problem altogether (due to the small charge
involved) to the other extreme of considering all possible events leading to hazardous situations
with corresponding detailed risk analyses. There are many references which emphasize that
appliances using flammable refrigerants need to be designed to meet very high technical standards
of safety. Systematic approaches have been developed for the safe handling, transport, and storage
of hydrocarbon refrigerants. Depending on the safety classification selected for a particular
appliance various levels of protection may be adopted, such as evaporators foamed into the cabinet
wall and explosion proof electrical equipment (thermostat and lighting) located outside the cabinet.
With new product the adoption of such measures is achievable and the corresponding risk
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assessment indicates a very low probability of a fire-event. Furthermore it is mentioned that

attitudes towards the use of a small charge of flammable refrigerant (less than 100 grams) might
not be a major concern in some developing countries where much larger quantities of flammable
material are often utilized for domestic cooking purposes on a daily basis.
Risk assessment is an essential methodology used to address safety aspects of an operation, identify
the possibility of accidents, analyze the consequences, and assess the related risk probability.
Results from several studies have indicated that the risk associated with the use of flammable
refrigerants in domestic appliances is reasonably low. However there is some experimental
evidence reported and demonstrated in videotapes, which shows that flammable conditions can
exist in the vicinity of a refrigerator. In this series of tests quantities of propane/isobutane were
allowed to leak under controlled conditions into the space around the appliance and then a spark
was introduced to cause ignition. These tests indicated that the heavier gases can accumulate at
ground level and lead to concentrations of refrigerant in air within the flammability range even
under moderate ventilation conditions.
The issue of consumer safety as it relates to liability is briefly addressed. In the case of any safety
related problems with new equipment liability normally rests with the systems manufacturers, but
the important question of who carries legal responsibility when an appliance is converted to operate
with flammable refrigerants has not been resolved.
It is concluded that sufficient safety related information is available on product design and
modification practices for the application of hydrocarbons in domestic refrigeration
systems, and this kind of information is being incorporated into amendments of some
existing standards. However more conversion details are required on specific products,
i.e. what modifications must be applied, when and how?
Standards and regulations

Many investigators have conducted overview studies on regulations and standards relevant to the
use of HC blends as service refrigerants, but it is concluded that at present there is no single
standard available anywhere in the world that addresses all the safety related issues. However there
are some national and international standards which discuss the mechanical and electrical safety
requirements of domestic refrigeration appliances, and a few of these do include safety aspects of
flammable refrigerants. In general most of the developing countries do not have any standards
which include flammable refrigerants.
The European standard EN378 is currently under revision to include the use of flammable
refrigerants, and when adopted it is expected to supersede British standard BS4434 and German
standard DIN7003. In its revised form standard EN378 will classify refrigerants according to their
potential hazards. For each refrigerant (including HCs and blends) a maximum practical limit is
specified in terms of allowable charge per unit of volume in a humanly occupied space.
Additional limits are placed on maximum allowable charge according to the type of occupancy of
the space. This standard also forbids the location of any ignition sources in the vicinity of systems
containing flammable refrigerants. Elsewhere, other standards such as ANSI/ASHRAE Standard
15 in the United States bans the use of flammable refrigerants except in experimental and
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industrial applications. However the U.S. EPA will consider approval of the use of hydrocarbon
refrigerants under its SNAP program if the application meets the requirement of a nationally
recognized safety standard. The UL-250 standard for household refrigerators and freezers
now permits the use of flammable refrigerant in amounts, which would limit leaks to less than 40
grams. In the international standards area IEC 335-2-24 (safety standard for household
refrigerators) has been revised and now allows the use of flammable refrigerants in quantities up to
150 grams.
A joint IEC/ISO working group has also been established to develop requirements pertaining to the
use of flammable refrigerants, and ultimately the measures approved will be incorporated as
amendments to safety standards IEC 335-2-40 (heat pumps and air conditioners) as well as ISO
5149 (mechanical refrigeration systems used for cooling and heating). It is anticipated that
corresponding European, U.S., and Japanese standards will eventually harmonize with these ISO
and IEC standards.
It is clear from the level of activities reported in this area that there are many national and
international standards now under review, and that revisions involving the adoption of
flammable refrigerants are being considered. Whether the new provisions adopted by
such standards will be broad enough to apply to modification of existing equipment is an
important issue. As regards the existence of any rules and regulations permitting the
retrofit of refrigeration appliances with hydrocarbons this can only be determined for
specific cases by examination of regulations at the national level. Similarly in the case of
storage and transport of flammable refrigerants, where any laws do exist they are
typically governed by local authorities.
Availability and costs

Refrigerant grade high purity hydrocarbons including propane and isobutane can be obtained from
refinery distillation processes and are abundantly available from international manufacturers
mostly located in Europe. Some manufacturers are extending their supply networks to serve
developing countries. In some of those countries it may be possible to obtain refrigerant grade
hydrocarbons as a by-product from local petroleum refineries or gas processing industries.
Costs of HC refrigerants are dependent on quantities being purchased, purity levels, and
various other market driven factors. However the data suggests that prices will be similar
to or lower than current CFC-12 cost.
Servicing procedure
Safe servicing practices for appliances using hydrocarbon refrigerants are similar to the servicing
procedures followed for CFC-12 based units, except that additional safety precautions are needed
to avoid any risk of flammability. The necessary detailed safety measures have been widely
reported, covering the safe practices to be followed, guidelines for workmanship, and the special
tools and equipment required. The need for proper training of service technicians in this area is
emphasized in many publications.
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As regards conversion of refrigeration appliances to operate with hydrocarbons, a systematic stepby-step procedure has been developed and documented for retrofitting of domestic refrigerators
from CFC-12 to hydrocarbon blends. In this procedure it is suggested that any sparking electrical
components need to be replaced, re-positioned or enclosed when an appliance is converted.
However in some cases the additional costs associated with making these and other retrofit safety
measures may be prohibitive, depending on local economic conditions.
It is concluded that some useful practical guidelines and manuals have been developed for
safe servicing of domestic refrigeration equipment using flammable refrigerants, as well as
conversion procedures for such appliances to operate with hydrocarbon blends. However
this information needs to be improved with respect to emphasis on safety measures, and to
be more specific about which products can be converted and under what conditions.
4.2 Part 2 - Country Specific Survey
Indonesia
So far the use of HCs in domestic refrigeration appliances in Indonesia has been limited to a small
number of entrepreneurs who have attended training workshops conducted by Swisscontact and
Ecozone to promote this technology. As a result there are less than ten service centres in the country
that are currently applying the technology.
From these limited experiences reported there appears to be a good acceptance of HC technology
by those entrepreneurs and technicians who are involved in its application. No before and after
conversion performance measurements have been done for domestic refrigeration appliances. No
accidents or problems are reported except for some misapplied refrigerant blend charging
techniques. Apparently safety issues related to flammability are not a serious concern to
refrigeration technicians working with HCs. This attitude is influenced by the widespread
household use for cooking purposes of LPG in 12 kg cylinders, as compared to the small charge of
less than 100 g used in typical refrigerators. There are no laws, rules, or regulations applied to the
use of HCs as refrigerants, and no general agreement on what body would be responsible for
accepting any liability.
With an impending government ban in Indonesia on future import of CFCs all seven of the
countries refrigerator manufacturers are in the process of converting their production lines from
CFC-12 to R-134a (with Multilateral Fund support). Therefore it appears likely that ultimately R134a will become more readily accessible throughout the country for domestic refrigeration retrofit
applications as well as new production. In the case of existing systems however the choice of
replacement refrigerant is driven by market forces and the use of HCs could become financially
attractive as an alternative to CFC-12 if a sufficient cost advantage develops.
Costa Rica
Experience here is also limited to those organizations that have been trained on HC technologies
during projects involving Swisscontact, Ecozone, and others. The total number of entrepreneurs
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with access to imported HCs and to the technology is 43, out of an estimated total of 2,500 service
workshops existing throughout the country. Those who have used the technology in refrigeration
system conversions consider it to be a useful option since the procedure is simple to follow
and requires no hardware changes. No accidents are reported. There is no conclusive
information available on the real performance of the HC refrigerant since observations from several
sources are conflicting on energy efficiencies, compressor pull down times, and product
temperatures.
Refrigeration service technicians are generally well trained, many having graduated from national
training institutes, and therefore the introduction of HC technology on a broader scale with
structured training programs would not present any technical difficulties. Some of those questioned
on the viability of hydrocarbons expressed the opinion that it is a good solution only if it is
accompanied by a strong training program and safety regulations. There are no regulations in the
country that control the use of refrigerants or refrigerant technologies and practices. This being the
case there is no clear direction on which organizations or persons should be legally responsible in
the case of an accident or a problem in the performance of the equipment.
Currently CFC-12 is still abundantly available in Costa Rica and the price is very low which makes
it difficult to introduce alternatives to this refrigerant. However if the shipping costs of the imported
HCs are reduced or if the local refinery is able to produce a suitable blend of HCs with the required
level of purity, then hydrocarbon refrigerants could compete in the market with CFC-12 and may
be used more extensively as replacements.
Cuba
Cuba is committed to complying with the Montreal Protocol ODS phase out requirements as
defined for Article 5 countries, and accordingly in 1998 the government there will legislate a ban
on importation of CFCs. However with the collapse of support from the former USSR in the early
1990s the Cuban economy has experienced serious financial problems. With insufficient foreign
currency being generated and a continuing trade embargo from the U.S., the import of basic goods
and materials was greatly reduced. This also affected the availability of refrigerants and created the
need to search for an acceptable, low cost, readily available alternative that could be adapted for
domestic refrigeration purposes.
The search led researchers at the Universidad de Oriente in Santiago de Cuba to develop a
hydrocarbon blend LB-12, based on LPG produced at a local oil refinery and consisting of an
unknown composition of propane, iso-butane, and n-butane. Starting in 1992 this development was
supported by the Government of Cuba, and the Cuban Ozone Technical Office has indicated
recently that annual usage of LB-12 amounts to about 50 tonnes and that 175,000 domestic
refrigerators and 5,000 small commercial units are now successfully operating with LB-12 without
any accidents reported. (This is approaching 10% of the estimated total number of refrigerators
existing in Cuba.) A limited amount of research has been conducted at the Universidad de Oriente
on performance comparison of domestic refrigerators before and after conversion. However no
information was available on the results of such tests, other than remarks to indicate that the energy
consumption was lower.
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Under control of the Cuban government the existing rules and regulations concerning production,
transportation, storage and use of LPG as a fuel and cooking gas are currently being reviewed and
adapted to cover hydrocarbons (including LB-12) as refrigerants. The new laws will be based on
national experience as well as existing relevant British and German standards.
Throughout the country all of the 200 plus refrigerator service workshops are state owned and all
are now familiar with the application of LB-12 and the safety handling procedures. The workshops
are competent to carry out such conversions in spite of sometimes difficult working conditions and
lack of spare parts and equipment. The service technicians employed in the workshops have usually
received training in refrigeration technology at an intermediate level technical training institute, and
new regulations coming into force will require all service workers to acquire sufficient training
needed to obtain a certified permit to work in refrigeration.
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5. RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FURTHER INVESTIGATIONS

Based on analysis of the refrigerant acceptability criteria matrix and practical experiences reported in
Section 4, some areas of information are still missing from the knowledge base. Accordingly the
following tasks have been identified for future investigation, with particular emphasis on the
propane/isobutane refrigerant mixture:
Solubility data of selected HC blends with mineral oil and the effect of solubility on viscosity of
the lubricant is required. Possible effects on blend composition change due to component solubility differences should also be investigated.
Some comparative calorimeter performance tests taking into account temperature glide effects
should be undertaken to measure changes in cooling capacity and efficiency which can be expected after a conversion.
More specific lifetime tests are needed under severe conditions such as very high or very low
ambient temperatures combined with low or high compressor start voltage conditions.
Detailed information on product specific modification procedures needed to minimize risk should
be included in guidelines to be used for adapting appliances to hydrocarbon refrigerants.
Further improvements are required to existing training and servicing manuals to expand on safety
guidelines and focus on which types of appliance may be converted under which conditions.
Whether specific standards are enforced by the prevailing regulations in any particular country is
an issue which needs investigation at the national level, to determine if a retrofit to HC refrigerants
is prohibited by law or not.
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6. CONCLUSIONS
An important observation documented in the concluding discussion at the September 1997 Montreal
Workshop stated that The issue of retrofitting of small refrigeration appliances with hydrocarbons is a
complex one. The significance of this statement was clearly demonstrated from the diverse experiences
which emerged from the various investigations in this Study. It is evidently not possible to generalize
about the feasibility of using HCs to replace CFCs in existing domestic and small commercial
refrigeration systems. From a technical standpoint the resulting performance after conversion will be
very product specific, may certainly be acceptable in cases such as one-temperature appliances, while
in others large energy efficiency penalties and excessive compressor running times may result. Safety
issues must also be addressed and this will be country specific, dependent on attitudes and sensitivities
towards the use of flammable refrigerants and the existence of any regulations or standards within the
country. The first requirement is to analyze whether a product can be safely retrofitted to the use of
hydrocarbons. The level of safety measures adopted will also impact on the cost of conversion. The
availability of sufficient numbers of adequately trained service technicians familiar with the handling of
hydrocarbon refrigerants is another requirement to be addressed on a national basis. It seems clear then
that the issue of feasibility must be approached on a case by case basis, to consider all the prevailing
conditions and establish whether there is sufficient incentive to proceed. For some countries it may be
worthwhile to facilitate this decision process by developing guidelines specific to that countrys
infrastructure and targeting specific products.
With regard to the funding support criteria used by the Multilateral Fund, not all of the issues are
clarified:
From an environmental viability standpoint, HCs are natural substances with zero ODP and negligible GWP, and this clearly represents an improvement over CFC based equipment. As regards
other environment related issues CO2 releases may be an additional factor to be considered in cases
where the adoption of HC refrigeration systems leads to significantly higher levels of energy
consumption. The Total Equivalent Warming Impact (TEWI) includes the impact of greenhouse
gas emissions due to energy consumption as well as the impact of refrigerant emissions over the
lifetime of the system. Since the energy consumption component typically represents over 90% of
the TEWI for domestic refrigerators, the energy efficiency of the system may be (environmentally)
significant in situations where electrical power is derived from fossil fuel sources.
Cost effectiveness is concerned with the price and availability of HC refrigerants, but is also related to the incremental cost of safety measures associated with conversion of refrigeration systems
to HC technology. These are country specific considerations which will be influenced by national
policies on regulation of flammable refrigerants, and other factors such as possible access to local
sources of suitable hydrocarbons at lower cost.
Although there are indications that HCs could be a promising option for certain applications, there
remain some outstanding technical issues related to whether HC retrofit technology is generally
proven and these need to be further pursued. The next steps in this direction are outlined in the
recommendations contained in Section 5.
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It can be concluded that this Study has assessed a broad cross-section of information and
experience related to the potential retrofit or drop-in application of HCs in small scale
hermetic refrigeration systems, and although some issues are still unresolved there is sufficient
evidence to indicate that this approach may be a valid option worth considering as a means of
accelerating CFC phaseout in some developing countries.
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UNEP
in Domestic and Small
Part I - Desk Survey
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PREFACE
This report presents Part I (being the so called Desk Survey) of the Study on the Potential for
Hydrocarbon Replacements in Domestic and Small Commercial Refrigeration Appliances. The report
has been prepared by Prof. Radhey S. Agarwal of the Indian Institute of Technology, India and Mr.
Martien Janssen of Re/genT, The Netherlands, being co-chair and member of UNEPs TOC
Refrigeration, AC and Heat Pumps, respectively. Compilation of all the material has been carried out by
Mr. Martien Janssen, in close collaboration with Prof. Radhey S. Agarwal during July/August 1997,
after which the material was submitted to the National Research Council, Canada (Mr. Keith Snelson),
being in charge of the project management of the study on behalf of UNEP DTIE. The material has
served as input to a workshop held in Montreal, 8 September 1997. Hereafter, the report has been
amended upon comments received, and has been completed in November 1997.
ADDRESSES
Prof. Radhey S. Agarwal
Indian Institute of Technology (IIT)
Hauz khas
New Delhi 110016 - India
Tel: 91-11- 666 979 Ext. 3112
Fax: 91-11-686 2037
E-mail: rsarwal@mech.iitd.ernet.in
Ir. Martien Janssen
Re/genT BV
Meerenakkerweg 1
5652 AR Eindhoven - Netherlands
Tel: 31- 40- 250 3797 / 3608
Fax: 31- 40- 250 3677
E-mail: regent@pi.net
28
Mr. W. Keith Snelson

National Research Council (Thermal
Technology Centre)
Montreal Road, Building M-17
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0R6 - Canada
Tel: 1- 613- 993 4892
Fax: 1- 613- 954 1235
E-mail keith.snelson@nrc.ca
Mr. Rajendra Shende
Chief, Energy and Ozonaction Unit
UNEP Division Technology, Industry
and Economics
Tour Mirabeau
39-43, Quai Andr Citron
75739 Paris Cedex 15 - France
Tel: 33- 1- 44 37 14 59
Fax: 33- 1- 44 37 14 74
E-mail: unepie@unep.fr
http://www.unepie.org/ozonaction.html
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Part I Desk Survey
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
1. Introduction ...........................................................................................................
31
2. Acceptability of a retrofit refrigerant for domestic and small

commercial refrigeration systems .......................................................................
32
3. Refrigerant property data ....................................................................................
34
3.1 Thermodynamic and thermophysical properties ................................................

3.2 Flammability data ...............................................................................................
3.3 Toxicity ...............................................................................................................
3.4 Purity of hydrocarbon refrigerants .....................................................................
3.5 Environmental data .............................................................................................
34
35
36
37
38
4. Material compatibility and refrigerant/lubricant interaction ..........................
39
4.1 Material compatibility and refrigerant stability ..................................................

4.2 Refrigerant / lubricant interaction ......................................................................
39
40
5. Appliance performance ........................................................................................
42
5.1 Performance of domestic appliances ..................................................................

5.2 Performance of commercial refrigeration appliances .........................................
5.3 Compressor calorimeter tests with hydrocarbons ...............................................
5.4 Summary ............................................................................................................
42
47
48
48
6. Reliability ...............................................................................................................
50
6.1 Components ........................................................................................................

6.2 Total System .......................................................................................................
50
51
7. Safety aspects of hydrocarbon refrigerants ......................................................
53
7.1 General considerations .......................................................................................

7.2 Safety issues .......................................................................................................
7.3 Risk assessment ..................................................................................................
7.4 Summary ............................................................................................................
53
54
56
56
Regulations and standards ..................................................................................
58
8.1 Mechanical standards .........................................................................................

8.2 Electrotechnical standards ..................................................................................
8.3 Regulations for storage and transport .................................................................
8.4 Summary ............................................................................................................
58
60
61
61
9. Availability and costs of hydrocarbon refrigerants ...........................................
62
9.1 Availability ................................................................................................................

9.2 Cost of hydrocarbon refrigerants ...............................................................................
62
63
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10. Servicing and drop-in conversion of R-12 appliances to hydrocarbon blends
64
11. Conclusions and recommendations ....................................................................
66
List of References ........................................................................................................
69
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Part I Desk Survey
1. Introduction
This report presents Part I (being the so called Desk Survey) of the Study on the Potential for
Hydrocarbon Replacements in Domestic and Small Commercial Refrigeration Appliances. The study
contains three more phases. Part II is formed by Country Specific Surveys where the experience with
hydrocarbon replacement in selected developing countries is analysed. Part III is an international
workshop held in Montreal, 8 September 1997. During this workshop preliminary findings of Parts I
and II were presented and discussed. Part IV is a synthesis report for the overall study.
Existing literature has been reviewed that is available on experiences with hydrocarbons (HCs) and
mixtures of hydrocarbons when used as replacements in small, existing, refrigeration equipment.
Replacement can be considered both as a drop-in and as a retrofit. A drop-in situation is defined as
charging the equipment with the adequate amount of refrigerant without changing any of the
components that influence the refrigeration cycle characteristics. A retrofit situation is defined as
charging the equipment with the adequate amount of refrigerant after that certain components have been
optimised for its use, which may imply a change of the compressor (i.e. the compressor capacity). For
domestic and small commercial appliances, the conversion from CFCs to hydrocarbons or any other
substitute is only relevant in case a repair of the system is needed.
The scope of the literature review is to define whether sufficient information is available to accept
hydrocarbons as possible drop-in or retrofit refrigerants. First one has to ask which information is
needed for this purpose? This question is not unique. Other service refrigerants to replace CFC-12 are
available and manufacturers of small refrigeration appliances have already been faced with this
question. Therefore some of these manufacturers have been consulted which led to the definition of
eight criteria or aspects for which information is needed before a service refrigerant can be accepted.
These aspects are listed and discussed in Chapter 2.
Chapters 3 - 10 subsequently present a review of the literature available on investigations performed into
each of these criteria. Each of the chapters contains a short paragraph which summarises the status quo
of the know-how on each of the criteria.
The report shortly considers pure fluids such as propane and isobutane, as well as mixtures of propane
or butane; the emphasis lies on the applicability of mixtures of propane and isobutane (R-290/R-600a).
Chapter 11 presents a table which summarises the information available and contains recommendations
on whether the level of know-how is appropriate. This chapter also presents conclusions concerning the
applicability of hydrocarbons as service refrigerants as a function of the appliance type, ambient
conditions, safety aspects, etc., and elaborates on the quality of the product after the replacement of
the original refrigerant (CFC-12).
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2. Acceptability of a retrofit refrigerant for domestic and

small commercial refrigeration systems
To evaluate the information available on hydrocarbon (blends) to be used for retrofitting purposes, it has
first been analysed what kind of information is typically needed for this purpose. This issue has already
been dealt with by domestic refrigerator/freezer or compressor manufacturers. A manufacturer would
like to maintain the quality of its product (quality to be understood in broad perspective, performance,
safety, reliability etc.). Therefore such a manufacturer would only accept a certain retrofit refrigerant for
its products after collecting information and gaining experience. This note lists the necessary know-how
required to qualify a refrigerant as a reliable service refrigerant. In principle the list presented is not
specific to a certain refrigerant but is generally applicable. For example, many of the aspects mentioned
here can be found in the qualification process of a ternary refrigerant by Musso et al. [Mus97]. The list
has been reviewed and commented on by persons employed by appliance and compressor
manufacturers [Han97, Pil97, Ph97]. Obviously, depending on which manufacturer asked, one aspect
is considered more important than another.
1. Refrigerant information
Information on the following topics is required: thermodynamic and thermophysical properties,
flammability and toxicity data (exposure limits), data on the purity of the refrigerant, environmental data (ODP, GWP etc.), mixture behaviour (zeotropic or azeotropic).
2. Material compatibility data and lubricant/refrigerant interaction
Information on the compatibility between the materials used in the compressor (including lubricant)
and the new retrofit refrigerant must be available. Such information may be available from sealed
tube tests or autoclave tests where the actual compressor components, the oil and the refrigerant
are stored at high temperatures for a certain time. Also compatibility of the retrofit refrigerant with
materials used in the refrigerant circuit must be verified (including compatibility with process
chemicals during the manufacturing process). If no or limited compatibility data is available, one may
more strongly rely on reliability data obtained in special compressor or appliance tests (see point 4).
Other important information is the solubility and miscibility of the combination of service refrigerant and compressor lubricant.
3. Appliance performance
Information on the influence of the retrofit refrigerant on the performance of a number of appliances
(different product categories) must be available. Performance can be read in various ways:
Storage temperatures at different ambient temperatures, in order to verify whether the original
product specifications are maintained (e.g. product classification tropical, subtropical etc.);
The energy consumption of the appliance;
Starting characteristics of the compressor;
Pull down behaviour;
Effect of the retrofit refrigerant on the noise level.
Maintaining the storage temperatures is often considered of more importance than maintaining the
energy consumption in a servicing or retrofit situation.
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Part I Desk Survey
4. Reliability
Information on the reliability of the components (mainly compressor) as well as the reliability of
the total product must be available. With respect to the compressor, reliability data could be obtained by life time tests (reliability tests) where compressors are operated in closed loop systems at
severe conditions (e.g. evaporation/condensation temperatures -5 / 70 C) during a certain time
(e.g. 2000 hours). Hereafter, compressors are dismantled and investigated on wear characteristics
and on degradation of the lubricant and refrigerant. Results can be compared with the results of the
same type of compressors applying the original refrigerant.
The retrofit refrigerant may also influence the compressor starting behaviour which may be analysed
with compressor starting tests (important at low/high voltages and at low/high ambient temperatures).
Reliability data for complete appliances can be gained with appliance life time tests where
appliances are operated at severe operating conditions (e.g. condensation temperatures of 60 C)
for a number of months. A possible degradation of the appliance performance must be monitored.
Tests at low ambient (and low evaporation temperatures) may be required if limited solubility of
some materials in the refrigerant/lubricant combination is expected at low temperatures (leading
possibly to capillary plugging).
In general the reliability constraints put to a service refrigerant are less than those of the original
refrigerant, since no 15 years additional lifetime of the compressor/cabinet after service needs to
be guaranteed.
5. Safety of refrigerant and the product
Information on the safety aspects of the retrofit refrigerant must be available. This relates not only
to the properties of the refrigerant (e.g. flammability limits) but also to safety aspects in handling
during the servicing operation or safety aspects of the product after the retrofit.
6. Standards and regulations
Information on existing regulations which impact or limit the use of certain retrofit options is essential. Next to regulations also information on standards may be necessary.
7. Costs and availability
Obviously, information about the availability of the retrofit refrigerant is essential to the acceptability. Costs may play a different role here since the cost of the refrigerant is only a part of the costs
of a service or retrofit operation. The contribution of the refrigerant costs to the total costs are largely influenced by local circumstances.
8. Servicing procedure
Evidently, any retrofit or service refrigerant needs to be accompanied with proper retrofit procedures and guidelines, i.e. one has to know how to change the original refrigerant by the new one.
These procedures may contain actual practical guidelines (e.g. liquid charging for zeotropic mixtures) as well as recommendations for which products the refrigerant is suitable. Next to this, labelling the systems with respect to the refrigerant applied should be an essential part of the procedure.
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3. Refrigerant property data

There are some potential hydrocarbon refrigerants (or mixtures of hydrocarbons) which could be used
as replacements for CFC-12 which are outlined in Table-1.
Refrigerant
Boiling Point
(Possible) Application
Isobutane (R-600a)
-12C
new domestic equipment
HC blend R-290/R-600a
(different compositions possible)
-33.8/-25.0 C
(50/50 %wt)
replacement for CFC-12

in new and existing equipment
HC blend R-290/R-600 (e.g.

LPG, varying composition)
-32.0/-16.4 C
(50/50 %wt)
replacement for CFC-12

in new and existing equipment
Propane (R-290)
-42C
new high, medium and low

temperature equipment
Table 3-1: Hydrocarbon Refrigerant Applications

Each of these refrigerants has different operating characteristics and therefore will be suitable for
specific applications. The hydrocarbon blends of R-290 and R-600a (e.g. CARE 30) or LPG (which is
a mixture of R-290 and R-600) have been investigated as servicing or retrofitting refrigerants. The
hydrocarbon blends of propane with butane or isobutane are all zeotropic mixtures. This means the
blends do not behave like a single substance during a phase change. Instead evaporation (and
condensation) takes place between two temperatures (the so called temperature glide). The blends do not
have a single saturation curve but a bubble temperature and dew temperature curve [Gar97a]. In view of
this, it is suggested to charge the appliance only via the liquid phase (when vapour is being charged to
the product this will have a different composition than the bulk of the refrigerant in the charging bottle).
Most of the literature which will be discussed in this report, pertains to the blends of R-290/R-600a.
Blends of these substances can be composed to obtain a saturation temperature/pressure curve as well
as a cooling capacity very similar to those of CFC-12, and have therefore been selected in various
investigations. Saturation data are shown in Figure 3-1 which includes data for a blend of R-290/R-600a
50/50 % by weight.
Another hydrocarbon which has a pressure/temperature curve near to CFC-12 is cyclopropane. Its high
price and low availability have prohibited the application so far. Cyclopropane is not further discussed
in this report.
This chapter discusses the literature available on refrigerant property data. Important data for a
refrigerant are thermodynamic and thermophysical properties, flammability data, toxicity data,
information on purity of refrigerant and environmental data.
3.1 Thermodynamic and thermophysical properties
Thermodynamic, as well as thermophysical property data of pure (single component) refrigerant such
as isobutane (R-600a) and propane (R-290), are well established and are available in literature and
various handbooks [e.g. Cla93].
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Pressure (bar)
Part I Desk Survey
Temperature (K)
Figure 3-1 : Saturation Pressure/Temperature Curves for CFC-12 versus various HCs,
data based on Refprop 5.1 [REF96]
Hydrocarbon blends were used as an alternative to CFC-12 in new manufacturing of single temperature
domestic refrigerators by FORON (German Company) in 1993 [Mey93a]. This was the beginning of
the use of hydrocarbon mixtures as refrigerants in domestic refrigerators. The vapour-liquid equilibrium
data of various mixtures of R-290/R-600a was reported as early as 1966 [Hip66]. The thermodynamic
properties, especially for a mixture of R-290/R600a 50/50%wt were reported by Vollmer [Vol94]. Properties of these blends can also be computed using e.g., Refprop [Ref96]. Agarwal [Aga94b] compiled
the properties of these blends over a wide range of temperatures and complete range of compositions.
In summary, sufficiently accurate data is available on thermodynamic properties of pure R600, R-600a,
R-290 as well as on the properties of blends of these refrigerants.
Thermophysical properties viz., thermal conductivity, viscosity and specific heats for both the liquid and
vapour phase are needed to design refrigeration systems and better understand heat transfer and pressure
drop characteristics of the working fluids. Several authors [Aga95, Li76, Vol94, Aga95b] computed,
using estimation techniques, the thermophysical properties of the blends of R-600a and R-290 over a
wide range of temperatures and over a complete range of compositions for both liquid and vapour
phases. The Refprop program [Ref96] can also be used to compute these properties.
In summary, there is sufficient data of reasonable accuracy available on thermophysical properties of
the pure hydrocarbons and their blends.
3.2 Flammability data
Under certain conditions, hydrocarbons are flammable when mixed with air and ignited. Flammability
data for hydrocarbon refrigerants have been studied and are well documented. Table 3-2 shows the
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lower and upper flammability levels for pure R-600a, R-290 and for CARE 30 as a typical hydrocarbon
blend (composition not available).
Refrigerant
Flammable Limits in air-percent by volume
Auto Ignition Temp (C)
Lower
Upper
R-290
2.2
10.2
365
R-600a
1.85
8.5
502
CARE 30
1.95
9.1
430
Table 3-2: Flammability limits of R-290, R-600a and the commercially available CARE30 blend
As an example for a discussion, CARE30 is taken. If there is less than 1.95 % by volume hydrocarbon
blend in air there is insufficient hydrocarbon refrigerant for combustion. If there is more than 9.1 % there
is insufficient oxygen (from the air) for combustion. It has been estimated [Cal95] that 1.95%
hydrocarbon blend in air is equivalent to 35 g/m3 and 9.1% of hydrocarbon blend in air is equivalent to
165g/m3. However, practical limits are kept much lower, i.e. 8 g/m3 (see chapter 8.1) taking into
account the fact that the leaking refrigerant will not be evenly distributed in space but will tend to
accumulate at the lower level. Further, it has also been recorded that the ignition source must be hotter
than 430C to be able to ignite the hydrocarbon blend / air mixture.
3.3 Toxicity
Toxicity data and exposure limits of refrigerants are essential data required for human and other beings
health. The toxicity tests are being conducted on hydrocarbon refrigerants both for short-term single
exposure and chronic (long term exposure) effects with an emphasis on the former. The toxicity data on
hydrocarbons is available as given in Table 3-3 [Cal96]. The data include the following:
LC50 the lethal concentration for 50% of tested animals sometimes referred to as the median
lethal concentration. This is a primary measure of acute toxicity by inhalation of gases.
Cardiac Sensitization is characterised by two limits, LOEL which is the lowest-observed effect
level (the lowest concentration at which sensitization occurs in tests) and the NOEL described
as the no-observed effect level (the highest exposure concentration at which no sensitization
is observed).
The anesthetic EC50 level is defined as the concentration that caused temporary loss of ability
to perceive pain and other sensory stimulation to 50 % of test animals.
PEL, the permissible exposure limit is the concentration level established by the Occupational
Safety and Health Administration (OHSA), UL group.
The Underwriters Laboratories classification (UL group) reflects the comparative life hazard of
refrigerant in the absence of flames or surfaces at high temperature. Group 1 is the most toxic
and group 6 the least.
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ASHRAE Standard 34 Safety Group: This classification consists of a letter (A or B), which indicate the toxicity class followed by a number (1,2, or 3), which indicates the flammability class (the
higher the number, the more flammable). Toxicity classes A and B signify refrigerants with lower
toxicity and higher toxicity, respectively based on prescribed measures of chronic (long-term,
repeated exposures) toxicity.
Refrigerant
LC50
Cardiac
Sensitization
LOEL
Anaesthetic
EC50
PEL
UL
Group
Safety
Group
NOEL
11
26 200
5 000
1 100
35 000
1000
5(a)
A1
12
760 000
50 000
25 000
254 000
1000
A1
22
220 000
50 000
25 000
140 000
1000
5(a)
A1
134a
567 000
75 000
50 000
205 000
1000
A1
152a
383 000
150 000
50 000
200 000
1000
A2
290
800 000
100 000
50 000
280 000
1000
5(b)
A3
600
280 000
5 000
130 000
800
5(b)
A3
600a
570 000
50 000
25 000
200 000
600
5(b)
A3
2 000
50
B2
650 000
1000
A3
717
1270
Table 3-3 Refrigerant Toxicity Data, Exposure Limits, and Classifications,

data and limits in ppm v/v
It has been concluded [Cal96] that, based on the LC50 value, the hydrocarbon refrigerants have very
low acute toxicity. The cardiac sensitisation LOEL and NOEL value and anaesthetic effect indicators
show a relatively higher risk than for R-134a. However, these levels are within a very safe range.
In addition Calor Gas has also summarised some of the toxicological property information for
hydrocarbon refrigerants [Gar97a].
3.4 Purity of hydrocarbon refrigerants
Refrigerant quality is very important, refrigerants should contain extremely low levels of
contaminations. Recently, Gartshore [Gar97a] has stated that the use of impure hydrocarbons will cause
the following problems in a refrigeration system:
a high level of moisture will saturate the filter drier, freeze at the expansion device and, in the presence of other impurities, accelerate the production of acids in the system which will lead to copper plating in the compressor;
a stenching agent (to add odour to commercial hydrocarbons, usually sulphur mercaptan) can
damage compressor motor windings.
In addition, the type of hydrocarbon is important and cannot be accurately predicted in non- refrigerant
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grade material [Lys95]. For example a cylinder labelled propane may contain a mixture of propane
and other saturated and unsaturated hydrocarbons. In that case:
the refrigeration capacity of the system will not be as expected;
the energy efficiency may be lower;
the pressures may be higher than expected, possibly causing leakage and stalling of the compressor.
The refrigerant quality is particularly an issue when using LPG, which is a blend of R-290 and R-600.
The blend composition can vary widely depending on supplier and season, furthermore relatively high
levels of saturated alkanes, mercaptam, non-condensables and moisture may be present [TEAP97].
R-600a
R-290
Purity, Vol %
>99.5
>99.5
Moistening contents (max) mg/kg
10
10
Residue after evaporation (max) mg/kg
50
50
Non condensables (max) vol %
0.05
0.05
Other hydrocarbons (max) vol %
0.5
0.5
Boiling temperature range C (during

the evaporation of 5% to 95% of quantity)
0.5
0.5
Table 3-4: Technical specification for R-600a and R-290 refrigerants

The purity requirements given by the suppliers of R-600a and R-290 (for use as refrigerant) is given in
Table 3-4. The purity of the blends would be the same as its constituents. Presently, there are few
suppliers, located especially in Europe (see chapter 9). There is not much information available up to
what purity level hydrocarbon can be used. For those domestic refrigerator manufacturers that currently
apply isobutane in their products, it is not a priority to investigate the effect of lower quality grades of
isobutane. The reason for this is that costs of development are considerable, while the refrigerant costs
form only a very small part of the production costs. Some efforts have been made to study the effect of
impurity of hydrocarbon refrigerants on the performance of refrigeration circuits [Bol91], but the data
is too limited for general conclusions.
3.5 Environmental data
Hydrocarbons are naturally occurring substances which are normally obtained from refineries after a
distillation process [Gar97a]. These refrigerants have zero ODP and negligible GWP. The environmental
property data for hydrocarbon refrigerants and blends of current interest [TEAP97] are given in Table 3-5.
Refrigerant
Atmospheric life
ODP
GWP(100yr)
R-600a
<15
R-290
<15
Blend R-600a/R-290
<15
Table 3-5 : Environmental data for hydrocarbon refrigerants

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4. Material compatibility and refrigerant/lubricant

interaction
When using HC blends under retrofit conditions, it is important to know the compatibility of the
refrigerants with the materials inside the system. Of specific importance is the chemical interaction
between refrigerants, lubricant and materials. Information may typically be available from sealed tube
tests [ASH89] or autoclave tests. Since these types of tests are only a simulation of the real practical
circumstances, the tests need to be complemented with system tests where actual appliances or
compressors are operated over a longer time period (mostly under severe conditions to accelerate the
testing procedure). These latter system tests (or reliability tests) are discussed in chapter 6.
Although not really a compatibility issue, the interaction between the refrigerant and lubricant, more
specifically the solubility and miscibility of the refrigerant / lubricant combination is also important.
4.1 Material compatibility and refrigerant stability
In general a refrigerant / lubricant combination may affect electrical insulation properties of windings,
varnishes and ground insulation sheets. The combination may also have an impact on the properties of
elastomers and plastics. When using HC blends in a retrofit situation, the compatibility of the HCs in
combination with typical mineral oil is the most relevant.
In general the ARTI data base [Cal97] contains very detailed compatibility information for a large
number of refrigerants, lubricants and materials. The data base includes information from the Materials
Compatibility and Lubricant Research (MCLR) program which is a large research program
administered by the Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute (ARI) in the United States. However,
the data included for propane and/or isobutane is so far relatively limited.
Some compatibility information of common materials in a refrigeration circuit with propane and
isobutane has been presented and a good compatibility with steel, brass, copper, aluminium, common
desiccants and a number of common elastomers is concluded [Del96]. However, the sources for this
information are not further identified. Calor Gas [Cal94a] gives recommendations for some elastomeric
materials which can be applied together with their CARE refrigerants (which contain isobutane,
propane and ethane). Some further (limited) data can be found in [ASH97] (Chapter 18) where swelling
of some elastomers is reported with butane.
Sansalvadore et al. [San96] further report on the compatibility of some polymers in combination with
isobutane and mineral oils. An equal or better compatibility is concluded compared to CFC-12 and
mineral oil systems. In the same publication also the stability of the refrigerant (isobutane) is
investigated by means of sealed tube tests using Fe, Cu and Al as catalysts. It is concluded that the
combination of isobutane with mineral oil (nafthenic with or without additives) and with alkylbenzene
type of oils is stable.
Especially manufacturers of hydrocarbon compressors must have developed a detailed knowledge to
date of the compatibility between several materials, lubricant and (mostly) isobutane. However, this
information is generally not publicly available.
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Though the amount of publications which present detailed compatibility analysis is relatively limited,
it can in general be concluded that isobutane and propane in combination with mineral oils are
compatible with commonly used materials in refrigeration circuits designed for use with CFC-12. The
absence of chlorine or fluorine can be seen as an advantage which avoids potential hydrolysis leading
to acid formation [Mey93b].
4.2 Refrigerant / lubricant interaction
Refrigeration systems require lubricant not only to lubricate bearings but to seal compressed gas
between the suction and discharge sides. The lubricant also acts as a coolant to remove heat from the
bearings and transfer heat via the compressor shell wall to the exterior (this for hermetic systems).
Lubricant is transported from the compressor oil sump to the refrigeration system by the compressor
and must return within a reasonable time. In general a good solubility and miscibility between lubricant
and refrigerant is required to guarantee oil return.
Sansalvadore et al.[San96] report on solubility tests of isobutane and propane in mineral oil (ISO VG32
and ISO VG15). In general, turbidity and cloud points are found below -60 C. The authors therefore
conclude that oil return should not pose problems even in extreme conditions. Within the same
publication also the problem of oil foaming is discussed which is of particular interest to hermetic
compressors. When a compressor starts the pressure in the shell is reduced which reduces the solubility
of the refrigerant in the oil. Due to the subsequent release of the refrigerant, foam is being formed on
top of the oil level. Excessive foam formation may potentially lead to oil transport into the compressor
cylinder and create structural damages. It is often mentioned that hydrocarbons are very well soluble in
mineral oil. However, [San96] concluded that the foam formation using isobutane and mineral oil was
very similar to the foam formation using CFC-12 and mineral oil.
Evaluating the solubility issue of hydrocarbons and oils gives a somewhat confusing picture. It is often
stated that propane and isobutane are more soluble in mineral oil than CFC-12. This is stated to have an
effect on the viscosity of the refrigerant/oil mixture within the compressor shell. Generally it is
mentioned that the viscosity is lower and therefore the use of a higher oil viscosity is recommended
[Boc96, But95 and Ren95]. Also Meyer mentions the application of a higher viscosity oil in the
production of hydrocarbon blend appliances by Foron [Mey93a, Mey93b and Mey93d]. This
contradicts with information supplied by Spauschus et al. [Spa94] who recommends a lower or similar
viscosity oil for hydrocarbons and mineral oil.
This recommendation is based on test results showing that a propane mixture with mineral oil (and also
a isobutane / mineral oil mixture) has a higher viscosity than a CFC-12 mixture with the same mineral
oil at the same refrigerant / lubricant composition in weight percentages.
The definition of higher or less soluble is not quite straightforward when comparing refrigerants
with different saturation pressures and very different densities (e.g. when comparing CFC-12 and
propane). Comparing at the same pressure level or at the same composition (%weight) is not always
appropriate. Of more importance is the actual viscosity (or viscosity reduction) in the compressor oil
bath during comparable circumstances for the refrigeration circuit (e.g. same oil temperature and
evaporation temperature level). Viscosity-Temperature-Pressure curves (Daniel Plots) could give more
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information here. For hydrocarbon blends such plots have not been identified. For propane/mineral or
propane/alkylbenzene oil limited information is available [e.g. Boc96, Bre95, Mot96, Spa94] but an
evaluation at actual conditions in a refrigeration circuit has not been identified.
In many investigations the lubricant has not been replaced during the conversion of CFC-12 to
hydrocarbon blends (see chapters 5 and 6). This suggests that the viscosity of hydrocarbon blends and
mineral oil are not widely different from those observed with CFC-12 and mineral oil. In order to
properly optimise the system, more information on the effect of the solubility on the viscosity is
necessary. A higher viscosity is generally positive with respect to reliability but negative with respect to
the system efficiency (due to increased friction losses).
Specifically for hydrocarbon blends the solubility of the refrigerant in the mineral oil may have an
undesirable effect. Due to different solubility characteristics of propane / isobutane a change in the
composition of the refrigerant circulating through the refrigerant circuit may result, impacting system
efficiency and capacity. Little information is available on this subject.
In summary, more information on solubility of (especially mixtures of) hydrocarbons in mineral oil is
required. The point whether composition changes are possible due to difference in solubility of the
blend components needs to be addressed.
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5. Appliance performance
Pure hydrocarbons as well as hydrocarbon blends (e.g. R-290/R-600a) are being considered as
retrofitting refrigerants for existing CFC-12 based appliances such as domestic refrigerator-freezers and
small capacity commercial refrigeration appliances (in case a repair is required). This section provides
the relevant available information on appliance performance using these refrigerants. A subchapter is
also included discussing compressor performance evaluation.
It is important to clarify again the terms drop-in and retrofit. Within the context of this report, a
drop-in means that no further modifications are made to the circuit besides changing the refrigerant.
A retrofit allows, however, some system modifications (e.g. lubricant, capillary tube, thermostat). If
a conversion to a refrigerant with a very different capacity has been made (e.g. a conversion from CFC12 to R-600a) then also the compressor capacity should be changed, which generally means a
replacement of the compressor (even such an operation can be considered to be a retrofit).
5.1 Performance of domestic appliances
5.1.1 General discussion
Based on experimental investigations, Meyer [Mey93b, Mey93c] reported the performance of single
temperature domestic refrigerators using a R-290/R-600a blend (50/50 %wt). It was reported that an
unchanged CFC-12 single temperature refrigerator had a higher energy consumption (+20 %) with the
blend compared to CFC-12 (drop-in). After a system modification (retrofitting) the energy consumption
was equal to the original value, while after a second modification a reduction in energy consumption of
10 % was obtained. Regretfully, his publications are not clear in the content of the exact modifications
but it is suggested that these mainly relate to a proper adjustment of the capillary tube capacity. Based
on the encouraging results found, one of the German refrigerator manufacturers (Foron) decided to
develop single temperature refrigerators using hydrocarbon mixtures as refrigerant. This company
successfully developed and marketed such refrigerators on the German market. It was the beginning of
the use of hydrocarbon blends as refrigerants in domestic refrigerators in the period of ODS phase out.
The resulting publicity led all major German appliance manufacturers to investigate how hydrocarbons
could best be used in refrigeration cycles. After many investigations virtually all large German appliance
manufacturers selected R-600a as the preferred hydrocarbon refrigerant for new equipment
manufacturing. This was mainly due to problems with the blend [TEAP97] in the control of multitemperature appliances, and also due to higher noise levels compared to HFC-134a. Furthermore, the
most favourable results (in efficiency) were found with pure isobutane [Jr94, TEAP97]. Therefore,
mixtures of hydrocarbons (R-290/R-600a) were not further considered for new manufacturing.
However, considerable efforts have been made and reported to investigate use of blends in existing units
and for new manufacturing of small capacity commercial refrigeration appliances.
Wiest [Wie94, also in TEAP97] conducted extensive experimental investigations involving the
application of R-290, R-600a and blends of R-600a/R-290 in a single temperature refrigerator. It was
reported that:
isobutane as a pure fluid yields the best efficiency and an energy saving of about 8%;
the application of the R-290/R-600a mixture results in 0-10% higher energy consumption than
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CFC-12 if refrigerant charge and compressor displacement are adjusted but not fully optimised;
at the appropriate compressor displacement, for high isobutane percentage in a mixture, energy
consumption reduction varies between 0 and 6% compared to CFC-12 (the latter value for a mixture with 60% isobutane);
the amount of refrigerant charge used, influences the results in a substantial way.
It was mentioned that the above conclusions are only valid for a single-temperature refrigerator. In the
case of two temperature appliances, the separation of the two fluids was stated to result in unacceptably
high refrigerator temperatures and functional defects [Wie94]. Also Jrgensen [Jur93] confirms the high
refrigerator temperatures yielding high energy consumption levels (an increase of 31 % for an appliance
with a three star compartment(1) was measured). This effect is attributed to the temperature glide for the
zeotropic refrigerant blend. It needs mentioning that the two-temperature appliances in the last two
publications are products with separate freezing and refrigerator compartments, each equipped with an
evaporator where both evaporators are placed in series (generally the refrigerator evaporator being last
in series, yielding higher temperatures in the refrigerator compartment).
Driessen et al. [Dri94] reported on theoretical and experimental work carried out on a typical European
CFC-12 domestic refrigerator (static cooling) using R-600a and a mixture of R-290/R-600a
(60/40 %wt). The energy consumption of the system was measured both with the mixture and CFC-12
under exactly similar conditions according to DIN 8950 at 25C ambient temperature. The results
showed an increase of about 18% in the energy consumption in comparison with CFC-12. It was
concluded that there is a need to optimise the evaporator and capillary tube to achieve an improvement
in the performance. In the same experiments a compressor running time percentage increase of 22 %
was observed, indicating a substantial reduction in cooling capacity. This was more than the reduction
in cooling capacity observed by compressor calorimetric tests with the R-290/R-600a (60/40 %wt)
mixture reported in the same reference. The difference may have been attributed to the non-optimal
evaporator and capillary tube for the mixture.
Also Rivis et al. [Riv94] performed a similar theoretical and experimental analysis comparing different
hydrocarbon blends with CFC-12, this for an upright freezer. In the experimental tests the compressor
swept volume was modified to accommodate for a decreased volumetric cooling capacity (mixtures of
R-290/R-600a 50/50 % wt and 30/70% were evaluated). Though the energy consumption of the
appliances with the blend were similar to the CFC-12 performance, it was concluded that pure R-600a
was more attractive, due to the absence of a temperature glide and the higher efficiency achievable.
Considerable work has been carried out at the University of Maryland by Radermacher and his team on
the performance evaluation of existing and modified domestic refrigerators using blends of R-290/R600a. Liu [Liu94] reported on experimental studies with R-290/R-600 (butane) as a retrofit in a
domestic refrigerator/freezer unit. All hardware components of the refrigerator/freezer were kept the
same, except the capillary tube which was increased in length to control the flow rate. The author
concluded that highest savings of 6.5 % were achieved with a blend of R-290/R-600 (70/30 % wt) with
a charge of 70g. Liu also investigated three hydrocarbon mixtures, viz., R-290/n-C5, R-290/R-600 and
R-290/R-600/n-C5, theoretically and experimentally in a two-evaporator refrigerator using a modified
Lorenz-Meutzner cycle [Liu95a]. In such a cycle the possible advantages of the temperature glide of the
zeotropic blends are being utilised. It was concluded that these mixtures showed energy savings ranging
from 14.6% to 16.7%. It was also reported that the ternary mixture HC-290/HC-600/n-C5 has a better
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performance than the binary mixture. It needs mentioning here that a conversion to a Lorenz-Meutzner
system cannot be considered a retrofit since it requires a complete appliance redesign. This illustrates
that it takes a major effort to effectively use the zeotropic effect of a refrigerant in a two-compartment
domestic refrigerator/freezer.
Camporese [Cam94] reported the performance of domestic refrigerators using a R-290/R-600a (50/50
%wt) mixture as an alternative to HFC-134a and CFC-12 based on experimental tests conducted on
certain hermetic compressors. The following conclusions were reported:
the compressor displacement used for CFC-12 can be maintained without severely influencing
refrigerating capacity;
energy efficiency ratio (EER) and evaporating pressures remain similar to CFC-12;
its glide temperature could be a useful feature in two temperature domestic refrigerators (however,
the author confirms that this is not achievable in a retrofit situation);
its zeotropic character implies charging and maintenance problems.
Another important contributor to this area is Baskin at the US EPA. Baskin [Bas94] carried out the
performance evaluation of refrigerator-freezers utilising the hydrocarbon mixtures with several
compositions of R-290/R-600a, theoretically (using a numerical model) and experimentally and
compared the results of those obtained with CFC-12. The experiments were performed on frostless
appliances with a freezer and refrigerator compartment (forced air evaporator system) where for each
refrigerant (blend) the charge and capillary size were optimised (a retrofit situation with respect to the
refrigeration circuit). Numerical evaluations show that several compositions come near to the
performance of CFC-12. Also, experimental evaluation shows that for some hydrocarbon compositions,
the energy consumption is equal to or less than that of CFC-12 (i.e. 40/60 %, 30/70% and 20/80% by
weight of R-290/R-600a). Regretfully, the publication does not report the effect of the refrigerant on the
running time percentage of the compressor, i.e. on the cooling capacity of the system. The conclusions
are as follows:
small variations in the refrigerant charge-size resulted in large variations in energy consumption;
larger quantities of the propane constituent (greater than 50 %) reduced the freezer temperature but
substantially increased the energy consumption;
the 40/60 % by weight R-290/R-600a appears to be the best mixture with respect to the energy
consumption.
Kruse and his team [Kru95, Kru96] at University of Hannover carried out theoretical as well as
experimental studies with and without modifications of domestic refrigerators-freezers using blends of
R-290/R-600a and also pure R-600a. It was concluded that the energy consumption using the blend is
almost the same as of CFC-12 in the existing refrigerator-freezers (under retrofit conditions). However,
there is a possibility of improving the energy efficiency in two-temperature domestic refrigeratorsfreezers by using a modified cycle known as Lorenz and Meutzner cycle which confirms the work of
Radermacher as discussed before.
A considerable amount of work has also been carried out at the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi by
Agarwal and his team [Aga94, Aga95a, Aga96a, Aga96b]. The work involved theoretical and
experimental investigations using blends of R-290/R-600a with varying composition (50/50, 40/60,
60/40 %wt) in existing single evaporator two-temperature domestic refrigerators with and without
modifications (drop-in and retrofit, respectively). In order to avoid confusion with two-temperature
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appliances mentioned previously, here two-temperature appliances with a single evaporator are being
discussed.
The single evaporator (usually of an O or U form) cools the refrigerator while the inner part of the
evaporator forms the freezer compartment(2). This design is less effected by temperature glide effects.
Based on the theoretical and experimental studies the following has been reported:
the performance (capacity and energy consumption) with the mixture of R-290/R-600a (50/50 %
by mass) is almost similar to the performance with CFC-12 in domestic refrigerator-freezers;
there is a need to increase the length of the capillary to achieve energy efficiency and freezer and
fresh food compartment temperatures similar to CFC-12 systems. Other system components do not
require any change;
the energy efficiency is very sensitive to the amount of charge in the system, the amount of charge
needs to be optimised to achieve highest energy efficiency, it is approximately 40% of the CFC-12
charge;
the energy consumption using the R-290/R-600a blend with increased length of capillary is almost
the same as in a CFC-12 refrigerator tested under the same conditions;
the pull down time for hydrocarbon blend based refrigerators is about 6% more than that of CFC12 refrigerators which indicates a reduction in cooling capacity for 50/50 %wt mixtures (with a
modified circuit);
the ice making period for hydrocarbon blend based refrigerators was 2hrs 30 minutes in comparison to 2hrs 20 minutes for CFC-12 refrigerators for the same type of trays and quantity of water;
safety issues are required to be properly addressed if blends of R-290/R-600a are to be used for
retrofitting the existing refrigerator-freezers (see chapter 7). Further there is a need to develop a proper retrofit procedure and kit before its implementation in the field.
Recently Devotta [Dev 97] reported the performance of a domestic refrigerator using the mixture of R290/R-600a as a drop in without any change in the refrigeration system. The conclusions drawn are as
follows:
the standard energy consumption for CFC-12 and the hydrocarbon mixture are comparable while
for HFC-134a the consumption is about 3.8 % higher;
the pull down test results revealed that the final freezer temperature and fresh food compartment
temperatures are very much higher when the refrigerator is retrofitted either with a hydrocarbon
blend or with HFC-134a. This results in a longer pull down time and higher energy consumption
during pull down. This also means that there is a reduction in the cooling capacity of CFC-12 compressors when retrofitted with a hydrocarbon blend or HFC-134a. It should be possible to improve
the performance by appropriate optimisation measures including the capillary length adjustment
and refrigerant charge;
the ice making time for all the three refrigerants is more or less the same, although it is marginally
lower for CFC-12 and marginally higher for the hydrocarbon blends in comparison to HFC-134a.
Dijkstra [Dij95] reported that experiments in the Netherlands with second hand refrigerators (average 5
years old) indicate that propane, propane-isobutane and propane-butane mixtures can be used as dropin substitutes without any significant hardware configuration change. It was mentioned that cooling
performance is similar and the energy consumption is at least equivalent and in some cases even lower
that with CFC-12. Some experimental supporting data on the use of propane has been published by
Weber [Web95]. Further, the author states that these experiments provide sufficient basis for training
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programs for retrofitting service technicians, workshop owners and small entrepreneurs in developing
countries.
In many publications the energy consumption aspects have been dealt with in detail while generally less
consideration is paid to the cooling capacity which is achievable. This is surprising since one of the
original equipment manufacturers specifications are the storage temperatures. For every appliance the
operating temperature range is specified (e.g. the definitions of Tropical, Subtropical, Normal within the
ISO test standards). A retrofit resulting in insufficient cooling at the maximum ambient temperature or
incorrect thermostat behaviour would easily lead to consumer complaints, while a (small) energy
consumption increase after a retrofit would never be noticeable. Some publications also report the effect
on the capacity by mentioning the effect on the compressor running time percentages at standard
ambient temperatures. Other publications report the results of pull-down tests at high ambient
temperatures. Overall, the information on capacity is limited.
In the following sections some specific remarks are made for the various hydrocarbon refrigerants
potentially to be used as retrofit candidate.
5.1.2 Isobutane (R-600a)
From several studies discussed before, isobutane appears to be the most attractive refrigerant for new
appliances. The high efficiency, low noise and absence of the temperature glide compensate for the main
drawback: the necessary redesign of the compressors. Isobutane can only be used as a retrofit refrigerant
when the compressor is also changed (as well as any modifications related to safety).
5.1.3 Propane/isobutane (R-290/R-600a) mixtures
Propane/isobutane mixtures generally form the preferred combination for a hydrocarbon blend to be
used in retrofits. The capacity can reasonably be matched with CFC-12 as well as the saturation
pressure/temperature curve. In general the higher the isobutane content, the higher the efficiency [e.g.
Bas94, Riv94,TEAP97], however, the lower the cooling capacity. Isobutane contents of 60 % or more
would require a compressor swept volume adjustment to match CFC-12 capacity.
5.1.4 Propane/butane (R-290/R-600) mixtures
Several investigations show that propane/butane mixtures do not show advantages compared to
propane/isobutane. On the contrary, a larger temperature glide is obtained and cooling capacity is
difficult to match unless a high propane content is chosen. The resulting efficiencies are generally lower
[TEAP97].
Despite these facts the easy availability of LPG (a commercial hydrocarbon blend of R-290 and R-600)
has led to the application of this blend. Ecozone [Dij96b] has been instrumental in designing
hydrocarbon conversion programs in Ghana and Costa Rica. Plans for conversion of domestic
refrigerators with standard LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) have been developed. The program has also
been planned for extension to other developing countries such as Cuba, Indonesia etc. Experience of
these programs is collected in Part II of the study on the potential for hydrocarbon replacements in
domestic and small commercial refrigeration appliances.
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5.1.5 Propane (R-290)

Positive performance data has been reported by James [Mis90, Jam92, Jam93] when converting CFC12 based appliances to propane. Also Weber [Web95] concludes (on average) a small positive effect on
the performance after a detailed investigation on a larger series of appliances converted to propane.
Despite these positive outcomes, these results could not be reproduced by others. This may be related
to the fact that initial test data were not obtained following standardised test procedures which makes
comparison difficult. Other references [e.g. Jr93, Bas94, Wie96] conclude that propane exhibits the
worst performance when compared to isobutane or propane/isobutane mixtures. Also, higher noise
levels are reported [Wie96].
Furthermore, the pressure levels of propane are considerably higher than for CFC-12. This leads to
safety problems in the condensation line but may also lead to reliability aspects due to the influence on
the compressor bearing loads and starting characteristics.
5.2 Performance of commercial refrigeration appliances
Hydrocarbon blends (R-290/R-600a) have also been proposed as refrigerants for new manufacturing
and retrofitting of commercial refrigeration appliances in some countries. There are two options,
[TEAP97] a small central system in a machinery room using heat transfer fluid which is circulated to
the vending area of a supermarket, or a direct expansion system in display cases, bottle coolers, chest
coolers, visi coolers, wine coolers, water coolers, commercial deep freezers etc. The second application
is more appropriate for Art 5(1) countries.
One of the U.K. based companies, Elstar, has converted its total production of display cases including
wine coolers (new manufacturing) from HFC-134a to hydrocarbon blends (CARE products) [Pow96].
It has been reported that more than 10,000 wine bar coolers, each containing 0.8 kg of hydrocarbon
blend, have already been marketed in the United Kingdom [TEAP97]. Some of the designs can be
considered to be a retrofit, where the refrigeration circuit design remains the same. The only change
is to the electrics which were made in line with the new British Standard [BS4434] by using nonsparking components and/or sealing all the electric components which had the potential to create a
spark. Powell [Pow96] has stated the following based on experimental studies:
less refrigerant was used due to the 60% reduction in weight of hydrocarbons compared to HFCs.
This is an important factor in the design of wall hung cabinets, as the customers specification
carried a weight restriction. Elstar found they were able to reduce the overall weight of their
cabinets by more than 1kg purely by changing to hydrocarbons;
experiments indicated an energy efficiency increase between 15-20 %.
Dijkstra [Dij96c] reports on the conversion of milk cooling tanks in the Netherlands from CFC-12 to
hydrocarbon blends (R-290/R-600a). A favourable energy consumption has been demonstrated in
laboratory tests (-8 %). A test under practical circumstances confirmed the laboratory results.
Agarwal [Aga96a, Aga97a] has conducted extensive theoretical and experimental studies on various
types of small capacity commercial refrigeration appliances (horizontal bottle coolers/chest coolers,
visicoolers) using R-290/R-600a (60/40, 50/50 %wt) in the retrofit mode. It was reported that:
refrigeration system components remain the same except an increase in the length of the capillary tube;
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the energy consumption applying the R-290/R-600a blend is almost the same as when applying
CFC-12;
the pull down time is slightly lower in the case of hydrocarbon blend than for CFC-12;
the safety issues need to be addressed by replacing the electrics with non-sparking components;
it is simpler to convert commercial refrigeration appliances to hydrocarbon than domestic refrigerators due to the fact that most of these are single temperature appliances.
Gartshore, Kessler and Agarwal [Gar97a] have developed a manual for Safe Design and
Manufacturing of Commercial Refrigeration Appliances. This manual deals with various aspects of the
use of hydrocarbons in commercial refrigeration appliances (commercial deep freezers, horizontal
bottle coolers/chest coolers/visicoolers and water coolers). It has been reported that:
the capacity is similar to CFC-12;
operating conditions are similar to CFC-12, although the condensing pressure will be lower;
the COP is better than for CFC-12 by up to 10 %;
the compressor design remains the same as for CFC-12, with only minor changes needed to electrical components to maintain safety. Therefore the full range of compressors from local manufacturers can be used with only minor modifications. Some compressor manufacturers can supply
specially modified models for hydrocarbon blend refrigerants. If these are not available one can use
the standard compressor, but the electrics need to be modified.
5.3 Compressor calorimeter tests with hydrocarbons
Studying the compressor performance with hydrocarbons on separate test benches (compressor
calorimeter tests) yields additional information which may explain some of the issues found in the
appliance evaluations. Meyer [Mey93c] presents compressor performances as a function of the
evaporating temperature for the hydrocarbon blend R-290/R-600a (50/50 %wt) and compares these
with similar curves for CFC-12 and HFC-134a. Similar investigations have been performed by Biscaldi
[Bis96] and Pearson [Pea94]. In general a similar cooling capacity of the blend compared to CFC-12 is
observed and equal or even higher coefficients of performances (COPs). A trend which may be observed
is that the blend performs relatively better (in terms of capacity and COP) at high evaporation
temperatures.
In the publications mentioned, it is not defined what reference temperature is chosen for the evaporating
temperature. From the results presented it is likely that the evaporator entrance temperature is chosen as
a reference to compare CFC-12 and the blend. However, for a zeotropic blend the evaporation
temperature is not constant and increases during the evaporation process (temperature glide). This
means that the average temperature in an evaporator will be higher and therefore the results presented
generally over-predict the refrigeration capacity obtained with the blend. The issue how to present
compressor performances with zeotropic blends is not specific to the hydrocarbon blends, it is still in
discussion. Proposals are to use the average of the evaporator entrance temperature and the dew point
temperature as a reference.
5.4 Summary
In general the performance of hydrocarbon blends when applied in a drop-in mode leads to increases
in energy consumption from 0 to 30 % compared to the performance obtained with the original CFC48
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12 based domestic appliances. The exact figure depends on the type of appliance and the composition
of the blend chosen (e.g. two temperature appliances with two evaporators in series are known to suffer
from the temperature glide, while single door evaporators will show reasonable efficiencies.
Improvement in energy consumption can be achieved by lengthening the capillary tube where a
reduction in flow capacity is required.
For small commercial appliances better energy efficiencies are being reported which may be attributed
to relatively better performance of the hydrocarbon mixture at elevated evaporation temperatures
compared to CFC-12.
Apart from some pull down tests, relatively little information is supplied on the effect of the retrofit or
drop-in on the cooling capacity, more specifically whether high ambient temperature specifications of
the product are still met.
Comparative calorimeter performance studies, which should take into account temperature glide
effects, could give insight into the change in cooling capacity and efficiency which may be expected
after a retrofit operation. This may be different for each application (e.g. refrigeration or freezing
applications).
(1) A
(2)
three star appliance is characterized by having a frozen food conservation compartment able to maintain temperatures below -18 C.
This is a very common design applied in low costs refrigerators throughout a large part of the world
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6. Reliability
As listed in the specifications for the acceptability of a service refrigerant, information on the reliability
of the components (compressor) as well as the reliability of the total product must be available.
Literature found can be split between reliability data of components and of the total system.
6.1 Components
6.1.1 Compressors
The use of HCs on compressors designed for CFC-12 has different aspects:
The load on compressor bearings generally reduces when HC blends with lower saturation
pressures than CFC-12 are applied. It increases when low boiling point mixtures or pure propane
are being applied (see Figure 3-1).
The solubility of HCs in mineral oil is often reported as being higher (or at least different) than the
solubility of CFC-12 in the same oil (see chapter 4). This may lead to a viscosity reduction which
impacts the lubrication characteristics of the compressor. It also effects the volumetric efficiency of
the compressor by means of influencing the sealing quality of the piston in the cylinder (which is
especially critical for rotary type compressors [ASH94]).
An extensive report on the reliability of compressors has been submitted by Devotta [Dev97]. It
accurately describes a 2000 hr life time test comparing CFC-12 and an HC blend with the same
compressor type and oil. One compressor specimen was used for the life time test with each refrigerant.
The results on wear, sludge formation, acid and chlorine formation were more favourable with the HCblend than with CFC-12. The change in oil viscosity during the test period was lower than registered
with CFC-12. In general a good reliability of the compressor has been observed.
This is also confirmed by Hansen et al. [Han95] who reports on accelerated life time tests (500, 2000,
4000 and 8000 hr running tests where the compressors are periodically operated for 27 min (on)
followed by a 3 min off period). A number of different compressor types were evaluated applying
isobutane, propane and a propane/isobutane mixture (50/50 % wt). The base line compressors in this
investigation were designed for HFC-134a for which the life time was already well established. It is
concluded that in general no problems are yielded regarding wear, Cu-plating and deposits. Also
refrigerant analysis performed during and after the testing period showed no degradation, the same is
concluded for the lubricant based on an evaluation of the viscosity, the total acid number (TAN) and
metallic impurities. Overall conclusion is that the lifetime of hermetic systems using hydrocarbons will
be very satisfactory. Hansen presents some more details in another publication [Han94], where the
development of isobutane compressors is described.
Bellomo reports on the investigation of compressor reliability when applying an azeotropic mixture of
HFC-134a and isobutane [Bel95]. The wear tests identify an acceptable behaviour.
Of specific importance is the ability for the compressor to operate (and start) at low or high voltages,
this at low or high ambient temperatures. Especially at low voltage starts, problems may occur with the
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compressor/protector system. No specific studies to this issue for HC mixtures under retrofit conditions
(i.e. unmodified compressors) have been identified.
6.1.2 Desiccants
In the same life time tests reported before, Hansen et al. [Han95] also evaluated desiccant behaviour. It
is stated that hydrocarbon hydrides can be formed in hermetic systems using hydrocarbons which makes
the presence of a desiccant essential. Desiccants (grade XH9, also used for HFC-134a) were evaluated
after compressor life time tests and showed no sign of mechanical degradation. Furthermore, no effect
of water has been found, indicating that the desiccants performed well.
Gnther [Gn] reports to use exactly the same dryer/filter in the production of appliances using a
mixture of isobutane and propane as before with CFC-12 and reports no problems in the field.
6.2 Total System
A number of publications report on the experience obtained with hydrocarbons in existing appliances.
However, evaluations with the aim to determine the effect on the performance of the appliance are not
discussed here but in chapter 5. This chapter only deals with long term investigations.
Though not very detailed, an interesting publication is presented by Bodio et al. [Bod94] who reports
on an especially long time evaluation of a series of appliances (17 pieces) using a propane/isobutane
blend (50/50 % mol). The publication shows the performance of one of the appliances by evaluating it
once a year during a period of 5 years. No change in performance was noted. The investigated
refrigerators were all commercially available appliances, which were evaluated first on CFC-12 and
subsequently recharged with the HC blend. Comparative data is given in [Bod93]. The lubricant applied
(16 and 27 cSt) was not changed. (A peculiar remark is made to the thermostat where it is mentioned
that its setpoint needed to be adjusted and its position was changed because of the temperature glide
inherent to the HC-blend).
Positive results have also been obtained in longer term field tests performed on a number of appliances
converted to propane [Web95]. Also here a satisfactory operation of the appliances with respect to
reliability was concluded.
Several publications mention the successful use of isobutane in domestic appliances where satisfactory
reliability is concluded [e.g. Wen96, Kru96]. This is of course also confirmed by the large number of
new isobutane based appliances which have been produced to date. However, it must be mentioned that
these appliances were designed for isobutane (compressor, circuitry, etc.) and therefore do not represent
a retrofit situation. In this respect the experience of Foron obtained with appliances using a mixture of
isobutane and propane is more relevant. Also for these appliances a satisfactory reliability has been
concluded [Gn94].
Also reports are given on the extensive use of hydrocarbon blends in countries such as Cuba due to the
unavailability of CFC-12 [Dij96a, Dij96b]. These experiences are not further discussed here but will be
dealt with in Part II of the study on the potential for hydrocarbon replacements in domestic and small
commercial refrigeration appliances.
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Specific lifetime tests under severe conditions, such as very low or very high ambient temperatures (or
partially blocked condensers to operate at high condensation temperatures) have not been identified.
In summary, the amount of reliability testing published is not overwhelming. However, in combination
with the fact that favourable material compatibility and stability are generally concluded (see chapter
4), it is possible to state that the applications of hydrocarbon blends yields reliable appliances. As always
such a generalised statement is dangerous since it only applies to properly carried out retrofits. For
example a conversion to a refrigerant relatively much different from the original refrigerant (e.g. pure
propane versus CFC-12) may adversely impact the reliability (e.g. are the low voltage specifications still
met after the retrofit ?).
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7. Safety aspects of hydrocarbon refrigerants

Hydrocarbons are flammable and it is essential to adopt adequate safety measures in the system while
retrofitting or servicing with these refrigerants. In literature it has been widely emphasized that there is
a need for safety when considering hydrocarbons as refrigerants.
However, there are different perspectives to the degree of safety required. It has been brought out by
some investigators that the quantity of refrigerant charge for domestic refrigerators is so small that safety
of products is not a consideration [Dij96a, Dij96b, Bod94]. Also the completely contrary perspective
can be found: the absolute rejection to the application of flammable refrigerants in any refrigeration
system. In between different perspectives can be noted. For example, Paul [Pau96] has stated that
qualified engineering and good practices makes it possible to design and operate refrigeration systems
safely with hydrocarbons. He argues that the lack of codes and standards should be no excuse for not
using hydrocarbons. Paul also illustrates that, making use of available new technology, hydrocarbon
systems may be adapted to provide satisfactory and safely functioning systems.
It has been mentioned, by e.g. Devotta [Dev97], that an explosion can take place only if a combustible
mixture of fluid and air is present within the flammable limits and simultaneously if an ignition source
of sufficient intensity is present. The first step for safety is therefore to avoid the possibility of a leak.
Should there be a leak, the next logical step is to ensure that a combustible mixture is not formed. In
addition, the system should be controlled in such a way that sources of ignition are eliminated.
7.1 General considerations
Gartshore [Gar97a] has discussed general safety considerations when using hydrocarbons as
refrigerant. These safety considerations can be split between those common for any refrigerant, such as
CFC-12 and those specifically for hydrocarbons.
Basic safety aspects for working with refrigerants are:
contact with liquid refrigerant will cause a freeze burn (similar to frost bite) which should be treated by bathing the area with cold water. Medical attention may be necessary;
gloves and goggles and clothing which cover the body should be worn when handling refrigerant,
e.g. when charging into a system or removing charge;
refrigerants are generally heavier than air and will therefore tend to collect in chest freezer/cooler
compartments, pits, trenches and basements. Such areas should be ventilated to disperse the refrigerant;
a refrigerant will displace air and is therefore an asphyxiant and can cause suffocation. If affected,
a person should be removed to an uncontaminated area and kept warm and still. Artificial respiration or oxygen may be needed. Medical attention may be necessary.
The flammability of hydrocarbons require additional consideration:
hydrocarbon blends are flammable in concentrations in air between 1.95% and 9.1%;
if a fire results from a release of hydrocarbon refrigerant, it should be tackled with a dry powder
type fire extinguisher. For large fires the fire service must be alarmed;
if a large quantity of hydrocarbon refrigerant is released to the atmosphere it should be dispersed
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by ventilating the area or with water spray. The area should be evacuated and sources of ignition
isolated (i.e. extinguish naked flames and switch off electrical components).
7.2 Safety issues
Handling and use of hydrocarbon refrigerants require an analysis of various phases of the life cycle for
each refrigerant and each application. A summary of such analysis has been reported [TEAP97]. It has
been stated that existing standards or regulations do not cover all phases of the life cycle of refrigerant
in detail (standards and regulations are discussed in chapter 8). Further, it has been suggested that a number of issues (transport and storage, product, consumer and servicing) need to be addressed in detail with
respect to safety, when using hydrocarbons as refrigerants.
7.2.1 Transport and storage
Gartshore [Gar97a] has discussed various issues systematically for safe handling, transport and storage
of hydrocarbon refrigerants. It has also been stated that decanting of hydrocarbon refrigerant into smaller cylinders be avoided as far as possible. Hydrocarbon refrigerants should be transported similar to
other flammable gases e.g. LPG. The procedure for storage has also been outlined. It has been clearly
stated [Gar97a] that the rules and regulations for the storage and transportation of LPG/HAP may be
followed. This is governed by local rules and regulations.
7.2.2 Product safety
In some publications it is mentioned that the small charge of flammable hydrocarbons applied in
domestic refrigerators/freezers do not yield concerns with respect to safety. However, other authors
argue that safety has to be dealt with. Agarwal [Aga94a, Aga96d] has stated that due care in the
appliance design will make it safe despite the flammability of the hydrocarbons. Jrgensen [Jr94] has
clearly mentioned that appliances with flammable refrigerants have to meet a very high technical
standard in safety.
Baskin [Bas94] stated that hydrocarbons meet all the requirements of a potential refrigerant except one,
non-flammability. She states that flammability might not be a major concern for alternatives utilized in
household refrigerator-freezers in developing countries, because the charge quantity is very small (less
than 100 grams) and legal restrictions on flammability might not be as stringent. A mixture of air with
1.8 to 8.5 percent volume concentration of butane or 2.1 to 9.5 per cent of propane is flammable. Also,
propane can be ignited at 490C and butane at 500C [American National Standards Institute
(ANSI)/National Fire Protection Association (NEPA) 325 M 1991]. Yet risk assessments of flammable
hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerants utilized in household refrigerator-freezers have shown that the
probability of igniting a leak of these refrigerants is minimal [Lit91]. Risk assessments form a
methodology to address safety aspects. This is discussed in subchapter 7.3.
Gnther [Gn94] reported that the use of hydrocarbon refrigerants in domestic refrigerators/freezers
requires the definite answers to questions of safety for production, transport, orderly use and servicing
of these devices. The author stated that no definite regulations were available during the development
phase of hydrocarbon based appliances at Foron, Germany. Standards such as DIN EN 2711 had been
assumed for transport and storage of inflammable or corrosive liquids. Further, the author mentions that
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the underlying safety concept of the appliances was developed in cooperation with the Technischer
berwachungsverein (TV) in Germany. The TV has tested refrigerators using hydrocarbon to
DIN/150 standards and certified that these refrigerators are safe [Dev97].
Iz [Iz96] mentions that when flammable refrigerants (e.g. R-600a, which is the subject of his work) are to
be used in domestic refrigerators, one should keep in mind that a refrigerant in a protected cooling circuit
cannot leak into the cabinet to form flammable concentrations as the inner liner and foam build up
sufficient resistance. Thus, ordinary electrical components can be employed in the cabinet. However in the
case of an unprotected cooling system, a leak will certainly give rise to a flammable mixture inside the
refrigerator. In order to avoid ignition, explosion proof electrical components or evaporators with a safer
design (e.g. double wall) would be applied. If this is found to be too costly, one should try to move these
components outside the refrigerator to a region of lower risk. Although, for the specific appliances under
consideration in his study, no dead space was observed outside the cabinets where refrigerant may be
collected in time to create flammable mixtures, it is logical and also proved in experiments that a higher
location for electrical components is safer. This relates to the density of R-600a being higher than that of air.
The publication of Iz [Iz96] refers to differences in design which have different safety implications. Lotz
[Lot93, Lot94] presents risk assessments for different categories of appliances. The appliances are
grouped in 4 classes. Class A contains appliances with the evaporator foamed in the cabinet wall and
electric equipment (thermostat and lighting) placed outside the cabinet. Class B is of a similar
construction but with the electrical equipment inside the cabinet. Class C contains the evaporator inside
the cabinet space but the electrical equipment outside while class D contains both the evaporator and
the electrical equipment inside (the latter typically also contains No-Frost systems which are widely
applied in e.g. Japan and the USA). Risk assessments show an increased probability of fire-event going
from class A to D. These kind of considerations have also been taken into account in the amendments
of the standard IEC-335-2-24 [IEC335], see chapter 8.2 for some more details.
7.2.3 Consumer safety
Consumer safety is another important aspect while using any flammable refrigerant. In case of new
equipment it has been stated [TEAP97] that consumer safety is covered by the principle of responsibility of the systems manufacturers, who is legally responsible for the risk incurred by the end user for a
normal use of the system or appliance. It is not clear in case of retrofitted appliances to whom the
responsibility with respect to the safety will rest. This is an important issue for consideration.
7.2.4 Servicing and training
Another important concern regarding safety is servicing. It has been suggested [TEAP97] that special
training of operators is required for safe handling of flammable refrigerants and all operations related
to system servicing. In Germany where many refrigerators are running with isobutane, servicing teams
are employed by the companies which produced the refrigerators. This is a departure from normal
practice in which refrigeration technicians, wholesalers and retailers staff, or individual entrepreneurs,
generally deal with refrigeration services. It is expected that servicing personnel are equipped with leak
detectors, vacuum pumps and recovery equipment. Dijkstra [Dij95] has emphasized on training of
service personnel. It has been stated that not the consumers but the service technicians are the possible
victims of unsafe practices and a set of practical measures have been outlined.
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Gartshore [Gar96] stated that the refrigeration and air-conditioning industry has a great deal of
experience in handling flammable refrigerants. But there is a need to train the personnel for handling
the flammable refrigerants safely.
Safety aspects during servicing need to be considered in servicing or retrofitting procedures. This aspect
is being dealt with in chapter 10.
7.3 Risk assessment
Risk assessment is an essential methodology to address safety aspects when using hydrocarbon
refrigerants. There are some studies conducted [Clo96a, Clo96b, Ger94, Zgl94, Ger95b] towards the
risk assessment of appliances using flammable refrigerants. TEAP [TEAP97] gives the general scope
of a risk analysis. It also discusses the factors which affect risk due to the flammability of the refrigerant.
Van Gerwen [Ger94] stated that Quantitative Risk Analysis (QRA) is essential for evaluation of safety,
risks and necessary measures to keep the risks associated with hazardous materials acceptable. The
study concentrated on transport refrigeration systems to identify the possible accidents with the
refrigeration system, the consequences of the accidents and the related individual and social risks.
Zgliczynski et al. [Zgl94] reported that Aspera performed series of activities to assess the risk coming
from the use of hydrocarbons in domestic refrigeration. Basic studies on isobutane/air flammability
behavior were conducted. The effect of the use of flammable refrigerants in present hermetic
compressors was also experimented. A complete failure mode and effect analysis on product and
compressor manufacturing processing was conducted. Some safety aspects on complete refrigeration
system were studied and in particular the safety behavior of compressor electrical components was
investigated. The authors conclude that, having performed above mentioned activities, the risk
connected with the use of hydrocarbon compressors seems to be reasonably low.
On the basis of a series of tests conducted with various leak rates of propane/isobutane, Clodic [Clo96b]
has reported that the concentration of refrigerant in air is not always homogeneous within the space
being considered. These gases (heavier than air) concentrate preferably close to the ground and
concentrations higher than LFL values can be met during several hours, this under natural convection
conditions or even with moderate mechanical ventilation (0.5 vol/hr). These concentrations depend on
the leak flow rate, the convection conditions and the quality of the released flammable refrigerant. The
results of this study were demonstrated in a conference.
7.4 Summary
A large number of publications discuss the safety issues related to the application of hydrocarbons in
domestic and small commercial systems. The discussions vary from simply ignoring any safety aspect,
to detailed discussions on how to properly deal with all possible events leading to hazardous situations.
The latter is often accompanied with a risk analysis illustrating these possible events.
Following the practice of hydrocarbon based appliance manufacturers, products have been considered
inherently safe enough (e.g. foamed in evaporators) or product design changes have taken place (e.g.
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thermostats placed externally). Standards are being updated (see chapter 8) to integrate this kind of
information. In fact, the same kind of information needs to be included in guidelines to be used when
retrofitting or servicing appliances with flammable refrigerants (some examples of this are already
present). The issue of liability when an appliance is converted to flammable refrigerants has not been
resolved.
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8. Regulations and standards

Existing regulations or standards which may impact the use of HC blends as service refrigerant are
discussed in this chapter. In literature it is possible to find several articles which give an overview of
existing relevant standards and which highlight the most important issues [e.g. Dev93, FKW94,
Dev96b, Dev97, Eco97a, Gar97a, TEAP97]. As such, it is concluded that there is no single safety
standard available on the subject anywhere in the world which can address all the issues related to safety
when using hydrocarbons as refrigerant [Gar97a].
Basically, the safety of refrigeration systems is being dealt with in two different types of standards,
mechanical and electrical. Mechanical safety of an appliance is discussed in various international and
national standards. Electrical safety of household appliances is being dealt with by, e.g. the International
Electrotechnical Commission [IEC335] and national standards. Further, standards relevant to the
storage and transport of flammable refrigerants are to be addressed.
8.1 Mechanical standards
As stated a number of standards address the mechanical safety of domestic appliances and (small)
commercial systems. These standards are intended to assure safety of persons and goods as far as the
characteristics of the design, installation and operation of the systems is concerned. Only a few national
standards include the safety aspects of flammable refrigerants, other (inter)national standards are
currently under revision to cover the use of flammable refrigerants. Most of the developing countries do
not have standards which include flammable refrigerants [Gar97a].
The British Standard for safety of refrigeration systems [BS4434] was one of the first to include
flammable refrigerants though Devotta [Dev96b] mentions the existence of an Indian safety code for
mechanical refrigeration [IS660] which also prescribes safe allowable quantities of flammable
refrigerant charge per unit volume. Also a draft of a German standard [DIN7003] deals with flammable
refrigerants.
The European Standard [EN378] is under revision to include flammable refrigerants and will supersede
the British and German standards once enforced (expected to be published in 1997). Other relevant
standards to this topic are from the International Standards Organisations [ISO5149] and from the
United States [ASH15, UL250].
All standards in some way classify the refrigerants, where the hydrocarbons typically fall in the most
flammable category, i.e. group 3 following [ASH15] (which derives this classification from [ASH34])
or group L3 within the draft European Standard [EN378]. Next a classification is made of the
refrigeration or heat pump system; this classification varies depending on the standard. The same is true
for the classification of the occupancy. For example, the European Standard classifies spaces where a
large number of people may be gathered and/or people may be restricted in their movement or asleep
(public spaces), spaces with limited access and restricted spaces.
The standards contain general requirements to refrigeration or heat-pump systems which are equally
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valid to flammable as well as non-flammable refrigerants (e.g. tightness, protection against excessive
pressure or temperature, etc.). However, most relevant to this report are the limitations put to flammable
refrigerants. [ISO5149] and [ASH15] simply ban the use of flammable refrigerants except in
laboratories and industry installations. With respect to [EN378] the limitations depend on the occupancy
mentioned before. Some background information on the European Standard is presented by Geissler
[Gei96] who presents an overview of the maximum allowed quantities in a diagram (see Figure 8-1).
Charge (kg)
Calculation:
allowable refrigerant charge = volume room x practical limit
Machine Room
Partly in Machine Room
C Staff Only
Any Room
B Staff + People
A Public
For practically all underground applications a limit of 1 kg exists
No ignition
sources
Figure 8-1 : Safety classifications following EN378

Important for domestic appliances and small commercial appliances is that also safety measures are
required for systems with a lower quantity of charge than 1.5 kg. This is different from [DIN7003]
which requires no safety measures for charges up to 150 g.
Some details of the standard are discussed in the following which are valid for the British Standards
[BS4434] and the European Standard [EN378]. The standard classifies refrigerants according to their
potential hazards. For each refrigerant a maximum practical limit is specified, relating to its toxicity,
flammability or the amount which will lead to asphyxiation. For propane and isobutane, (and also for
blends), the practical limit is:
0.008 kg/m3, i.e. approximately 20% of the lower flammability level.
This practical limit is used to calculate the maximum amount of hydrocarbon refrigerant allowable in a
system in a humanly occupied space. For example, for a commercial appliance used in a small shop with
an internal volume of 4 m by 4 m by 2 m high, the maximum allowable charge would be:
4 m x 4 m x 2 m x 0.008 kg/m3 = 0.256 kg
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So for this application the standard would not allow a charge of greater than 256 g. More than one
appliance would be allowed, providing each contains not more than 256 g of hydrocarbon refrigerant.
In addition to the practical limit the standard specifies a maximum charge for systems depending on the
occupancy of the area in which they will be used. The lowest maximum charge is for areas where a large
number of people may be gathered and/or people may be restricted in their movement or asleep (public
spaces). In that case the maximum charge is 1.5 kg. (or lower in case a sudden loss of the complete
amount of refrigerant could raise the concentration of refrigerant in the area above the practical limit as
discussed before). This 1.5 kg limit would apply to most areas where commercial refrigeration
appliances are used. The maximum charge is greater for other categories of occupancy. A special
limitation is put to appliances located below ground level, then the maximum charge is 1.0 kg of
hydrocarbon refrigerant.
The standard further specifies that there should be no sources of ignition associated with the
refrigeration system, or located in an area into which the refrigerant could gather in the event of a leak.
8.2 Electrotechnical standards
[IEC335] includes general safety requirements for household electrical appliances with part 2
containing particular requirements for refrigerators and food freezers. It excludes construction features
and operation of refrigerators and freezers being part of ISO standards. Amendments for the use of
flammable refrigerants are under consideration [CEN].
The amendments contain several aspects, a brief overview is given in [TEAP97]. This standard is
applicable for refrigerators and freezers with flammable refrigerants (e.g, hydrocarbons) with a
maximum mass of the refrigerant of 150 g. The standard is therefore not applicable to commercial
appliances, which typically use charges over 150 g. However, the standard provides useful guidelines
which are of interest to commercial refrigeration appliance designers as well.
An important prescription in the standards is that appliances must be constructed to avoid any fire or
explosion hazard in the event of a leakage of a refrigerant. Tests to verify a proper design are included
in the standard (e.g. simulation of a leak at the most critical point). Also maximum temperatures of
surfaces which may be exposed to leaking flammable refrigerants are limited to the ignition temperature
of the refrigerant minus 100 C.
An example how the draft amendments of [IEC335] are applied, is given by Wiest in a discussion on
the safety aspects of No-Frost combination appliances (forced ventilation appliances containing a
freezer and fresh food compartment) [Wie96].
As specified in the draft amendments for [IEC335], for domestic refrigerators using flammable
refrigerants, all critical electrical equipment (sparking or hot surface) which could be exposed to a
flammable atmosphere has to comply with the requirements of IEC 79-15 [IEC79].
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8.3 Regulations for storage and transport

Hydrocarbon refrigerants should be used, stored and transported in the same way as other flammable
gases, e.g. LPG. Therefore, the rules and regulations for the storage and transportation of LPG/HAP
may be followed [Gar97a]. These rules and regulations are typically governed by local authorities, e.g.
by the National Chief Controller of Explosives.
8.4 Summary
In this chapter only a very brief presentation of relevant standards is given which does not pretend to be
complete. An important issue is that a larger number of standards are now under review and that the
amendments to introduce flammable refrigerants are being discussed. This means that details of the
standards may still change.
Of further importance for retrofitting or drop-in activities is how and whether the standards are
applicable to existing installations. As an example [ASH15] is also applicable to modifications of
existing installations when this modification is carried out after adoption of the code.
An issue not yet discussed is whether standards are voluntary code only or whether these are included
in national or international regulations or directives. This may impact the choice of a retrofit candidate
since it is of course important to know whether a retrofit to a hydrocarbon refrigerant is prohibited by
law or not. This can only be studied properly on a national level by investigating the local standards and
(inter)national regulations.
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9. Availability and costs of hydrocarbon refrigerants

This section presents information on the availability of hydrocarbon refrigerants and their costs.
9.1 Availability
Hydrocarbons are naturally occurring substances that are obtained from refineries after distillation.
Refrigerant grade high purity hydrocarbons R-290, R-600a and blends of R-290/R-600a are available
from international manufacturers mostly located in Europe [Gar97a]. Table 9-1 gives a list of suppliers
of hydrocarbon refrigerants.
S.No
Suppliers
Product
1.
Calor Gas Refrigeration

Appleton Park
Slough SL3 9JG
United Kingdom
CARE 10 (R-600a),
CARE 40 (R-290),
CARE 30 (R-290/R-600a)
2.
SHV Energy India Pvt.Ltd

Kakad Bhavan, 3rd floor
30th Road, Bandra West
Mumbai - 400 050
India
Isobutane (R-600a),
Propane (R-290),
CARE 30 (R-290/R-600a)
3.
LINDE AG
Werksgruppe Technische Gase
Seitnerstr.70
D-82048 Hollriegelskreuth
Germany
Isobutane (R-600a),
Propane (R-290),
Blends (R-290/R-600a)
4.
HLS Aktiengesellschaft
Postfach 1320
D-45764 Marl
Germany
Isobutane (R-600a),
Propane (R-290),
Blend (R-290/R-600a)
5.
REFCO Manufacturing Ltd

Industriestr.11
CH-6285 Hitzkirch
Switzerland
Isobutane (R-600a), in aerosol cans
6.
ECOZONE
Frans Halsplein
NL-2021 DL-Haarlem
The Netherlands
Isobutane (R-600a),
ECOOL-PRO (R-290),
ECOOL-PIB (R-290/R-600a)
Table 9-1: Hydrocarbon Refrigerant Suppliers
Some of these suppliers are trying to establish a supply network in developing (Art 5(1)) countries.
Calor Gas in India is trying to have a supply network through SHV Energy India Pvt Ltd. It has been
stated [Aga93, Dev96a] that it is possible to obtain refrigerant grade hydrocarbons from petroleum
refineries or gas processing industry in developing countries such as India if demand increases to a level
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where it becomes techno-economically feasible. It is not yet very clear whether purity of hydrocarbons
has to be as high as the grade currently being applied [Dev96a], see also chapter 3.
In some of the developing countries hydrocarbon blends (LPG grade) obtained from the refining process
of crude oil are being used as replacement refrigerants [Dij96a, Dij96b]. Dijkstra [Dij96a] mentions that
the hydrocarbon refrigerants R-290, R-600a and blends of these can be obtained from local refineries.
The OORG Production Sector Working Group [OORG94] has concluded that in some cases, region
oriented separation and purification plants might be justified to serve several countries in Latin America
and Asia as the technology is well established and is subject to commercial agreements only and
appropriate safety standards.
9.2 Cost of hydrocarbon refrigerants
The cost of hydrocarbon refrigerants depends on different factors. First costs depend on the quantities
required. According to the World Bank OORG Refrigeration Working Group [OORG94], the market
prices and availability of the hydrocarbon refrigerants are as given in Table 9-2.
Refrigerant
Europe
DM/kg
USA
USD/kg
Short Term
(1994-95)
Long Term
(1995-2000)
CFC-12
3.0
Tax
Run down from 1994
May be tight
Isobutane
2.0-10.0
0.6-3.0
Adequate
Good
Propane
2.0-10.0
0.6-3.0
Adequate
Good
Table 9-2: Cost and Availability of Hydrocarbon Refrigerants

The costs of hydrocarbons are further a function of the required purity. Lystad [Lys95] reports that
propane 2.5 quality (> 99.5 %) is a factor of 30 to 40 more expensive than commercial grade propane.
Boldrin [Bol91] reports a lower, but still very significant, factor of 11.
In summary, hydrocarbon refrigerants will be easily available at reasonable costs (at prices similar or
lower than CFC-12 now), as in most countries these can be obtained as by-product of refineries.
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10. Servicing and drop-in conversion of R-12 appliances

to hydrocarbon blends
Millions of domestic refrigerator-freezers using hydrocarbon refrigerants are in use, especially in some
of the European countries. A safe service procedure has been adapted in these countries and no incident
has been heard of so far.
In some developing countries drop-in conversions from R-12 to hydrocarbon blend refrigerants are in
progress. This chapter discusses salient features of servicing and such drop-in conversion from R-12 (or
R-134a) to hydrocarbon blends. References are made to some literature sources discussing existing
experience and presenting details of servicing procedures.
In Germany, where many refrigerators are running with isobutane, the servicing is well organised and
carried out systematically. An organisational change has been reported [TEAP97], servicing teams are
employed by the companies which produced the refrigerators. This is a departure from prior practice in
which refrigeration technicians wholesalers and retailers staff or individual entrepreneurs generally
deal with the refrigeration services. It is expected that servicing personnel are equipped with proper tool
kits comprising leak detectors, vacuum pump and recovery equipment. Safe servicing practices to be
adapted for appliances using hydrocarbon refrigerants has been reported by Jrgensen [Jr96]. Dijkstra
[Dij95] and Gartshore [Gar96] have emphasised on the need of proper training to the servicing
technicians.
Agarwal, Gartshore and Kessler [Aga97b] have demonstrated the servicing and drop-in conversion
procedure in a workshop organised at IIT, Delhi, India in May 97. It has been stated [Gar97b] that
servicing of appliances using hydrocarbon refrigerant is not much different from servicing of R-12
based units, except that the refrigerant is flammable and due attention is needed to follow safe practices
outlined. It has been recommended that, in addition to well venting the working area, it is also good
practice to use a simple LPG gas alarm for monitoring the hydrocarbon concentration in the working
area during venting and charging the system.
A systematic step-by step procedure for servicing appliances using hydrocarbon refrigerants has been
presented along with safety requirements by Gartshore et al. [Gar97b]. The authors report that some
domestic and commercial refrigeration appliances can be converted from R-12 (or even R-134a) to the
hydrocarbon blend using a simple drop-in procedure. It is stated that the advantage of using a drop-in
alternative refrigerant is that the oil in the system does not need to be changed. The conversion can
therefore be carried out as needed, i.e., when the appliances have broken down. It has been clearly stated
that it is not recommended that every R-12 appliance is converted to an alternative refrigerant; if an
appliance is new, working correctly and not leaking refrigerant there is no reason to convert to
hydrocarbon refrigerant. The use of a drop-in replacement allows an appliance to be converted after it has
failed.
The step by step procedure for conversion from R-12 to hydrocarbon blends has been explained in detail
[Gar97b]. Following steps have been suggested:
recovery of R-12 or (R-134a) refrigerant;
make any necessary repairs to the appliance;
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replace, reposition or enclose electrical components as necessary;

evacuate the system;
charge with hydrocarbon blend.
It has been brought out that for safety considerations, sparking electrical components will need to be
replaced, re-positioned or enclosed when an appliance is converted (strictly speaking one can not speak
of a drop-in when these kind of measures need to be taken but the term retrofit would be more
appropriate). In many cases the cost of this makes conversion to a hydrocarbon refrigerant prohibitive.
In fact, very little information on the costs of a hydrocarbon conversion has been found so far. It is true
that conversion may be decided on the base of costs, so information on this subject would be essential.
It is recognised that costs are strongly dependent on local circumstances as well as on the product being
converted. The costs should not be lowered by compromising on the safety of appliances. The step by
step procedure has been evaluated taking into account safety and practical consideration [Aga97b].
Further guidelines for workmanship and safety guidelines when servicing domestic appliances are
presented by Ecozone [Eco97b, Eco97c]. However, these guidelines do not deal with specific nature of
different appliance types. Also for other type of equipment servicing procedures are designed or are in
development. For example Ecozone presents a guideline for conversion of milk cooling tanks in the
Netherlands [Eco97d] which takes into account the necessary safety considerations.
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11. Conclusions and recommendations

In this report the result of a literature survey on the use of pure hydrocarbons and hydrocarbon blends
in existing domestic and commercial refrigeration systems has been compiled. By analysing the
literature found against a checklist of aspects defined in chapter 2, a matrix can be drawn which
highlights the information available and identifies possible gaps in information. Based on this matrix
some general conclusions are drawn towards the applicability of hydrocarbon (blends) as a retrofit
option. Next to this, recommendations for further studies are derived.
In general, out of the hydrocarbon refrigerants available, the most attractive option for retrofitting (or
drop-in) refrigeration systems is offered by the mixture of propane/isobutane. It is mentioned once again
that such conversion is only to be considered in case a repair of the refrigeration system is required. Pure
isobutane requires a compressor change to accommodate for the capacity loss. Pure propane may lead
to reliability problems and the energy consumption generally increases. Propane/butane mixtures are
another option but compared to the mixture of propane/isobutane the efficiency is generally lower and
the temperature glide is even higher. In the following matrix most observations relate to the
propane/isobutane blend.
Aspect
Information Available
Refrigerant
Properties
Sufficient information available
Material
Compatibility
and Lubricant
Issues
In general a good material compatibility is

concluded for hydrocarbon/mineral oil
combinations and common materials in a
refrigeration circuit (also the compatibility
with several other types of lubricants is
positive).
Solubility data for some pure hydrocarbons
and different lubricants are available.
Specific solubility data of hydrocarbon
mixtures is missing.
Solubility data of selected

hydrocarbon blends with mineral oil
should be obtained. The effect of the
solubility on the viscosity of the
lubricant in practical systems should
be investigated. A possible concern
on composition change of
hydrocarbon blends due to solubility
differences of the components needs
to be addressed.
Appliance
Performance
In general the performance of hydrocarbon

blends when applied in a drop-in mode
leads to increases in energy consumption
from 0 to 30 % compared to CFC-12 based
domestic appliances. The exact figure
depends on the type of appliance and the
composition of the blend chosen. Two
temperature appliances with two evaporators
in series are known to suffer from the
temperature glide while single evaporator
refrigerators typically exhibit a reasonable
performance when blends are applied.
Improvement in energy consumption can be
achieved by adjusting the capillary tube
where a reduction in flow capacity is
required (longer capillary).
For a retrofit in general a small

energy consumption increase is
acceptable, which means that from
energy consumption performance a
retrofit to hydrocarbon blends is
acceptable on most single evaporator
type of appliances. Two evaporator
type of appliances (serving two
compartments) will show a
significant increase in energy
consumption and storage
temperatures in the refrigerator.
The influence of the blend on the
cooling capacity (especially at high
ambient temperatures) will need
additional study.
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Recommendations
For small commercial appliances better energy

efficiencies are reported which may be
attributed to a relatively better performance of
the hydrocarbon mixture at elevated
evaporation temperatures.
Apart from some pull down tests, relatively
little information is supplied on the cooling
capacity, i.e. whether high ambient
temperature specifications of the product are
still being met.
Detailed compressor performance

studies (taking temperature glides
into account) will give additional
information of the performance of
the blend compared to CFC12.
Reliability
Some life time tests have been reported with

hydrocarbon (mixture) refrigerants on
compressors and appliances. In general a good
reliability is demonstrated. This is also
confirmed by current and past production of
hydrocarbon based domestic appliances
although this is not completely comparable to
a retrofit or drop-in situation.
General reliability tests are not

further required. It remains to be
evaluated whether equipment
manufacturer specifications
(especially low voltage starts) are
still being met with hydrocarbon
blends.
Safety
A large number of publications discuss the

safety issues related to the application of
hydrocarbons in domestic and small
commercial systems. The discussions vary
from simply ignoring any safety aspect, to
detailed discussions how to properly deal with
all possible events leading to hazardous
situations. Following the practice of
hydrocarbon based appliance manufacturers,
products have been considered inherently safe
enough (e.g. foamed in evaporators) or product
design changes have taken place (e.g.
thermostats placed externally). This kind of
information is currently being integrated in
guidelines to be used when retrofitting or
servicing appliances with flammable
refrigerants.
Guidelines for adapting

appliances to hydrocarbon
refrigerants are being developed
but needs to be further detailed
(what modifications must be
applied, when and how).
Liability issues with respect to
appliances being retrofitted with
flammable refrigerants are not
resolved.
Aspect
Regulations and A large number of standards deal with safety

of domestic and commercial appliances.
Standards
Several of these standards do not address the
use of flammable refrigerants which has led to
amendments which are currently being
negotiated.
The fact whether the application of a
flammable refrigerant in a retrofitting situation
violates existing standards or regulations must
be studied on a national (or local) level. It
needs monitoring as well, since standards and
regulations are continuously being updated.
Details of safety aspects can be found in
amendments for electrotechnical standards.
Studies into the existing

regulations and standards are
required (per country or region).
The evaluation must be performed
taking into account the specifics
of each product.
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Aspect
Costs and
Availability
The information available reveals that future

availability of hydrocarbons should not be a
problem, this at moderate costs (comparable
to or lower than current CFC-12 prices).
Current availability and prices may be
prohibitive in some countries.
Servicing
Procedures
Some practical guidelines for servicing

domestic appliances and small commercial
equipment have been developed. These
guidelines list safety measures to be taken,
both to the product and to protect service
technicians.
Information on the costs of servicing
procedures is limited.
Recommendations
Existing guidelines and manuals need

to be improved with respect to the
safety measures to be taken.
The guidelines should also be more
product specific indicating which
products may be converted under
which condition. Information on the
costs of a conversion should be
gathered.
The literature investigated shows that the experiences with hydrocarbons in domestic and small
commercial systems are very diverse. A simple conclusion (such as that hydrocarbon blends can be
easily applied as a retrofit refrigerant) is therefore too much of a generalisation. On some products a
very reasonable performance may be obtained while on others a large energy efficiency penalty and
drawback on appliance temperatures may result.
Furthermore it is necessary to address safety issues when retrofitting appliances (which generally have
experienced a failure and need servicing, if this is not the case no retrofit is required and this is also not
advised for domestic appliances and small commercial systems). This means that proper guidelines
need to be compiled where the safety issues are discussed. Existing guidelines are often very general
which leaves room for interpretation of the service technicians.
It is evident that after a retrofit or drop-in operation the quality of the appliance must be maintained.
Quality can be seen in broad perspective, e.g. energy consumption, cooling capacity, reliability, safety
etc.. From this perspective, it can be concluded that servicing appliances with hydrocarbons is feasible,
however, this is conditional on the type of product being serviced and conditional upon the safety
measures taken. Next to this local standards and regulations need to be taken into account.
To properly address this, the issue can only be studied on a case by case basis by developing retrofit
guidelines for certain refrigeration systems only. Some examples of such guidelines specifically written
for a certain country, or region, and a specific product do exist.
As a general observation towards the quality of literature sources screened it may be concluded that
many literature references are often repetitive (i.e. statements of previous publications are repeated over
and over without adding new (scientific) evidence) or do not add to the general knowledge available on
the issue of hydrocarbons as replacement refrigerants. This in itself already justifies the exercise to give
an overview of the knowledge status which has been attempted in this report.
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List of References
In this list of references actually more publications are included than being referred to in the text of this
report. This is to refer the reader to more background information for specific issues. Most publications
contain one or more numbers in the column relevant aspect. These numbers refer to the following
aspects or criteria:
Number
Aspect
Refrigerant Data
Material Compatibility and Lubricant
Appliance Performance
Reliability
Safety
Regulations and standards
Costs and availability
Servicing procedure
General
Identification
Description of the reference
Relevant
Aspects
/ACG95/
American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH),

1996 Threshold Limit Values for Chemical Substances in the Work Environment,
ACGIH, Cincinnati, USA, (1995), p.p. 1-52 & notes
/Ada93/
Adams, S. Cyclopentane as Blowing Agent for Rigid Polyurethane foam in

Refrigerator Insulation Proc. of the 1993 Non-Fluorocarbon Insulation,
Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Technology Workshop, ORNL report 6805,
Wiesbaden, Germany, (1993), p.p. 63-75.
/Aga93/
Agarwal, R.S. Pre-Feasibility Study on Hydrocarbon Refrigerators Under Indian

Conditions, report submitted to Swiss Development Corporation. (1993)
/Aga94a/
Agarwal, R.S. Test Performance of Indian Refrigerators Using Hydrocarbons,

report submitted to Swiss Development Corporation (1994)
/Aga94b/
Agarwal, R.S. Study of Properties of Hydrocarbon Mixtures and Development

of Methodology for Energy Consumption Measurement in Existing Indian
Refrigerators, report submitted to Swiss Development Corporation (1994)
/Aga95a/
Agarwal, R.S. Evaluation of Pure and Mixed Hydrocarbons as Refrigerants for

Domestic Refrigerators under Indian Conditions, report submitted to Swiss
Development Corporation, (1995)
/Aga95b/
Agarwal, R.S., Ramaswamy, M., Agarwal, V. and Srivastava, V.K.,

Thermophysical Properties of Hydrocarbon Mixtures, Proc. of 4th Asian
Thermophysical Properties Conference, Tokyo, Japan (1995)
1, 5
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/Aga95c/
Agarwal R.S. Hydrocarbon Technology for Domestic and Commercial

Refrigeration, report submitted to Swiss Development Corporation.
/Aga95d/
Agarwal, R.S. Evaluation of Hydrocarbon Refrigerants in Single Evaporator

Domestic Refrigerator-Freezers, Proc. of the Int. CFC and Halon Alternative
Conference, Washington D.C., USA, (1995), p.p. 248-257
/Aga96a/
Agarwal R.S. A Thermodynamic Study on Hydrocarbon Mixture as Alternative

Refrigerants to CFC-12 for Domestic and Commercial Refrigeration Appliances,
report submitted to Swiss Agency for Development and Co-operation (1995)
/Aga96b/
Agarwal, R.S. Isobutane as Refrigerant for Domestic Refrigeration in Developing

Countries, Applications for Natural Refrigerants, Conference Proc, Aarhus,
Denmark, (1996), p.p. 75-86.
/Aga96c/
Agarwal, R.S., Ramaswamy, M., Agarwal, V. and Srivastava, V.K.,

Comparative Study of Hydrocarbon Mixtures & MP-39 as Refrigerants to Retrofit
CFC-12 based Domestic Refrigerator -Freezers, Proc. of the 1996 Int. Refrigeration
Conference at Purdue, Purdue University, USA, (1996), p.p. 471-476
/Aga96d/
Agarwal, R.S. Hydrocarbon blends - A simple alternative technology to CFC-12

for domestic refrigeration, Proc. of the Int. Conference on Ozone Protection
Technologies, Washington D.C., USA, (1996), p.p. 357-366
/Aga97a/
Agarwal R.S Hydrocarbon refrigerant for domestic and commercial refrigeration,

Report submitted to Swiss Agency for Development and Co-operation
/Aga97b/
Agarwal, R.S., Gartshore, J., Kessler, S., Proc.Workshop on Application of

Hydrocarbon Refrigerants in Domestic and Commercial Refrigeration, An Eco-frig
Publication, (May 1997)
/ASH15/
Standard Safety Code for Mechanical Refrigeration ANSI/ASHRAE Standard

15-1994, (1994)
/ASH34/
Number Designation and Safety Classification of Refrigerants, ASHRAE Standard

34-1992 with addenda, (1992)
/ASH89/
Sealed glass tube method to test the chemical stability of material for use within
refrigerant systems, ASHRAE Standard 97-1989, (1989)
/ASH94/
ASHRAE Handbook Refrigeration, Systems and Applications, ASHRAE, Atlanta,

USA, (1994)
/ASH97/
ASHRAE Handbook Fundamentals, ASHRAE, Atlanta, USA, (1997)
/Bak95/
Bakke, K., Neeraas, B.O, Owren, G. Heat Exchangers for base-load LNG plants
Proc. 19th Int. Congr. Refr., The Hague, The Netherlands, (1995), Vol.3b,
p.p. 1041-1047, 3 fig., 6 ref.
/Bas94/
Baskin, E., Perry, R.B. The Performance of Hydrocarbons in a Household

Refrigerator/Freezer, Proc. of the 1994 Int. Refrigeration Conference at Purdue,
Purdue University, USA, (1994), p.p. 237-244
/Baz95/
Baz, P., Meyersen, K., Legatis, D. GTZ Yearbook 1995, Hydrocarbon Technology,
Eschborn, Germany (1995), p. 304
/Bel95/
Bellomo, M., Pol, L. Theoretical and Experimental Investigations on RC

Refrigerant (azeotropic mixture R134a an R600a), Hydrocarbons and other
progressive answers to Refrigeration, Greenpeace, Germany, (1995), p.p. 126-143
/Ber94/
Berghmans, J. Working Fluid Safety, IEA Heat Pump Programme, Report

No. HPP-AN20-1, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Belgium (1994).
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/Bia94/
Biancardi, F., Sienel,T. Component Design Issues and Limitations with

3rd Generations HF, HC and Natural Refrigerants, New Applications of Natural
Working Fluids in Refrigeration and Air Conditioning, Conference Proc.,
Hannover, Germany (1994), Vol. 94-1, p.p. 365-386.
/Bis96/
Biscaldi, E. CFC Replacements R-600 and R-134a: performance, manufacturing

and costs from the compressor point of view, Proc. of the Eco-Refrigeration
Conference on Hydrocarbon Fluids in Domestic and Commercial Refrigerating
Appliances, Tata Energy Research Institute (TERI), New Delhi, India,
(1996), 11 p.
/Bla95/
Blacklock, P.G. Hydrocarbon Refrigeration and Air Conditioning: A Developing

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UNEP
in Existing Domestic and Small
Part II - Country Specific Surveys

REPORT OF THE FACT FINDING MISSION
TO INDONESIA FOR UNEP
July/August 1997
SWISSCONTACT - SMEP, Indonesia

Manfred Egger
ECOZONE, The Netherlands
Marja Tummers
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Part II
Country Specific Surveys: INDONESIA
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
Introduction .................................................................................................................
89
Overview phase-out of ODS in Indonesia ..........................................................
91
Methodology .........................................................................................................
92
The proposed alternatives....................................................................................
93
Could Hydrocarbons work....................................................................................
94
Results UNEP Study ...............................................................................................
95
5.1
5.1.1
5.2
5.2.1
5.3
5.3.1
5.4
5.4.1
5.5
5.5.1
6
Environmental aspects....................................................................................
Environmental Observations ..........................................................................
Economic Aspects ..........................................................................................
Economic Observations .................................................................................
Social Aspects ................................................................................................
Social Observations........................................................................................
Technical Aspects...........................................................................................
Technical Observations ..................................................................................
Regulatory and Liability Aspects ...................................................................
Regulatory and Liability Observations ..........................................................
95
98
99
103
104
109
110
112
113
113
General observations and recommendations.....................................................
114
ANNEXES
Annex A List of abbreviations....................................................................................
117
Annex B Description of contacts visited ...................................................................
118
Annex C Questionnaire English .................................................................................
123
Annex D Questionnaire Bahasa Indonesia ...............................................................
127
Annex E Reports of Interviews Indonesia.................................................................
131
Annex F Terms of Reference Country Specific Survey, specified for Indonesia ....
160
Annex G Map of Java..................................................................................................
162
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Part II
Introduction
The United Nations Environmental Program (UNEP) proposed a study into the possibility for the
conversion of domestic and small commercial refrigeration appliances with refrigerants based on
hydrocarbons.
The project covers three consecutive phases. The first phase is a desk study of the documents and
research carried out so far related to the conversion of domestic and small commercial refrigeration
appliances with refrigerants based on hydrocarbons.
The second phase is an in-depth study of the situation of the application of hydrocarbon refrigerants and
hydrocarbon replacement technology in developing countries.
The third phase is an international workshop in Montreal on September 8, 1997. During this workshop
the preliminary findings of the two first phases of the study, along with other relevant material will be
presented and discussed with Ozone Officers of Article-5 countries, technical experts from different
countries, representatives of the Multilateral Fund Secretariat, government representatives of Article-2
Country and others.
In the early spring of 1997 at a meeting in Eschborn, Germany, the lay-out for the study was agreed upon
by the partners involved. The Project Management is carried out by the National Research Council in
Canada. The specific sub-studies of the project are carried out by the partners from Switzerland, The
Netherlands and Indonesia.
SWISSCONTACT-SMEP has carried out the Survey in Indonesia for the phase two of the Study, the
Country Specific Surveys.
In this report the findings of the Survey carried out in Indonesia are presented. The interviews were held
using a questionnaire (annex B). The reports have been written based on interviews held by
SWISSCONTACT - SMEP, Indonesia assisted by Ecozone, The Netherlands, in June and July 1997.
The interviews In Indonesia were held in Jakarta, Bandung. Surabaya and Malang.
SWISSCONTACT-SMEP has been working in environmental issues for several years. There is an
extensive knowledge on the ODS issue, gained through several projects that were executed in cooperation with international partners. Because of their knowledge of the ODS issue and their
involvement in Indonesian society SWISSCONTACT-SMEP was requested to carry out the Survey in
Indonesia.
The assessment includes the results of a total of 19 official interviews, 6 additional interviews and
additional research into the experiences Indonesia has in the use of hydrocarbons as replacement for
CFCs in the different sectors that are involved in refrigeration and refrigeration technologies.
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Part II
1. Overview phase-out of ODS in Indonesia

The Republic of Indonesia ratified the Vienna Convention for the Ozone Layer and the Montreal
Protocol on Substances that deplete the Ozone Layer in 1992. Through this ratification Indonesia
committed itself to phase out ODS by the end of the year 2010. Indonesia has however opted for a
stricter time schedule and has committed itself to phase-out the imports of Ozone Depleting Substances
already by the end of the year 1997. The time schedule for this phase out by 1997 have been described
in the Indonesia Country Program of 1994.
For the manufacturing industry a support program has been formulated and implemented, so that the
ODS ban by the end of 1997 should not significantly affect production. Multilateral funds have been
made available for industries to shift from ODS to non-ODS substances. However, it is obvious today
that some industries will be affected by the rapid phase-out of ODS and it is questionable whether the
goal set by the Government of Indonesia will be achieved by all parties involved.
The service sector has not been taken into consideration in the Indonesian Country Program (CP). No
phase-out scenario exists for the service sector, although the general opinion is that about 60-70% of the
ODS in the country is being used in this service sector. There is consequently no support program
implemented. Surveys among consumers and service workshops in the refrigeration sector reveal that
the phase-out of ODS is unknown to most of them and neither are they aware of the major consequences
of such a phase-out. The Government of Indonesia has not acquired basic information about this sector
yet. However, the GOI seems aware of the delicate situation and a study in this sector will be conducted.
Data will be available at the end of 1997.
Many alternative substances for ODS are proposed in the Indonesian CP, also for the refrigeration
sector. Hydrocarbon as an alternative refrigerant has however not yet been considered and are only
mentioned briefly. HC as a refrigerant for Indonesia gained however some popularity among a limited
number of interested parties through research-, pilot project-, training- and promotion activities. ITB
Bandung has been working on the HC issue for several years, mainly to develop a suitable HC
refrigerant based on propane and normal butane. SWISSCONTACT (a Swiss organisation actively
supporting small and medium-scale enterprises in Indonesia) together with ITB and Ecozone have
supported the conversion of existing milk cooling equipment of milk co-operatives (KUD). To promote
HC as refrigerant, a national workshop was conducted in June 1996. A second one was conducted in
September 1996 to inform about the positive results of the pilot conversions at the KUDs. The addressed
parties were representatives of the Government of Indonesia, industry, consumer organisations,
universities, service industry and media. Both workshops were conducted by ITB in co-operation with
SWISSCONTACT and international partners. Contacts with industries possibly interested in
importing/producing HC refrigerants have been initiated to inform them about the potential of HC
applications in the refrigeration sector.
The reaction from people confronted with HC as refrigerants from the side of user (industries) and
service sector have been mainly positive also with regard to the safety aspects. The main obstacle why
these groups do not use HC right now is because HC refrigerants are not easily available on the market
yet. This might change in the near future as several parties are interested to launch the products.
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2. Methodology
Following the meeting of the organisations involved in the UNEP-Study in Eschborn, Germany, a final
questionnaire was drafted for the Country Specific Surveys. The division of questions into groups of
aspects was set on Environmental, Economic, Social, Technical and Regulatory and
Liability.
In the period of June 30 to July 13, 43 representatives of a total of 19 organisations have been officially
interviewed. Further a total of 8 respondents of 6 other organisations were added to the list. These
unplanned contacts resulted in further background information.
During the first interviews it became clear that most respondents were not able to answer all the
questions of the questionnaire. The decision was made not to follow the questionnaire from A-Z. The
specific Code of Practice of social contacts also prohibited the strict following of such a questionnaire.
The contacts with the respondents were arranged through the SWISSCONTACT SMEP Secretariat in
Malang, Indonesia, based on a list of minimum respondents of different organisations as was agreed
upon in Eschborn, Germany. The final list of respondents did fully cover the request and comprised
Ministries, governmental institutions, NGOs, and private companies.
All information obtained from all contacts is compiled into the following chapter. The structure is based
on the reports of SWISSCONTACT -SMEP and Ecozone following the structure of the questionnaire
which was used as a basis for discussions for the study.
It should be kept in mind that HC as refrigerants have just been introduced in Indonesia by actions
limited in scope. It will become clear that not all questions could be answered (NA - not available) and
it has to be kept in mind too that because of lack of information on the part of the respondents some
information is not very accurate.
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3. The proposed alternatives

Within the Montreal Protocol and its amendments the production, distribution and use of CFCs, HCFCs,
halons, methyl bromide a.o. is described. Following this MP the developed countries have phased out
the production and use of these substances. The Article-5 Countries have been granted a grace period
for the phase out of these substances.
The MP approves of the use of R134a, a HFC, as the alternative refrigerant for CFC 12, but does not
summarise future applications or policy for this refrigerant.
The International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) describes the specifications of those refrigerants that
are not given by the MP. So, the IPCC does not outline CFCs but does inform about HFCs, PFKs etc.
Within the IPCC the environmental effects of HFCs, including R134a, are deliberated upon. Research
has shown that R134a does not have an Ozone Depleting Potential (ODP) like CFCs, but still has a
considerable Global Warming Potential (GWP). Besides this high GWP there are other negative aspects
to R134a: it is toxic, insoluble in mineral oils (that are found in most conventional compressors), the
synthetic oil needed is toxic as well as hygroscopic and the energy consumption of refrigeration
equipment running with R134a is on an average 10% higher compared to CFC or HC charged
equipment (compare results in the desk study, par. 5.2.
This knowledge has provoked a worldwide discussion on the need and the possibilities for the use of
HFCs. Respondents stated that if a proposed solution for an environmental unsound substance is itself
also unsound, it may not be such a good solution. The discussion now focuses on possible alternatives
for HFCs that have none of the negative side effects of these substances. It is reasonable to assume that
a substitute for CFCs and HFCs will be found. If this is the case and the international choice will be for
this new substance, then HFCs can be considered transitional substances. This is an ongoing discussion
and it is not to be expected that decisions regarding the possible phase out of HFCs will be made in the
near future.
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4. Could Hydrocarbons work

Hydrocarbons (HCs) are an environmentally sound alternative for CFCs and HFCs. HCs as a refrigerant
have been known and used since the beginning of this century. The development of the inert CFCs in
the 1930s put the HC technology in the background. CFCs have been applied since then in numerous
refrigeration equipment. Eventually the damaging aspects of CFCs became clear and solutions for the
problem had to be sought.
The first domestic refrigerator with hydrocarbons was developed in a factory in former East Germany,
in co-operation with Greenpeace already in 1989. Following the production of this Greenfreeze the
major producers of domestic refrigeration equipment in Western Europe have been using HCs as a
refrigerant and as a propellant for insulation blowing for several years.
HCs can also be used in existing refrigeration equipment as a replacement for the original refrigerant.
The HCs, pure or in mixtures depending on the application, are fully compatible with all existing
refrigeration equipment whether the system uses mineral or synthetic oil. In some cases no changes in
the hardware configuration of the equipment are needed. HCs are flammable and thus adjustments in
terms of safety applications to the system have to be taken into consideration. For instance in the British
Standard number 4434 a description is given of the safety precautions that have to be taken when a
refrigeration system is (re)charged with hydrocarbons. The safety precautions that have to be taken
depend on the charge and application of the system. When a CFC system is retrofitted with HCs roughly
only half of the original total charge is used.
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5. Results UNEP Study

5.1 Environmental aspects
1) Protection of the ozone layer
a) What organisations, institutions and other groups work in the field of protection of
the ozone layer? and
b) What are their relations?
International organisations:
World Bank, United Nations bodies like UNIDO, UNDP, UNEP and PCI
These organisations are mainly supporting industries in conducting projects funded through the
Multilateral Fund. These funds are only accessible via one of these organisations. The government
however must also approve all projects. Sucofindo (PT Superintending Company of Indonesia) acts as
a consultant for the Worldbank for assessment of projects. UNIDO carries out these assessments
personally.
Projects are carried out in sectors like foaming (cyclopentane) and insulation, tobacco and aerosols.
Only PCI, an Australian project under BAPEDAL works in the field of the service sector, specialised in
recovery and recycling for mobile air-conditioning.
Governmental:
Ministry of Environment, BAPEDAL
The Ministry of Environment (MoE) is responsible for the implementation of the Country Program
(CP). The phase out of ODS is at this moment co-ordinated and supervised by the MoE. This might
however be done by BAPEDAL (implementation agency of MoE) in the near future. The MoE will be
integrated into other ministries in the future (Ministry of Mines and Energy and the Ministry of
Research and Technology).
To prepare and implement the CP the MoE has set up the so-called Ozone Layer Protection and ODS
Phase-out Unit. Besides the Ministry, representatives of about 150 different companies and
organisations belong to this Unit. The core group consists of 15 representatives from major companies
and umbrella organisations.
Education and Training institutions:
Universities, e.g. ITB, PEDC and vocational schools, e.g. BLK, STMP and VEDC
ITB conducts research and seminars on HC as refrigerants and has also students working on the subject.
ITB has good contacts with PERTAMINA the state Oil and Gas Company (for propane, butane). PEDC
(among other institutions) conveys information on HC as refrigerants to the students during their
studies. PEDC also intends to conduct training activities for the industry again but former experiences
with courses for SWISSCONTACT were not very encouraging.
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VEDC (SWISSCONTACT supported) with its environment department works on awareness building
level. BLK Bandung and Singosari conduct information seminars and technician training for
SWISSCONTACT. ECOZONE supported the first training at the BLKs.
Private Companies:
Sucofindo, Nestl, milk co-operatives (PPSKI/ GKSI), Meta Epsi, individual representatives
Sucofindo is a semi governmental consultancy company working for the government as well as for
private parties. Sucofindo assisted the MoE for the CP and does consecutive studies for ODS phase-out,
e.g. for the refrigeration service sector. Sucofindo also works as consultant for the WB for projects for
the Multilateral Fund.
Nestle and a milk co-operative in Bandung have been conducting pilot conversions of milk cooling
tanks to HC together with ITB (Bandung only), SWISSCONTACT and Ecozone. Meta Epsi is a
prospective importer and possible producer of HC refrigerant and has been supported by
SWISSCONTACT and Ecozone so far. Meta Epsi has good contacts with the Ministry of Environment.
Representatives of several different industries take place in the Ozone Unit, supporting the MoE in the
phase-out of ODS.
Non Governmental Organisations:
SWISSCONTACT, YLKI, WAHLI, LEMBANGTEK
SWISSCONTACT (SC) is a non-governmental organisation working in Indonesia for 20 years in the
field of vocational training and technical assistance and the creation of support mechanisms (technically,
financially and economically) to the private sector. SC has been active in the field of introducing HC as
alternative refrigerants since 1996. SC has a very extensive network with contacts to industry,
workshops, governmental as well as non-governmental organisations.
YLKI is the biggest consumer organisation in Indonesia and carried out data assessment (mandate from
MoE to WAHLI to YLKI) for the MoE for the ODS country program. YLKI also has contacts with
Sucofindo, BAPEDAL and the MoE. YLKI executes promotion activities for SWISSCONTACT.
WALHI is the best-known environmental organisation in Indonesia and has contact to the MoE as well
as to other ministries. Because of its activities on governmental decisions WALHI is not generally
accepted, especially in governmental circles.
LEMBANGTEK is a foundation conducting training and seminars on environemntal issues and works
together with ITB, SWISSCONTACT, and BLK Bandung. LEMBANGTEK has good connections
with the Ministry of Manpower.
c)
How are they financed?
International organisations:
World Bank, United Nations bodies like UNIDO, UNDP, UNEP and PCI
Projects of the WB and UN bodies are financed through contributions of the member countries.
PCI receives grants from the Australian Government.
Governmental:
Ministry of Environment, BAPEDAL
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Education and Training institutions:

Universities, e.g. ITB, PEDC and vocational schools, e.g. BLK, STMP and VEDC
ITB and PEDC receive Governmental funds (PEDC-Ministry of Education) as well as grants for
specific research projects from for instance the WB and SC. ITB is also financed for specific student
exchange projects by industries.
The BLKs are financed by the Ministry of Manpower and receive some funds from SC and GTZ for
specific projects. The VEDC receives governmental funds through the Directorate for Vocational
Education and carries out income generating activities.
Private Companies:
Sucofindo, Nestl, milk co-operatives (PPSKI/ GKSI), Meta Epsi, individual representatives, Ecozone BV
Consultancy companies like Sucofindo and Ecozone BV carry out assignments for several
(international) institutes and (governmental) organisations. Companies and individual representatives
earn incomes by buying and selling products and goods.
Non Governmental Organisations:
SWISSCONTACT, YLKI, WAHLI, LEMBANGTEK
SWISSCONTACT receives finances from the Swiss Government and from private (Swiss) donations.
The YLKI receives donations from USAID, the Ford Foundation, the Government via the State Ministry
and the International Consumer Organisation. They further carry out income generating assignments for
e.g. SWISSCONTACT (a.o. a survey on air-pollution) and the MoE. LEMBANGTEK carries out
income generating activities and receives money for trainings and seminars they conduct.
2) Phase out of CFCs
a) What is the amount of CFC in your country?
Most respondents referred to the data as they are given in the CP, corrected for the year 1997. Estimates
of respondents varied from 6500t to 3120t (both figures referring to the current existing stock).
According to the CP the volume for refrigerants would be, in 1996:
CFC 12:
unconstrained demand (the situation when no measures are taken to limit the consumption) for
domestic refrigeration, mobile air-conditioning, bus air-conditioning and commercial use: 3512 tonnes
(with 3069 tonnes in mobile air-conditioning)
constrained demand (when assuming a complete success of all activities implemented to reduce
consumption) when following the CP: 582 tonnes (with 307 tonnes in mobile air-conditioning)
CFC 11:
unconstrained demand for: 258t (8% of 390t+227t),
constrained demand: 115t (8% of 312t+90t)
The expected GNP figure of 8%, as it has been calculated by the Indonesian Government, has been
taken as a base line for the calculation of prospected growth.
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(1996: according to a recent market study (carried out by SWISSCONTACT in 1997) refrigerants only:
CFC 12: 1520t whereas 1208 tonnes in the mobile air-conditioning sector
CFC 11: 76t
These numbers refer to the market study only and not to the country program. The difference in figures
from the Government and SC Market study may be explained by institutions incorporated and method
of calculation used. SC has, contrary to the GOI, incorporated the use of ODS by the medium and small
enterprises, based on their personal experience.
b) How much CFC is used in the service sector?
Both the respondents of PT Inti Mutiara and the members of the Ozone protection Unit stated that a
figure of 70% of the total amount of refrigerants is being used in the service sector
This seems to be reasonable, also according to the market study so the total amount used in the service
sector would be:
R12: 0.7*1520t=1064t
R11:0.7*76t=53t.
Domestic and commercial
Commercial:
R12: 74t
R11: 48t
Non commercial:
R12: 150t (government buildings 14t)
R11: 5t
Commercial: office buildings, industrial (room) air-conditioning, hotels, markets, hospitals, and food
storage
Non-commercial: domestic refrigerators, domestic air-conditioning, and government buildings
Large (cold stores and split air-conditioning systems)
Cold stores where no problems can arise concerning toxicity run with ammonia or other refrigerants.
Split air-conditioner systems run with R22.
c) Is there a UNEP CFC recovery and recycling network functioning in your country?
No. The MoE will also not support such a network or system. The MoE is of the opinion that all users
shall take care of the problem themselves. PCI, an Australian project under BAPEDAL runs a mobile
air-conditioning recovery and recycling project introducing technicians to the use of equipment.
d) How does it work?
NA
5.1.1 Environmental Observations

The Country Program, as it has been written by the Indonesian Government with support of Sucofindo,
YLKI and others, foresees a ban of the import of CFCs by the end of the year 1997. This is a remarkable
situation because one of the arrangements for Article-5 Countries, like Indonesia, is that these countries
are given more time to phase-out ODS. The fact that Indonesia has chosen this quite rapid phase-out is
however admirable.
During the interviews it became clear that the decision for the phase-out of the import of CFCs as made
by the government in the CP is not well known at all. Some respondents didnt know anything at all
about the mere existence of such a CP, others knew that there was a CP but knew nothing to something
of the contents.
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The general opinion of the respondents on the date of the phase-out of the import is that it is most likely
too soon. The perception is that banning of imports will only lead to smuggling. The demand for CFCs
in Indonesia is large, despite the conversion of several larger factories producing CFC charged
equipment.
It is generally assumed that most CFCs in the country are being used in the service sector, some 70% of
the total consumption.
There are no exact figures on the current stock of CFC in the country. Larger companies that have a
bookkeeping department can give more accurate figures on their personal stock, but have to make
estimates when the total Indonesian stock is discussed. The YLKI for instance, made an estimation for
the total number of service workshops in Indonesia by , calculating the number of workshops in an area
of Jakarta and generalising these data to the rest of Java and to Indonesia. Calculations for the stock of
CFC for this study have therefore been made using the predictions as stated in the CP and a market
survey recently carried out by SWISSCONTACT SMEP.
There are different organisations, institutes and other groups working in the field of protection of the
ozone layer. They range from foreign financing and donor organisations to micro activities of for
instance institutes that work on the micro level, like SC. The number of greenorganisations and NGOs,
as they are for instance known in Europe and the USA, is very limited. Only very large-scale destructive
activities of major companies get attention (deforestation).
Explanations for the lack of green organisations have to be sought in the general political and social
problems Indonesia is facing. Only when basic needs are fulfilled will the need for a better environment
become a priority issue. The expectation is that green organisations will emerge in the coming years.
The Multilateral Fund finances the CFC phase-out activities of several CFC appliance producing
companies. Some of these companies have converted there production lines already to non-ODS use
and are in the process of finishing upthe stock of CFC. For some companies the request for conversion
activities is under consideration with the MLF. It has been stated that any approval by the MLF and
consequent conversion activities of the companies needs to be done fast. The date of the 31st of
December 1997 as set by the GOI for the stop of import of CFCs implies that MLF grants for assistance
in for instance the conversion of factories will stop.
5.2 Economic Aspects

1) Hydrocarbons as refrigerants
a) What is the amount of HFC used in your country?
Until now five producers of domestic refrigerators (out of 7) have received funds through the
Multilateral fund for the conversion of their production lines from R12 to R134a. Two of these 5
companies have already changed the production line, the other three are in the process of conversion
while the financial application for the last two are still being processed. Since production has just
recently started and most factories are finishing the stock of R12, the amounts of HFC are still very low.
The two factories that converted to R134a also converted the insulation blowing to cyclopentane, two
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others are in the process of converting this and the other three have chosen to convert to the HCFC141b.
New imported cars all come with R134a as refrigerant; numbers and amounts are not exactly known.
Refrigerants only, foaming not included: 604t (mobile air-conditioning: 518t)
commercial: 72t
non-commercial: 14t (governmental buildings: 6t)
Large (cold stores and split air-conditioning systems)?

NA
b) What is the amount of HC used in your country as a refrigerant?
Domestic and commercial / Large (cold stores and split air-conditioning systems)
At this moment there is no hydrocarbon refrigerant commercially available on the market.
Hydrocarbons have so far only been used for demonstration projects and trainings. For those purposes
the total amount of 163 cylinders of 5,5 kg have been imported.
The State Oil Company PERTAMINA produces propane and butane as a fuel and cooking gas. The
product is not of refrigerant quality (impurities and unknown mixtures of hydrocarbons). PERTAMINA
is not interested in producing hydrocarbon refrigerants. The volume of this product would be too low
compared to their fuel gas production and therefore not interesting from market point of view. They have
however indicated that they see no problem in supplying any company interested in purification of their
products with the needed amount of propane and butane (feedstock). At this moment PERTAMINA
supports HC research at the ITB-Bandung with propane.
c)
What is the quality of the non-imported available HC?

(Purity, mix of HCs, specify contamination, water)
ITB has been testing the two basic products of PERTAMINA, propane and butane, in June 1997. The
test results are given below. It has been made clear by staff of ITB that further tests are needed.
Propane liquid phase:
Butane liquid phase:
Butane vapour phase:
Mol fraction (mf) C3H8 98,08%,

normal butane
mf
propane
mf
Iso-butane
mf
impurities
0,89%
normal butane
mf
propane
mf
Iso-butane
mf
impurities
7,36%
rest impurities
59,99%
1,99%
37,11%
50,12%
4,8%
37,70%
The figures mentioned were given by the ITB. The given levels seem to be high, but due to the scope of
the studies it has not been possible to duplicate the testing. Producers of Hydrocarbon Refrigerants
(Calor Gas, OZ-Technologies, Ecozone) give a rough product specification of their refrigerants only.
d) Could the quality of the non-imported available HC be improved?
No. At this moment the necessary equipment for the further purification, decontamination and
dehumidification is not available in Indonesia. PERTAMINA is not interested in the purification of their
own products to refrigerant quality because the market for those products is very small, especially
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compared to their normal fuel and cooking gas production. It is known of two companies that they are
however interested in the purification of the hydrocarbon base propane and butane. Both are surveying
the possibilities for the set-up of such plants.
e) And if so, how?
When the necessary equipment would be available the existing hydrocarbon base propane and butane
could be purified. A problem will however arise in the production of Iso-butane because the investment
for production of this product is indeed high. The two companies that are considering investing in
purification equipment both requested technical assistance from outside of Indonesia.
f) Is there a product regulation on HC as refrigerants?
Since HC are not yet used as a refrigerant there exists no product regulation. The existing regulation is
on production, storage, transport and use of HC as fuel and cooking gas.
g) Who sets these regulations?
For safety regarding transport and production of gas (new production and refining) the Ministry of
Mining and Energy and the Directorate of Oil and Gas (MIGAS) are responsible. They set regulations
regarding safety, quality and quantity.
h) Who controls these regulations?
NA
i) How are the controls carried out?
NA
j) What are the imposed safety regulations for the use of HC as refrigerant?
As mentioned the use of HC is so far only practically known to persons who attended a training by
SWISSCONTACT, Ecozone, ITB or BLK. So far no specific regulation for HC exists. The Ministry of
Manpower is the legislative body to issue such regulations. The MoM also gives mandates for the
development of safety regulations to parties familiar with the subject, e.g. industries and consultants. If
the issue of having regulations for the use of HC is urgent, the MoM is willing to review its priorities
but the MoM will need international support (existing regulations from other countries)
k) What are the costs of HC, LPG and HFCs in comparison to CFC a unit?
Average prices, composed on basis of interviews and of market research done by SWISSCONTACT SMEP:
CFC
HFC
LPG
HC
R12:
R11:
R134a:
Government set price:
import prices
Rp. 6100.-/kg
Rp. 4500.-/kg
Rp.17500.-/kg
Rp.1000.-/kg
PIB U$ 13,- to 21,-/kg
Propane U$ 7,- to 25,-/kg
(Exchange rate July 1997 1US$=Rp580)
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2) Conversion of larger systems

a) Do you think it is a viable option to convert larger systems from CFCs to HCs?
(starting at 2 kg)
Generally, people involved in conversion pilot activities of larger systems (up to 17 kg) accept HC as a
viable option provided that the system is safe. Very good results in terms of technical complicity of
conversion and energy efficiency calculations have been achieved with regard to the performance of the
converted equipment. These were all very convincing for the people involved. Discussions with large
users of refrigerants (textile industry) show that they are very interested to get to know the possibilities
with HC. The reason being that conversions to for instance R134a would be very expensive, more so
than a shift to HC. Safety always becomes an issue when HC is discussed.
In the mobile air-conditioning sector the acceptance for HC as an alternative for R134a varies widely.
People are afraid of safety problems, more than on conversion problems are likelihood of appropriate
functioning of the equipment.
b) And to HFCs?
Not all, but a significant number of respondents stated that a conversion form CFC (R12) to HFC
(R134a) is far too complicated and costly. Since R134a is accepted as a transitional refrigerant replacing
R12 it is however a fact one has to deal with. Larger companies involved in new production of
refrigeration equipment have received international funds to convert the production lines. The problems
will however arise for the service sector when R134a charged equipment would be brought in.
Awareness regarding the phase-out of CFCs, its implications and possible solutions are not widely
spread yet. The contents of the CP program are also not generally known. Refrigerant suppliers are more
or less aware of the existence of HC for new production, retrofit and servicing but do not promote it.
The Ministry of Environment explained that for the time being R134a as an alternative for R12 just has
to be accepted. Whether other refrigerants suitable as alternative for R12 will be available on the market
in the future is, according to a number of respondents, up to market forces. UNIDO shares this same
opinion. The general fear is that government interventions on for instance tax reductions for imported
HC might only lead to unwanted market distortions.
c)
What would be the characteristics for the system to do such conversions?
d) To HCs
Those familiar with HC reply that no hardware changes to the system are required and that all measures
must be taken in order to guarantee that the system is safe and safely placed. It has become clear that
the general sensitivity regarding safety is however not so highly (over)developed as it is in industrialised
countries. The consequences for an equipment operator in case of an accident in Indonesia is probably
much less grave than in industrialised countries. Entrepreneurs stated that they quite often not even
informed their customers on the conversion from R12 to HC. The entrepreneurs know the conversion
has been technically correct and the knowledge of the conversion would only frighten the customer.
e) To HFCs
People familiar with the consequences when switching from R12 to R134a will (of course) do the
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necessary adaptations, like changing compressor and lubricant. The opinion regarding R134a that one
has just to replace the refrigerant without other adaptations, not even changing the lubricant, is however
often prevailing. For the mobile air-conditioning sector it has happened that R134a systems have been
converted (back) to R12 because R12 is cheaper and the technical implications less; thus cheaper too.
3) Employment/income generation
a) What would be the implications for the workshops if they shift from CFCs to HCs?
(income, technical training, clients, equipment)
There probably will be no major implications if HC refrigerant is freely available on the market at a
competitive price, compared to any other alternative refrigerants. Compulsory training and licensing
would be desirable for technicians especially regarding safety. However when HC is freely available, it
will most likely not be possible to make such trainings compulsory for technicians. There will always
be ways to obtain HC refrigerants: control mechanisms in Indonesia do not work so perfectly as they
might in industrialised countries. It would be desirable that HC refrigerants will be sold only together
with safety information like warning stickers on cylinders and a safety leaflet. Emphasis has to be put
on the correct informing of the customer, something that is not generally done now.
For workshops starting to use HCs no new tools and equipment have to be purchased, provided the
equipment already available to the technicians is according to standards. So far recharging of
refrigeration equipment is done using simple but functional tools.
b) And a shift from CFCs to HFCs?
The main remarks of workshop owners who were confronted with R134a is that they have to buy new
equipment for servicing and that the prices for R134a refrigerant and the lubricant are relatively high.
A significant number of entrepreneurs do not service R134a equipment because of these reasons and
also because of the mere fact that services of R134a equipment are not much in demand yet (except for
mobile air-conditioning).
For the mobile air-conditioning service sector a solution for the new R134a connectors on service
equipment has been found already: simple and cheap adapters are available so existing R12 tools can
be used and no new manometers etc. have to be bought.
Training of workshop technicians would be necessary, as many of them do not understand the properties
of R134a and its lubricant and how to use it properly.
5.2.1 Economic Observations

Several respondents could not answer any question regarding the use and properties of the refrigerant
R134a. R134a is the proposed and used alternative for R12 at this moment in Indonesia. The fact that
R134a is considered a transitional refrigerant which might be replaced by another in coming years is
known by only a very limited number of respondents, not even by all the major actors. One respondent
even stated that there was no need for HC since R134a was the final solution.
All new cars in Indonesia are imported and come with R134a.
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The State Oil and Gas Company, PERTAMINA, produces, besides general crude oil derivatives, LPG
(locally called elpiji) as a cooking gas and as fuel for cars. The cooking gas is distributed to the
consumers in 20kg cylinders. The LPG-fuel is distributed along pipelines to gas stations across the
country, however limited to those gas stations within a certain distance of the pipeline. PERTAMINA
has no special products department and they do not produce hydrocarbon products (single or blend)
with refrigerant properties. At PERTAMINA there is as yet no interest for the possible production of HC
refrigerants. They produce a rough 2.500mt of LPG per day, while a prospective maximum total year
consumption of HC refrigerant would probably not exceed 10.000mt a year. The same statements are
known from European gas producers. HC refrigerants are considered a special product, with relatively
high costs of production. When the market is not substantial enough the incentive for production will
be limited.
Locally produced propane and butane can be purified to obtain a refrigerant quality, but the necessary
equipment will have to be imported from abroad.
There are no laws, rules or regulations for the use of HC as refrigerants. The general rules concerning
production, storage and transport of HC apply to the use of HC as fuel only. These regulations could be
adjusted for HC as refrigerants. The national law concerning Worker Safety (MoM) could be adjusted
for HC-refrigerants too.
Concerning the knowledge of the respondents regarding a shift from CFCs to HCs and from CFCs to
HFCs it is evident that generally only those respondents who followed either one of the
training/exposure workshops is able to answer the questions. The general knowledge of respondents
concerning the properties of R134a is low.
Incomes of employees of workshops will not be effected by a free availability of HC refrigerants given
that the prices of the refrigerants will be competitive. The change in income when using HFC will be
larger since the workshops will have to obtain new equipment.
Recovery of R12 is no option, especially for small entrepreneurs. The amounts that can be recovered
from the appliances serviced are so small that most of the refrigerant will stay in the tubes.
The market forces are highly appreciated by the respondents. Respondents state that those market forces
(supply and demand for a financial reward) will have a larger influence on what refrigerant will
eventually be used than for instance Government rules and regulations. The Government will follow the
market; whatever is choices the market will make might become an official GOI policy in due time.
5.3 Social Aspects

1) Assistance to small workshops
a) How many enterprises work in the field of refrigeration servicing?
Number of employees:
Micro enterprises
<10
Small
<20
Medium
<100
Large
>101
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Brand producers like National, Mitsubishi and Sanyo, have their own service networks with in total
probably a few hundred service locations in Indonesia. Rough calculation would be that of the 17 brand
producers each having a number of 10 - 20 service locations, each with 1 - 10 technicians.
The number of the small service workshops (mostly informal because >90% of workshops do not have
a business license) is enormous. Surveys conducted in Malang, Surabaya and Bandung (done by
SWISSCONTACT - SMEP) show that, according to the classification above, only micro- or small
enterprises exist. When the data obtained are generalised to Indonesia the number accumulates to
thousands of refrigeration workshops in Indonesia. (Number of shops in the 3 cities only, according to
the survey: Bandung and vicinity 200, Surabaya city only 160, Malang 40; not calculated are the mobile
air-conditioning service workshops. Approximately 30% of the number of workshops are in the mobile
air-conditioning sector).
b) How many service workshops apply HC technology?
Micro enterprises
Small
Medium
Large
So far only a few workshops (<10) do use HC because they have had the chance to attend promotion
trainings conducted by SWISSCONTACT and Ecozone. A total of 18 technicians participated but only
a few of them use HC so far. Some of these workshops have not had the chance to use HC-technology
because they need propane to service room air-conditioning equipment that is running with R22. The
participants of the trainings received a cylinder of Ecool-PIB after the training. SWISSCONTACT does
not have enough stock of propane at present.
c) Why do they apply HC technology?
Those entrepreneurs using the HC use it because they have been trained in the technology and want to
find out for themselves how it works. There are no obvious economic or social incentives for using HC,
some entrepreneurs do however state that using HC is more beneficial for the environment than R12
d) What are their experiences (with HC technology)?
Energy efficiency
Safety
Practices
Consumers
Performance
Small equipment:
All users of HC are so far satisfied with the results. No scientific results are available but all state that
HC cools well, sometimes better than R12. No major difficulties have been experienced except from the
fact that technicians do not always remember from the trainings that PIB should be charged from the
liquid phase. Safety is no concern of technicians repairing small equipment (refrigerators). Some of
these entrepreneurs even carry out experiments with HC by igniting from the bottle through a capillary
to see the effect. Main concern of the entrepreneurs now using HC is the availability and the price of
HC. So far HC is only available from SWISSCONTACT from imports through Ecozone. Entrepreneurs
say they will use HC in the future provided the price is reasonable and competitive to other refrigerants.
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As mentioned before some entrepreneurs do not inform their customers that the equipment is charged
with HC in order not to worry them. Many households use LPG as cooking gas (using 12kg cylinders)
and the technicians are well aware that a charge of less than 100 grams of HC in the refrigerator poses
no safety risks compared to the LPG cooking gas amount.
Generally the entrepreneurs do apply the safety stickers on the back of the HC converted equipment.
Mobile air-conditioning:
So far only one workshop applies HC in car-air-conditioning, and this with success. Several trials have
been carried out; all with success too. As mentioned above, no scientific results are available but the
cooling capacity is described as not being different from R12, but always better in terms of pull down
and amount of cooling capacity, than with R134a. The measurements (not scientific) performed during
the pilot trials confirm this. Regarding safety, mostly customers willing to use HC are provided with HC
refrigerant. The workshop owners however manage to convince many of the customers to give it a try.
Mobile air-conditioning installations are always checked for safety before using HC, safety stickers are
attached to the compressor.
Applications in big equipment (i.e. Milk Bulk cooling Tank):
Very favourable results have been achieved with regard to efficiency (up 14%) in the pilot projects
conducted (i.e. the conversion of a bulk milk-cooling tank). No difficulties have been experienced so far
with the use of HC (propane as well as PIB). Safety is always a concern and the users were informed
accordingly. Safety measures like the installation of an alarm unit and extra mechanical ventilation were
taken.
e)
How many service workshops apply HFC technology?

Micro enterprises
Small
Medium
Large
Mainly mobile air-conditioning workshops apply HFC technology.

f) Why do they apply HFC technology?
Because they have to service R34a equipment and HC is not known or not available right now.
g) What are their experiences (with HFC technology)?
Energy efficiency
Safety
Practices
Consumers
Performance
The use of R134a is complicated because of necessary the proper and clean application of the lubricant.
In general no difficulties are experienced by the entrepreneurs that apply HFC technology. Difficulties
are experienced when HFCs are applied properly; when proper application is not the case (which is
common in Indonesia because of lack of training) no difficulties are experienced.
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It was stated that:

R134a has a peculiar smell (it stinks)
The lubricant needed for R134a causes burning wounds
h) How are these enterprises organised?
No associations or co-operatives are known in the service sector except of one in Jakarta. At this
moment there is no information available on this association.
2) Training and education
a) What types of schooling/ training institutions for refrigeration service people are there
in your country?
A large number of especially micro- and small-scale entrepreneurs receive their training on the job.
Relatives who are running a service workshop employ juniors and it is not always that these juniors
receive a formal training. This form of education is therefore limited in what can be expected of the
technical knowledge and insight in situations of the entrepreneur. The formal education system in
Indonesia offers various possibilities for the training of refrigeration service people.
The VEDCs (Vocational Training Centre) offer a basic training in upgrading of teachers from various
backgrounds (STM and University). They also train employees form several industries as income
generating activities. The VEDC visited in Malang trains their students on the use of R134a and on R12.
HC is only mentioned in theory and although the VEDC has two cylinders of HC they do not use this
in practice either. The problems mentioned lie in the field of safety and availability, besides the technical
competence of the students. VEDC Malang offers, according to SWISSCONTACT and compared to
other training institutions, a good quality training for mobile air-conditioning technique.
There are 4 technical governmental high schools, the so-called STM/P (Sekolah Teknik Menengah
Pembangunan), falling under the Directorate of Education and Culture that are equipped for teaching
refrigeration techniques. Some of the STM/Ps offer training courses as income generating activities.
The school is a Technical Vocational School, aiming at a general education for young people.
At the ITB School of Polytechnics, students are trained in theory and practice on the use of CFCs.
There is no R134a system available in the workshop so training on this is only in theory. HC are taught
in theory and, if possible, the students have an excursion to the ITB to see the working of a HC converted
system. The respondents knowledge and insight into the general scope of ozone and environmental
problems and the possible solutions for these problems is good. The staff of the institute has changed
one system from R22 to R134a, in order to observe the performance. The system worked and a lower
COP was registered. The ITB School of Polytechnics has, although the name does suggest so, hardly
any contacts with the ITB.
The BLKs (Balai Latihan Kejuruan, Vocational Training Centre, Ministry of Manpower) are the most
suitable for the upgrading of technicians. The BLK in Surabaya trains the students in theory and practice
on the use of R12 and R22. R134a is only taught in theory because practical instruction would be too
expensive for the institute. At the moment of the interview there was no refrigerant whatsoever available
in the workshop of the BLK. Two instructors of the institute participated in the HC information
workshop conducted by SWISSCONTACT and Ecozone. The situation in Indonesia is however such
that once one has obtained information this information is not shared with colleagues because the spread
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of the knowledge minimises the advantage gained with the information. Following this HC is not a
training subject yet. The Indonesia BLKs offer a variety of programs to suit different needs. Each
province in Indonesia has at least one BLK but experiences so far by SWISSCONTACT regarding the
motivation of these institutions, staff and quality of training is that these should improved.
The PAU-ITB, Bandung Institute of Technology at Bandung University has participated in the training
organised by SWISSCONTACT and Ecozone. HC are a part of the curriculum. A staff member is
working on the research of the feedstock of propane and butane from PERTAMINA. This research is
partly funded by the Worldbank.
Private schools also offer training in the field of refrigeration but so far there are no experiences with
this.
Several larger companies offer on the spot training for their own employees. These trainings are
conducted by own staff, hired personnel from for instance one of the above mentioned institutions (at
the factory or at one of the mentioned institutions), or by staff from the mother companies.
3) Awareness and publicity on the use of HC as refrigerant
a) What organisations and institutions work in the field of consumer awareness regarding
ozone environmental issues and ODS alternatives?
YLKI is the most famous consumer organisation in Indonesia, but no consumer awareness raising and
building activities regarding ozone saving activities have been conducted from their side so far.
WALHI is the best-known environment organisation in Indonesia, but no activities have been conducted
regarding ozone protection yet. The VEDC Malang works on the awareness building level and has
developed teaching materials for High Schools. This material has been disbursed to numerous of High
Schools.
b) Is the public/are consumers aware of the fact that cooling equipment is being charged
with HC?
c) What is their reaction?
Technicians repairing small equipment (refrigerators) do not always inform their customers about the
fact that HC is used in the system. The technicians do not want the customers to worry because of the
use of HC in such small amounts. Such worries would be out of proportion (according to the
technicians) especially when compared to the amount of gas (12kg) in elpijee bottles placed in many
households for cooking purposes.
The owner of the mobile air-conditioning workshop (only one so far) informs the car owner about the
possibility of using HC in the cooling system. Only owners who agree to use HC in the system are
served accordingly.
The owners of larger equipment converted so far know about the HC in the system. As long as it is
explained to be safe they have no objections. The general reactions are positive, mainly on the energy
efficiency of the system running on HC.
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d) How can consumers and the users of HC charged equipment be informed?

The entrepreneur servicing the equipment should inform the consumers.
Information in the form of leaflets or publications is not considered an option for the entrepreneurs
because the consumers will most likely not read it. Personal explanation, telling of personal experience
and if possible a demonstration are more convincing. One entrepreneur stated that 90 % of his customers
accepted.
5.3.1 Social Observations

As stated it is unknown how many refrigeration workshops there exist in Indonesia. YLKI carried out a
general research, although those data are not available yet.
Using HC in mobile air-conditioning is, despite extensive research at the University of New South Wales
in Australia, still a very controversial issue, mainly in the USA. The mobile air-conditioning of all new
imported cars is charged with R134a. Larger workshops that service the mobile air-conditioners know
how to apply HFC.
There is a wide range of education levels for refrigeration techniques in Indonesia, ranging from father
to son to internationally accepted University degrees. The general education system in Indonesia is
easily available to most of the populations, specific training institutes are however not always around
the corner so students who want to improve their knowledge may need to travel quite a bit. The
respective level of training the institutions are supposed to offer respectively differs largely. A common
problem is the budget. Institutions receive their funding usually through different channels; government,
donor agency funds, school fees and selling of the product education are some. The income obtained
and generated in total is in general not enough for a proper functioning of the institutions. Salaries are
low, which affects the incentive to work full-time at the institution. It is quite common that the teaching
staff has a second, sometimes even more, jobs. This of course affects the level of training to the students.
Low financial resources have in cases led to a neglect of the workshops at the institutions. Safety and
level of practical training are low. Sometimes practical trainings are skipped simply because there is no
budget to buy the necessary refrigerant. If in the near future HC as refrigerants will be introduced in
Indonesia the direct and practical consequences for the institutions is that the level of the possibility for
practical training will undoubtedly have to be improved.
More and more of the households of Indonesia experience a rise in their standard of life. The newly sold
number of refrigerators, in this case, still rises every year. When a household reaches the financial level
that enables them to buy a refrigerator or air-conditioner they are generally not concerned with the
charging of that equipment.
When equipment is being serviced the customers trust the technician: the technician has to perform a
job and is paid for that job. As long as the equipment works consumers do not care how the system is
repaired.
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5.4 Technical Aspects

1) Retrofit process
a) Why do you think technicians perform retrofitting?
The HC retrofit technology is new in Indonesia, and has only been used in demonstration projects. The
general opinion why in the near future technicians would apply HC retrofitting is that
it would be cheaper,
at least as effective
easier to apply.
This can however only be reached when HC refrigerants are easily available and cheaper than other
options. The environmental friendly image of HC is, according to entrepreneurs, not really an issue. It
might be for some consumers, but this is considered not very likely.
It is expected that some companies might use HC for marketing purposes to gain a green image.
b) How is retrofitting performed? (Tools, technical considerations)
Those technicians that apply HC retrofitting use the same tools and equipment they have always used.
This is matching the experience that there exists no major difference in the application of the different
refrigerants R12 and HC. So far no technician has bought additional equipment.
Small equipment: According to information obtained from several technicians so far, they make sure
that the equipment is safe for use of HC. It must be assumed that many technicians use HC like other
refrigerants, without major additional safety considerations (such a small amount of HC in a refrigerator
poses no safety risk).
The general procedures are followed:
empty the system (usually by blowing of refrigerant)
search for leaks and repair them
general check up of the equipment
change filter, apply charging valve
charge with HC using pressure measurements
sometimes the safety stickers are applied
c) What happens with the CFC from the retrofitted equipment?
Only one respondent claimed to collect the R12 from old systems into a cylinder. This was in its turn
used to flush and check other systems. After this use it was discarded into the environment. This seems
to be the normal practice in Indonesia. One of the reasons stated was that R12 is still easily available in
the country, and will most likely be so in the near future, so there is no need to recover as yet. Recovering
CFCs from for instance domestic refrigerator systems is considered not a very profitable business: the
charge of the systems is so low that most of the refrigerant is left in the tubing and never reaches the
storage cylinder. Most equipment that is brought in for service is empty already, leaks being the reason.
Recovery and recycling is not an issue and is, at this moment, also not stimulated and/or encouraged
from the side of the government. There is also no possibility (high temperature kiln with air-suction
facilities) in Indonesia to destroy CFCs properly.
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c)
What are the costs of improper use of HC as a refrigerant to refrigeration equipment?

(use of electricity, future repairs, customer costs)
The number of systems converted so far have been converted properly. There are no reports of
malfunctioning of converted systems.
e)
What are the experiences of the service people that have performed retrofits?
(cylinders, pressures, customers, measuring charge)
The entrepreneurs that applied HC refrigerants in existing cooling equipment have had no problems
with it. The charge in domestic and in small commercial equipment is measured by reading the
pressures on the manifold. So far no major difficulties have been experienced and service is as usual. In
general the entrepreneurs use less HC refrigerant, which is correct according to experiences in Europe.
Several technicians asked questions regarding the time it took to recharge a system. After explanation
that charging should be done from the liquid phase of the HC refrigerant they remembered from the
training.
One entrepreneur stated that the problem with HC refrigerant was not a technical one, but a political one.
In mobile air-conditioning difficulties were encountered because the sight-glass could not be used as an
indicator anymore. If the system is filled until no bubbles in the glass appear anymore. After some
experience charging with HC works well.
f) What is your perception of the adequacy of the HC-technology for Article 5 countries?
The overall opinion on the use of HC technology for Article 5 countries like Indonesia is that it is a
proper, simple and problem solving technique. The main argument is that the prices of HC will most
likely be competitive, especially with the possibility of purifying the existing feedstock of propane and
butane. In due time imports might no longer be necessary. Another reason mentioned is that no hardware
changes to the cooling systems are required when applying HC refrigerants.
Environmental aspects are mentioned, but the conviction seems to come more from the political
correctness of the answers.
2) Safety
a) What is the education level of technicians that service refrigeration equipment in your
country?
As mentioned, most of the entrepreneurs working in the micro- and small-scale refrigeration service
sector have an informal education. The general level of formal training is low. It has been stated that HC
is for this reason not a proper solution: technicians would never be careful enough and the risks
consequently too high.
b) Can transport and stock of Hydrocarbons pose any safety risks to anybody?
So far no incidents have been reported from the transport of LPG by PERTAMINA. The existing rules
and regulations on the transport and storage of LPG could be adjusted for HC refrigerants. The Ministry
of Manpower, dealing with worker safety, would be responsible for this.
c)
Are there any reports on accidents related to the use of HC as a refrigerant?

(workshop, service, consumer)
Until now there are no reports on any accidents with HC as refrigerants.
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3) Quality of Refrigeration equipment

a) How is the performance of the refrigeration equipment before and after retrofitting?
Energy consumption
Components
Oil
The entrepreneurs that performed retrofitting all report that HC refrigerant works well. So far the
entrepreneurs have converted domestic and small commercial refrigeration appliances. In general it can
be said that the systems cool faster and lower temperature can be reached. On the milk-cooling tank in
Puspo that has been converted to HC the electricity consumption has been monitored. Exact figures have
to be made available through SWISSCONTACT but the first results show a significant decrease in
power consumption, lower pressures and better (faster) cooling performance. The results in converted
mobile air-conditioning systems are similar: better and faster performance. This goes especially for
systems converted from R134a to HC.
b) Are there any changes in the lifetime of HC charged refrigerators compared to
non-retrofitted equipment?
HC as refrigerants have only been used for less than a year in Indonesia. Until now there is no
information available on any changes in lifetime.
c)
Are there any changes in the energy efficiency of HC charged refrigerators compared
to non-retrofitted equipment?
As stated above, the general efficiency of refrigeration systems converted to HC refrigerants increases.
d) Is the energy consumption of a refrigerator an issue in your country?
In Indonesia households apply for a subscription with their power company for a number of Watts.
The limit is thereby set by the budget of the household. The equipment in the household has to be within
these Watt-limits.
There is no incentive from for instance the government or any environmental organisation to save energy.
5.4.1 Technical Observations

Some form of (in) formal education topped with trial and error and general practice forms the general
level of technical knowledge of especially the entrepreneurs. There is a reasonable scope for
improvement of the technical knowledge for the several levels of refrigeration entrepreneurs. When HC
refrigerants are introduced the level of training has to be improved.
So far only a very limited number of entrepreneurs use HC refrigerant. Those using it have at this
moment no financial incentive to do so. When the use of HC will become financially interesting it is
logical to expect that numerous entrepreneurs will try to apply the technology. Application of HC so far
has not posed any major difficulties to the entrepreneurs, except for those who tried to charge the
refrigerant from the vapour phase instead of the liquid phase.
Various respondents did, although they were selected based on their expected knowledge of
refrigeration, not know much about HC refrigerants. At several interviews the technology had to be
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explained to the respondents. Since the interview was conducted by convinced interviewers the
information thus passed was biased, be it in a positive sense. Always emphasis was also put on the
negative sides of HC, being the flammability and the availability at this moment. After explaining HC
technology most respondents agreed that the technology could be a good solution for Indonesia and
other Article 5 Countries.
The fact that until now no accidents on the use of HC refrigerants have been reported may be considered
remarkable. The entrepreneurs carry out tests to convince themselves and their employees that HC is
not dangerous. For instance a tube is connected to the HC cylinder and to the tube a capillary. The cylinder
is opened and the HC pouring out of the capillary is ignited. It is not easy to ignite this HC because the
force with which it leaves the capillary is so high that the spark/lighter is extinguished. It is also not easy
to detect the exact right point for ignition because that has to be between LEL and HEL. Reasons enough
for the entrepreneur to decide that HC is not dangerous at all and that it is difficult to ignite it.
Consequently the level of safety and of proper application of HC drops: people smoke in the workshops,
also during servicing equipment and HC cylinders are stored next to electrical welding equipment.
5.5 Regulatory and Liability Aspects

a) What are the laws and regulations regarding refrigeration technology?
There are no general laws, rules nor regulations regarding refrigeration technology. There is a general
law that described the rules and regulations regarding worker safety. The Ministry of Manpower is the
legislative body to issue these regulations regarding occupational safety for workers.
The Ministry of Mines and Energy is responsible for legislation on the energy subject, as well as for
safety regarding transportation of HC.
b) When there is a question of liability how should this question be dealt with?
There is no general agreement on who could be held responsible for this. The Ministry of Manpower
should take this up as an addition to the existing general rules and regulations regarding worker safety.
c) Is there an organisation that deals with these issues?
Until now there is no consumer organisation, Ministry or other institution working on this issue.
5.5.1 Regulatory and Liability Observations

The entrepreneurs applying any refrigerant whatsoever is responsible himself for the proper application.
When the equipment malfunctions the liability question goes directly to the entrepreneur.
The general attitude of the Government officials is that when HC is an approved technology by the Montreal
Protocol it will without hesitation be allowed into the country. Rules and regulations for the application of
HC refrigerant can be developed. The general legal basic framework of laws allows such a change.
If the technology is not internationally accepted the Government of Indonesia will not consider
changing the law. This may however be done when market forces dictate that HC are more generally
used. In that case the Government will follow.
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6. General observations and recommendations

The information described in the above chapters was based on the fact finding mission to Indonesia.
Between July 1 and July 14 representatives of a total of 25 ministries, organisations and institutions were
interviewed and asked for their personal opinion, knowledge and possible introduction of hydrocarbons
as refrigerants in Indonesia. The information thus obtained is in general a reflection of personal opinions
of the respondents. The information is, due to the scope of the study, limited in content. This study does
then not pretend to be complete. The information that was obtained from the interviews does however
give a general overview of a representative set of selected respondents. The division of responding
agencies over the social and cultural context of Indonesia, ranging from ministries to entrepreneurs, has
proved to be sufficient for the scope of these studies.
Further research is considered essential for a more complete insight in the Indonesian refrigeration
state-of-the-art.
A limited number of persons, mostly medium and small entrepreneurs and representatives of training
institutions, have participated in a Hydrocarbon Technology Training Course. These participants have
some practical experience with the application of hydrocarbons as replacement refrigerants in existing
refrigeration equipment. Theoretical knowledge of hydrocarbon refrigerants is more widely spread,
although the level and accurateness of the knowledge differs. The fact that the theoretical knowledge is
diffused is not surprising. There is no general focus on the technology and it is not an obligatory subject
at (technical) schools. Neither is it in most developing countries. Training institutions have HC
technology on the curriculum, depending on the staffs personal experience and knowledge. The general
availability of information on HC technology is also low. Tight financial budgets prohibit the spread of
the knowledge by for instance scientific articles among (possible) trainers.
Not only the lack of theoretical and practical knowledge of the HC technology defer the possible spread
of the technology in the near future. There are two other major reasons for this.
The GOI has set the date of the ban of import of R12 by the end of 1997. A ban of R12 will only then
be successful when appropriate alternatives will be made available on the market. When the proposed
alternative for domestic and small commercial refrigeration will only be R134a it should not be
considered likely that HC refrigerants will become an option. HC refrigerants should be stimulated for
instance by means of laws, rules and regulations, provision of HC technology in training curricula and
awareness raising among consumers. The information given and spread should be unbiased and
objective.
As long as R134a is the only approved alternative for CFC12 the possibilities for HC will not increase.
The lack of locally produced HC refrigerants in itself is contributory to this too. Local production of HC
refrigerants by Indonesian companies should be stimulated, organised and guaranteed. Provision of HC
refrigerants has to be made secure, and this at a reasonable and competitive price. Producers, consumers
and entrepreneurs will not opt for an alternative that is more expensive than other alternatives.
Environmental considerations will not be a key issue.
It has been stated that either the market will pick up the HC technology and that the GOI would follow
this development, or that the GOI should make HC technology available and that the market will follow.
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There are of course pros and cons to both these statements; the truth will be somewhere in the middle.
What did become clear from the Fact Finding Mission is that if the GOI wants to secure the complete
ban of R12 by the end of this year more reasonable alternatives have to made available to producers,
teachers, entrepreneurs and others. From the survey it has become clear that HC and HC technology
have to be considered a more than reasonable alternative for the Indonesian situation.
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ANNEXES
Annex A List of abbreviations
Bapedal
BLK
CP
CFC
GKSI
GOI
GTZ
HC
HFC
ITB
KUD
Lembangtek
LPG
MoE
ODS
PCI
PEDC
PIB
PPSKI
SMEP
STM/P
UN
UNDP
UNEP
UNIDO
USAID
VEDC
WALHI
WB
YLKI
Badan Pengendalian Dampak Lingkungan Hidup

Environmental Impact Management Agency
Balai Latihan Kerja (Manpower Vocational Training)
Indonesia Country Program
Chloro Fluoro Carbon
Gabungan Koperasi Susu Indonesia
Federation of Indonesian Milk Co-operatives
Government of Indonesia
Deutsche Gesellschaft fur Technische Zusammenarbeit GmbH
German Association for Technical Co-operation
HydroCarbon
Hydro Fluoro Carbon
Institut Teknologi Bandung
Koperasi Unit Desa, Village co-operative
Lembaga Pengembangan Tenaga Kerja
Foundation for Manpower Development
Liquefied Petroleum Gas
Ministry of Environment
Ozone Depleting Substance
Pollution Control Implementation (Australian Project)
Polytechnic Education Development Centre
Propane Iso-Butane
Perhimpunan Peternak Sapi dan Kerbau Indonesia
Association of Indonesian Beef Cattle and Buffalo Breeder
Small and Medium Enterprise Promotion
Sekolah Tehnik Menengah /Pembangunan, Technical High School
United Nations
United Nations Development Programme
United Nations Industrial Development Organisation
United States Aid
Teacher Training Centre for High School Teachers
Wahana Lingkungan Hidup Indonesia, Indonesian Environmental Body
World Bank
Yayasan Lembaga Konsumen Indonesia
Foundation of Indonesian Consumer Organisations
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Annex B Description of contacts visited

Date
Name
Address
Contact person
Respondents
Field of Business
Date
Name
Address
Contact person
Respondents
Field of business
Date
Name
Address
Contact person
June 30
PT. Sharp Yasonta Antar Nusa
Jl. Rawa Teratai Cakung Jakarta
Mr. Raymond Tjoa, General Manager
Mr. Ross Chen, Senior Manager Engineering Department
Producer white and brown goods, new refrigerators with cyclopentane and
R134a
July 1
PT. Inti Mutiari Kamindo
Menara BTN Building, 12th floor A, Jl. Gajah Mada, Jakarta
Mrs. Mei Hung, Marketing Department
Mr. K. Koo Shang Shien, Technical Adviser
Importers of Elf Atochem Foron
Field of business
July 1
Jl. Panjaitan, Kebon Nanas Jakarta Timur Ruang Rapat Amen
Mr. Ir. MSc Aca Sugandhy, Assistant Minister for Environment,
Division of Policy, Formulation for Environmental Management
Mr. Ir. MSc Aca Sugandhy
Mr. Gunardi, Office of the State Minister for Environment
Mr. Budihardo, Lippo Melkon Home Appliances
Mr. Suwarso, Secretary General of the Association of Electronic
& Electrical Home Appliances
Mrs. Yenny Chandra, Finance Manager Candi Swadaya Sentosa. Pt.
Mrs. Anita Masduki, Sucofindo Appraisal and Consultancy
Mr. Drs. Pramono Mardio, Head of Ozone Layer Protection and
ODS Phase-out Unit
Mrs. Ir. Kusmulyani, Staff Ozone Unit
Date
Name
Address
Contact person
Respondents
Field of business
July 2
BAPEDAL
Arthaloka Building 6th Floor, Jl. Sudirman, Jakarta
Mr. Nabiel Makarim
Mr. Nabiel Makarim
The Environmental Impact Management Agency
Respondents
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Date
Name
Address
Contact person
Respondents
Field of business
Date
Name
Address
Contact person
Respondents
Field of business
Date
Name
Address
Contact person
Respondents
Field of business
July 2
Yayasan Lembaga Konsumen Indonesia
Jl. Pancoran Barat VII No. 1, Duren Tiga Jakarta
Mr. Muhammed Suhud, Researcher
Mrs. Dra. Indah Suksmaningsih, MPM
Consumers awareness, legal rights
July 2
Ministry of Manpower
PNKK 8th floor Blok A Jl. Gatot Subroto Kav. 51 Jakarta
Mr. Dr. Tjepi F. Aloewie, MSc., Director Occupational Safety and Health
Mr. Dr. Tjepi F. Aloewie
Mrs. Sri. Harjani
Safety aspects for workers
July 3
UN Building 5th floor, Jl. Thamrin No. 14, Jakarta
Mr. Syed Asif Hasnain, Country Director
Mr. Lars S. Andersen, Programme Officer
ODS Phase-out Programmes
Date
Name
Address
Contact person
Respondents
Field of business
July 3
Suconfindo Appraisal & Consultancy
Jl. Raya Pasar Minggu Kav. 34, Jakarta
Mrs. Anita Masduki
Mrs. Anita Masduki
Consultancy agency for a.o. the Government on environmental issues,
Consultant in drafting Country Program, Member Ozone Unit
Date
Name
July 4
PAU-ITB, Bandung Institute of Technology, Bandung University enter for
Engineering Services, Thermodynamics Research Laboratory
Jl. Tamansari 126, Bandung 40132
Dr. Aryadi Suwono
Dr. Aryadi Suwono
Dr. Ir. Nathanael P. Tandian
Dr. H. Soeparwoto
University of Bandung: department of refrigeration and air-conditioning,
Conversion Milk Cooling Tank
Address
Contact person
Respondents
Field of Business
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Date
Name
Address
Contact person
Respondents
Field of business
July 4
Toko Antartica
Jl. Sambang 21-BOG, Bandung
Mr. Suparman
Mr. Suparman
Wholesaler of refrigeration equipment for Air-Conditioning and
Refrigeration, Participant Training workshop May 1997
Date
Name
Address
Contact person
Respondents
Field of business
July 4
Ade Engineering
Jl. Sewu F-15 New-Pharmindo, Bandung
Mr. Tjandra K. Riswanto
Service technician for textile factory, Participant Training Workshop May 1997
Date
Name
Address
Contact person
Respondents
July 5
Sekolah Teknik Menengah Pembangunan (STMP)
Jl. Leuwi Gajah No. 48, Cimahi Bandung
Mrs. Edwina
Mr. Drs. Undum Suparman
Mr. Djadjang
Mr. Dadang
Technical vocational school
Field of business
Date
Name
Address
Contact person
Respondents
Field of business
July 5
BLK Bandung
Jl. Jend. Gatot Subroto No. 170, Bandung
Appointment cancelled
Date
Name
Address
Contact person
July 5
Bandung Institute of Technology, School of Polytechnics
Jl. Gegerkalong Hilir, Desa Ciwaruga, Kompleks Swisscontact, Bandung
Mr. Ir. M.Eng. Arda Rahardja Lukitobudi, Head of Department Refrigeration
and Air-Conditioning Specialist
Mr. Ir. M.Eng. Arda Rahardja Lukitobudi
Mr. Ir. M.Eng Dpl.Tech.Tchg Supratman Hara, Head of Air-conditioning
Laboratory
Polytechnic, department of refrigeration and air-conditioning
Respondents
Field of business
Date
Name
Address
Contact person
Respondents
Field of business
120
July 7
PERTAMINA Divisi Gas Petrokimia
Jl. Merdeka Timur No. 1A, 16th Floor, Jakarta
Mr. Ir. Hadiono
Mr. M. Hassan, Manager Operational Gas & Petrochemical
Mr. Ir. H. Giyanto Hadiputnomo, General Manager Gas and Petrochemicals
Audit and Control
National refineries and gas producer
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Date
Name
Address
Contact person
Respondents
Field of business
July 8
pt. Bayu Imalaya Lestari
Jl. Letjen Sutoyo 81, Malang
Hadi Puspanto, Director
Hadi Puspanto
Car and bus work shop, new AC and service
Date
Name
Address
Contact person
Respondents
Field of business
July 8
Arifin Service
Date
Name
Address
Contact person
Respondents
Mr. Arifin
Mr. Arifin and son
Refrigerator and air-conditioner workshop
Field of business
July 9
BLK Surabaya
Jl. Dukuh Menanggal III No. 29, Surabaya
Mr. Soenardjo, Director BLK Surabaya
Mr. Soenardjo
Mr. Drs. Hadi Matsuri, Co-ordinator
Mr. Drs. Wahyudi Prihanto
Mr. Ir. Sulahjo
Mr. Drs. Achmed Sugeng, co-ordinator and instructor
Technical Training Centre
Date
Name
Address
Contact person
Respondents
Field of business
July 9
Dani Electronics
Jl. H. Hussein Idris 7, Sidoarjo, Surabaya
Mr. Choiron
Mr. Choiron
Refrigerator workshop
Date
Name
Address
Contact person
Respondents
Field of business
July 10
PT Nestl Indonesia
Kejayan Factory, Desa Tanggulangin, Kecematan Kejayan, Pasaruan
Mr. N. Mayer, Dairy development Manager
Mr. N. Mayer
Dairy products producer
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ADDED MEETINGS
Date
Name
Address
Contact person
Respondents
Field of business
July 3
Candi Swadaya Sentosa. PT.
P.O. Box 6806 JKB, TGR, Jakarta
Mrs. Yenny Chandra, Finance Manager
Mr. Chandra Effendy, President
Mrs. Yenny Chandra Finance Manager
Producers of cosmetic spraying cans, possible future production
hydrocarbon refrigerant
Date
Name
Address
Contact person
Reason for visit
July 4
Savoy Homann Hotel, Panghegar Heritage Hotel Bandung
Jl. Asia Afrika 112, Bandung
Mrs. Frances B. Affandy, Managing Director
Conversion Hotel refrigeration equipment
Date
Name
Address
Contact person
Reason for visit
July 7
PT META EPSI Engineering
Pondok Indah Plaza II-35, Jakarta
Mr. Ir. Dony M. Oekron, Trading Division
Mr. Ir. Hendi Hairuddin
Gas Producers
Date
Name
Address
Contact person
Reason for visit
July 7
SWISSCONTACT
Wisma Pondok Indah 1, Unit 408, Jakarta
Mr. Dipl. Ing.HTL Hugo Sager
Development Consultants, Head Office SWISSCONTACT Java
Date
Name
Address
Contact person
Reason for visit
July 10
KUD Puspo
Puspo
Date
Name
Address
Contact person
Reason for visit
122
Milk Co-operative, Milk bulk cooling tank converted to Hydrocarbons

July 11
VEDC Malang
Mr. Rinson, Instructor mobile air-conditioning
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Part II
Annex C Questionnaire English

QUESTIONNAIRE UNEP STUDY
A
ENVIRONMENTAL ASPECTS
Protection of the ozone layer
What organisations, institutions and other groups work in the field of protection
of the ozone layer?
1
2
3
4
What are their relations?
1
2
3
4
b
c
Phase out of CFCs
a
b
What is the amount of CFC in your country?

How much CFC is used in the service sector?
Is there a UNEP CFC recovery and recycling network functioning in your
country?
How does it work?
ECONOMIC ASPECTS
Hydrocarbons as refrigerants
What is the amount of HFC used in your country?

What is the amount of HC used in your country as a refrigerant?
Could the quality of the non-imported available HC be improved?
c
d
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e
f
g
h
i
j
k
And if so, how?

Is there a product regulation on HC as refrigerants?
Who sets these regulations?
Who controls these regulations?
How are the controls carried out?
What are the imposed safety regulations for the use of HC as refrigerant?
What are the costs of HC, LPG and HFCs in comparison to CFC a unit?
CFC
HFC
LPG
HC
Conversion of larger systems
d
e
Do you think it is a viable option to convert larger systems from CFCs to HCs?
(starting at 2 kg)
And to HFCs?
(leak proof, size, type of compressor, location, adaptations like ventilation, gas/leak
detection)
To HCs
To HFCs
Employment/income generation
a
b
What would be the implications for the workshops if they shift from CFCs to HCs?
And a shift from CFCs to HFCs?
SOCIAL ASPECTS
Assistance to small workshops
How many enterprises work in the field of refrigeration servicing?

Number of employees
Micro enterprises
<10
Small
<20
Medium
<100
Large
>101
How many service workshops apply HC technology?
Micro enterprises
Small
Medium
Large
Why do they apply HC technology?
b
c
c
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What are their experiences?

Energy efficiency
Safety
Practices
Consumers
Performance
And HFC technology?
Micro enterprises
Small
Medium
Large
Why do they apply HFC technology?
Energy efficiency
Safety
Practices
Consumers
Performance
How are these enterprises organized?
Training and education
What type of schooling/training institutions for refrigeration service people are

there in your country? (on the job, vocational, tti, universities, specific courses)
Awareness and publicity on the use of HC as refrigerant
c
d
What organisations and institutions work in the field of consumer awareness

regarding ozone environmental issues and ODS alternatives?
Is the public/are consumers aware of the fact that cooling equipment is being
charged with HC?
What is their reaction?
How can consumers and the users of HC charged equipment be informed?
TECHNICAL ASPECTS
Retrofit process
a
b
c
d
Why do you think technicians perform retrofitting?

How is retrofitting performed? (Tools, technical considerations)
What happens with the CFC from the retrofitted equipment?
f
g
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What is your perception of the adequacy of the HC-technology for Article 5 countries?
Safety
What is the education level of technicians that service refrigeration equipment in your
country?
Can transport and stock of Hydrocarbons pose any safety risks to anybody?
Are there any reports on accidents related to the use of HC as a refrigerant? (workshop,
service, consumer)
b
c
Quality of Refrigeration equipment
How is the performance of the refrigeration equipment before and after retrofitting?
Energy consumption
Components
Oil
Are there any changes in the lifetime of HC charged refrigerators compared to
Are there any changes in the Energy efficiency of HC charged refrigerators compared
Is the energy consumption of a refrigerator an issue in your country?
REGULATORY AND LIABILITY ASPECTS
a
b
c
What are the laws and regulations regarding refrigeration technology?

When there is a question of liability how should this question be dealt with?
Is there an organization that deals with these issues?
b
c
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Annex D Questionnaire Bahasa Indonesia

DAFTAR PERTANYAAN STUDI UNEP
A
ASPEK-ASPEK LINGKUNGAN
Perlindungan terhadap lapisan ozon
Organisasi, lembaga dan kelompok apa yang bekerja dalam bidang perlindungan
lapisan ozon?
1
2
3
4
Apa hubungan antara mereka?
Darimana mereka memperoleh dana?
1
2
3
4
b
c
Penghapusan CFC secara bertahap
a
b
Berapa jumlah CFC di negara Anda?

Berapa banyak CFC digunakan di sektor servis?
Peralatan rumah tangga dan peralatan sedang/kecil lain
Peralatan besar (ruang pendingin dan sistem AC sentral
Adakah jaringan UNEP untuk pengendalian dan penunjang CFC yang berfungsi di
negara Saudara?
Bagaimana cara kerjanya?
ASPEK-ASPEK EKONOMI
Hidrokarbons sebagai pendingin
Berapa banyak jumlah pemakaian HFC di negara Anda?

Berapa banyak jumlah pemakaian HC sebagai pendingin di negara Anda?
Bagaimana dengan kwalitas HC lokal yang ada?
(kemurnian, campuran dari HCs, khususnya kontaminasi air)
Apakah kwalitas HC tersebut dapat ditingkatkan?
c
d
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e
f
g
h
i
j
k
Dan bila demikian, bagaimana caranya?

Apakah ada peraturan produk untuk HC?
Siapakah yang menentukan peraturan-peraturan ini?
Siapakah yang mengontrol peraturan-peraturan ini?
Bagaimana cara pengontrolan dilakukan?
Adakah peraturan keamanan untuk pemakaian HC sebagai zat pendingin?
Berapakah biaya HC, LPG dan HFC bila dibandingkan dengan CFC?
CFC
HFC
LPG
HC
Perubahan pada sistem-sistem yang lebih besar
d
e
Apakah menurut pendapat saudara pemindahan dari CFC ke HC untuk sistem-sistem

yang lebih besar merupakan pilihan yang tepat? (mulai dari 2 kg)
Dan ke HFC?
Apa yang merupakan ciri khas bila melakukan penggantian pada sistem besar
(anti bocor, ukuran, jenis kompresor, tempat, alat tambahan seperti ventilasi,
gas/alat deteksi kebocoran)
Untuk HC
Untuk HFC
Pekerjaan/ timbulnya tingkat pendapatan
Apakah pemindahan dari CFC ke HC, atau peningkatan sektor HC , akan

mengakibatkan perubahan positif untuk bengkel-bengkel servis? (pendapatan, latihan
tehnik, pelanggan dan peralatan)
Dan bagaimana dari CFC ke HFC?
ASPEK-ASPEK SOSIAL
Bantuan untuk bengkel bengkel kecil
Ada berapa jumlah perusahaan yang bergerak dalam bidang servis alat-alat
pendinginan?
Jumlah pegawai:
Perusahaan mikro
<10
Kecil
<20
Menengah
<100
Besar
>101
Berapa jumlah bengkel servis yang menggunakan teknologi HC?
Perusahaan mikro
Kecil
Menengah
b
c
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Besar
Kenapa mereka menggunakan teknologi HC?
Apa pengalaman mereka?
Efisiensi energi
Keamanan
Praktis
Konsumen
Pelaksanaan
Ada berapa jumlah bengkel servis yang menggunakan teknologi HFC?
Perusahaan mikro
Kecil
Menengah
Besar
Mengapa mereka menggunakan teknologi HFC?
Apa pengalaman mereka?
Efisiensi energi
Keamanan
Praktis
Konsumen
Pelaksanaan
Bagaimana perusahaan-perusahaan tersebut di organisir?
Latihan dan Pendidikan
Jenis lembaga pendidikan/latihan apa untuk tenaga servis alat-alat pendinginan

yang terdapat di negara saudara (magang, kejuruan, tti, perguruan tinggi, kursuskursus tertentu)
Kesadaran dan perhatian umum dalam pemakaian HC sebagai pendingin
Organisasi-organisasi dan lembaga-lembaga apakah yang bekerja dalam bidang

kesadaran konsumen terhadap pilihan ODS dan isu-isu mengenai lingkungan yang
tercemar ozon?
Apakah masyarakat/ konsumen menyadari bahwa alat-alat pendinginan di isi dengan
HC?
Apa reaksi mereka?
Bagaimana dapat diberi penerangan kepada konsumen dan pemakai alat-alat
pendinginan yang berisikan HC?
c
d
f
g
b
c
d
ASPEK-ASPEK TEKNIK
Proses pemasangan ulang
a
b
Kenapa harus dilakukan pemasangan ulang?

Bagaimana dilakukan pemasangan ulang? (alat-alat, pertimbangan teknik)
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Apa yang dilakukan dengan CFC bekas yang berasal dari alat-alat yang telah di pasang
ulang?
Biaya apa yang timbul untuk alat pendinginan, bila HC sebagai zat pendingin tidak
digunakan sesuai peraturan? (untuk pemakaian listrik dan reparasi dikemudian hari)
Pengalaman apa yang didapatkan oleh tenaga servis yang telah melakukan pemasangan
ulang?
Apa tanggapan Saudara terhadap kelengkapan teknologi untuk negara-negara artikel 5?
Keamanan
Apakah pendidikan dasar dari para tehnisi yang mengerjakan servis alat-alat
pendinginan di negara Saudara?
Apakah transportasi dan penyimpanan Hidrokarbon mengandung resiko terhadap
keamanan seseorang?
Apakah ada laporan mengenai kecelakaan yang berhubungan dengan pemakaian
HC sebagai bahan pendingin (bengkel, servis, konsumen)
d
e
b
c
Kwalitas alat pendinginan
Bagaimana bekerjanya alat pendinginan sebelum dan sesudah dipasang ulang?

Pemakaian energi
Komponen-komponen
Oli
Apakah ada perubahan dalam daya tahan dari alat-alat pendinginan yang
menggunakan HC bila dibandingkan dengan alat-alat yang tidak mengalami
pemasangan ulang?
Bagaimana pengaruh pemasangan ulang terhadap efisiensi energi dari alat
pendinginan?
Apakah pemakaian energi untuk sebuah alat pendinginan merupakan pengeluaran di
negara Saudara?
c
d
ASPEK-ASPEK PENGATURAN DAN PERTANGGUNGJAWABAN
a
b
Sebutkan hukum dan peraturan-peraturan dalam bidang teknologi pendingin?

Bila ada persoalan mengenai pertanggungjawaban, bagaimana persoalan ini harus
ditangani?
Adakah organisasi yang menangani persoalan-persoalan tersebut?
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Annex E Reports of Interviews Indonesia

Date
Name
Address
Contact person
Respondents
Field of Business
June 30
PT. Sharp Yasonta Antar Nusa
Jl. Rawa Teratai Cakung Jakarta
Mr. Ross Chen, Senior Manager Engineering Department
Producer white and brown goods, new refrigerators with cyclopentane
and R134a
Sharp started its operation in 1975 in Indonesia under Yasonta. In 1994 Sharp became the majority
shareholder and is known today as PT Sharp Yasonta Antar Nusa. Sharp has 3 divisions, production,
service and import business from Sharp Japan. This structure was chosen because of Indonesian
regulations, which might have changed meanwhile.
Sharp produces television sets, refrigerators (6 basic models: 5 kinds of refrigerators and 1 freezer) and
washing machines. Sharps production capacity for refrigerators is 2000024000 pc/ year but it is
expected to increase to 28000pc this year. Sharp will not produce any R12 models anymore by the end
of 1997. Parts for 3000pc R12 are currently still in stock and will be finished in last production. Other
producers are expected to have a large stock of R12 components left (Toshiba, Sanyo) and it is doubtful
whether they will stop produce R12 models by the end of 1997. For foam blowing Sharp has already
converted the production lines to cyclopentane (financial assistance by the MLF). Sharps first non-ODS
refrigeration model (R134a) came on the market in November 1996. The production of Air-conditioners
was stopped because the business proofed not profitable.
Sharp has 15 branches in Indonesia where appliances are also repaired. Producers of refrigeration
equipment have their own service networks with altogether probably several hundred service stations in
Indonesia. There are uncountable informal workshops working in the service field. Large brand
workshops and informal small ones dominate the service sector.
Sharp employs approximately 1000 workers in its production plant, 450 alone in the production of
refrigeration appliances.
There are 7 other refrigeration manufacturers in Indonesia but some of them do assembling only. In
Central Java (Semarang) Polytron is currently setting up a new production facility. Polytron is
considering using HC as refrigerant.
Compressors are currently imported from several sources. The R134a ones come from Sikom, LG and
maybe in the near future from Electrolux. Sharp purchased the compressors from Matsushita 5 years
ago. The only local producer of compressors is Sanyo in Indonesia.
The amount of R12 used in Indonesia can be found in the country program but it is not clear whether
the data are accurate. It is well possible that the demand of other large users is not included in these
figures. Sharp buys R12 from ICI for quality reasons via importer PT Pedoni. Used CFCs are discarded
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into the environment during service in case there is some left in the system. It is probably not worth the
effort and money to collect such small mounts as in refrigerators and dispose of them properly. Sharp
itself does no CFC recovery/ collection/ disposal. Workshops will probably also be reluctant to pay
money for proper disposal of CFC.
Recycling of R12 on a national level is not done. No facilities for disposal of used CFC are provided
either. Both would cost money and the Government will hardly take up the issue. There might have been
a project for recycling of CFCs from mobile air-conditioning workshops (in fact PCI Pollution Control
Implementation, an Australian project in Surabaya, has currently such a project running. But this goes
only as far as reuse of CFCs and the technicians are introduced to using recovery & recycling
equipment).
Service workshops, except the ones from producers of R134a refrigeration equipment, are probably not
ready to service R134a units properly because of the hygroscopic character of the lubricant. Sharp itself
experiences difficulties with its production because the workers do not always follow procedures. But
no complains from customers could be accounted to this difficulty only so far.
HC as refrigerant has not been used at Sharp so far. Sharp is considering using HC in equipment but this
will be a decision of the mother company in Japan. The main concern is safety. In small amounts as in
refrigerators, no safety problem is to be expected (people also keep LPG bottles with large amount of
gas in their houses) but this might be different when HC is used in production. The use of HC in
equipment might even lower the production price.
Sharp uses Cyclopentane (56 tonnes/ year, 200grams/ unit, price U$ 2030.-/ ton) for foaming. The 2
other companies using it as well are National Gobel and Mitsubishi. The use of HC as refrigerant for
developing countries is a good solution especially because R12 will be available only for a certain time
for guarantee cases from equipment producer sides. In Sharps case, R12 will be on stock for 3 years for
the last R12 refrigerators produced (3000pc). For the service sector HC might be a good solution but
why is it not used already by others? So far Sharp has no information of any accidents with HC as
refrigerants.
Energy saving is not really an issue in Indonesia. Most important is the installed power, this is what
people are concerned about. With a few hundred Watt it might be difficult to run a refrigerator. The price
of the electricity depends on the power installed but there is no direct incentive to use less energy.
The quality of non-imported HC refrigerant in Indonesia is not known. Pertamina would probably be
the one to provide HC refrigerant. But it is questionable whether efforts will be taken to set up
production facilities for the small amounts needed for the local market only.
ITB Bandung has a refrigeration department. Sharp recruits their technicians from all recourses and
provides on the job training or if necessary also training in Japan. For service training, staff from Japan
comes to Indonesia.
Laws and regulations exist in Indonesia but Sharp was never confronted with them. Sharp has its own
internal regulations. Regarding specification of equipment (e.g. volume of the fridge) confusion is still
prevailing. Sharp therefore specifies two volumes, brut and net.
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Part II
Organisations involved in ozone protection might be UNDP, UNEP, WB and maybe others. Sharps
conversion to R134a has partly (30%) been financed from the Multilateral Fund. At a meeting attended,
Mr. Sutamihardja, the former ozone officer from the Ministry of Environment took a neutral stand
regarding the possible alternatives for R12. No preferences were stated from his side.
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Date
Name
Address
Contact person
Respondents
Field of business
July 1
PT. Inti Mutiari Kamindo
Menara BTN Building, 12th floor A, Jl. Gajah Mada, Jakarta
Mr. K. Koo Shang Shien, Technical Adviser
Importers of Elf Atochem Foron
PT Inti Mutiara is an importer of refrigerants for Elf-Atochem and the sole distributor for Elf Atochem
ATO refrigerants. They have 30-40 employees in Jakarta.
Consumption of R11+R12 together = 2280t/ year for all applications according to data from marketing
observations and import data. Assumptions are that 70% of the refrigerants are used in the service sector.
The Indonesian Government does not understand this fact and underestimates the problems caused
when R12 import will be stopped by the end of this year. The Government will be responsible to solve
the problem and it is likely that they must find a quota regulation for further import of R12 for service
reasons.
Consumption of R22 = 1579t/ year, R502 = 20t/ year applications according to data from marketing
observations and import data.
Consumption R134a = 250t/ year. This small amount because R134a is used in new cars only and only
recently in refrigerators.
No HC is used so far except for foam blowing. HC as refrigerant will not be established in the market
as long as R12 exists. Besides the industry has already alternatives for R12 and the industry will dictate
what is going to be used. It has to be admitted however that the variety of replacements will probably
cause confusion among the users. But generally, for the consumer it does not matter what kind of
refrigerant he uses as long as the equipment works.
HCs as refrigerant is not a very suitable solution because they perform less efficient than others. HC is
also not very compatible with certain equipment.
Pertamina is probably not interested to produce only small mounts of HC refrigerants.
Inti Mutiara is not very optimistic about the introduction of HC in the Indonesian market. They are of
the opinion that Indonesia will not choose this solution because all its neighbours do not use it either.
The political influence of the big producers of R134a is strong and they will try to market their product
as long as possible especially because they made huge investments to produce it. If in the future R134a
will be phased out also, be it so, the consumer will adjust. Costs for retrofitting of equipment to R134a
do not really cause a problem to the customer right now as well.
PT Inti Mutiara has only contact with Government Organisations and with no NGOs regarding ODS
phase-out matters (participation at seminar).
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Part II
Date
Name
Address
Contact person
Respondents
Field of business
July 1
Jl. Panjaitan, Kebon Nanas Jakarta Timur Ruang Rapat Amen
Mr. Ir. MSc Aca Sugandhy, Assistant Minister for Environment,
Division of Policy, Formulation for Environmental Management
Mr. Ir. MSc Aca Sugandhy
Mr. Gunardi, Office of the State Minister for Environment
Mr. Budihardo, Lippo Melkon Home Appliances
Mr. Suwarso, Secretary General of the Association of Electronic
& Electrical Home Appliances
Mrs. Yenny Chandra, Finance Manager Candi Swadaya Sentosa. Pt.
Mrs. Anita Masduki, Sucofindo Appraisal and Consultancy
Mr. Drs. Pramono Mardio, Head of Ozone Layer Protection and ODS
Phase-out Unit
Mrs. Ir. Kusmulyani, Staff Ozone Unit
The meeting assembly is a big surprise because we expected to meet Mr. Aca and two other participants
only. The meeting assembly represents VIPs from the Government of Indonesia as well as from the
Industry. These people are a part of the 15 active members from the Ozone Unit (totally 150 members)
set up to support the MoE. Other parties actively involved in the ozone issue are UNEP, UNIDO and
WB and probably others.
The mindset of the people present shows that the phase out of ODS is a very serious undertaking of the
Government of Indonesia and the industry.
Problems in phasing out CFCs are experienced however as, e.g. in the case of aerosols no appropriate
HC replacement is available; the purity of HC is not high enough for cosmetic applications. Mrs. Yenny
mentions that especially her company but others as well are not happy with the quality of HC aerosols
at present and that she is looking into the possibility of setting up a purification unit (Pertamina stock)
for the companys own use of and to market the aerosols. The issue is an urgent one because all aerosol
users face difficulties with access to pure aerosols.
In the case of refrigerants, the supply of HC is not guaranteed and makes it therefore difficult for the
Government to push the industry (users) to consider this refrigerant as an alternative. Pertamina could
be a key player in supplying aerosols as well as refrigerants but this is a question of profitability because
the small amounts of HC required.
Polytron constructs a new refrigeration company in central Java, Semarang, and has taken the decision
to use HC as blowing agent as well as refrigerant. They need technical support however to set up the
production facility. An eventual visit to the facility is foreseen.
Mr. Aca mentions that he is not very happy with the approach of the parties trying to introduce HC. He
calls for a more integrated approach where all the parties roles and responsibilities must be clear and
recommends to target users, especially industries, of refrigerants should be done on a broad basis. MoE
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needs also ideas on the implementation of HCs. He will be happy to support a National Workshop where
all the parties (promoters of HC as well as industry) shall be involved. The planning of this WS shall be
in co-operation with the MoE. In general he lacks information of what is going on from all the parties
promoting HC.
Mr. Aca has visited VEDC Malang some time ago and is of the opinion that VEDC has a special
recycling program for car AC. He seems very impressed and thinks that this is a first beginning for a
nation wide recycling program. MoE will not promote the set-up of centralised CFC recovery but wants
to have the problem addressed on the workshop/ industry level. Companies should recycle their own
refrigerants used.
Mr. Aca hears the first time that Swisscontact has proposed to the MoE to convert the MoEs car fleet
to HC and to assess the possibility to convert the cooling of the Arthaloka Bulding to HC. He proposes
to convert the cooling of his building, Jl Panjaitan, to HC because the Arthaloka is only rented.
Sucofindo is presently working on the country program to phase out CFC in the service sector. This
problem seems now to be recognised. The draft proposal shall be finished and be submitted to the WB
next September. A workshop survey in the service sector is presently done for the Jakarta area. The
amount of CFC used is the criteria of the size of the workshop. Small workshops =< 5 tonnes / year The
number of WS in the service sector will be available after the study as well. Sucofindo has also done a
survey on centrifugal chillers (mostly R11???) and comes up with a figure of 1500 chillers totally for
Indonesia.
Consumption of CFC in 1996 went down 60% compared to 1992 to approximately 23000t/ year.
As for the time being the alternative of R134a must be accepted but in the long term HC is an alternative.
The market will decide what will prevail, HC, R134a or something else. No commitment from the
industry can be expected with regard to HC as long as the supply of HC is not guaranteed (Aca).
15 producers of refrigeration equipment are members of The Association of Electronic and Electrical
Home Appliances Industries of Indonesia.
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Part II
Date
Name
Address
Contact person
Respondents
Field of business
July 2
BAPEDAL
Arthaloka Building 6th Floor, Jl. Sudirman, Jakarta
Mr. Nabiel Makarim
Mr. Nabiel Makarim
The Environmental Impact Management Agency
BAPEDAL is the environment implementation agency of The Government of Indonesia (GOI). The
Ministry of Environment (MoE) is responsible for policy and regulation matters. Both BAPEDAL and
the MoE report directly to the president. Because of lacking staff, BAPEDAL is not implementing the
ODS phase-out program, this is done directly by the MoE. ODS was focus at the time BAPEDAL was
set up. It is however possible that the ODS phase-out program will be conducted by BAPEDAL in the
future. The new organisation of BAPEDAL foresees to have provincial and regional offices
(BAPEDALDA) and with this the workload of the BAPEDAL headquarter will hopefully decrease.
BAPEDAL is funded by the GOI but receives expert assistance from foreign agencies like from Canada,
Australia, EPA, Switzerland etc.
Mr. Nabil stresses that the ODS phase-out program must use a market oriented approach to be
successful: Give the users and producers incentives to switch to HC and they will do it. Waiting for
regulations and their implementation from the GOI takes years and will not be very successful without
other incentives anyway. Incentives e.g.:
Tax reduction of environmental friendly products/ material like HC (this is possible and has already
been done)
Subsidies from the GOI for the introduction of HC (e.g. funds from the Fund Montreal Protocol)
GOI states that HC are a viable alternative for ODS substances.
Mr. Nabil has used the market-oriented approach with the introduction of lead free gasoline and the LPG
gas for vehicles. In this case Pertamina was not willing to co-operate and therefore new non-Pertamina
gas stations are being set up selling lead free gas cheaper or at the same price as leaded gasoline. The
lead free gasoline campaign will focus on Bali which will be promoted as lead free island. BAPEDAL
was also the pusher in order to introduce gas as fuel for cars but this program was not very successful
because:
Not enough gas stations are available; Pertamina is now forced from the GOI to sell LPJ gas as car
fuel at gas stations in the city otherwise the gas stations will be closed down.
Users still worry about gas as fuel in their cars because of safety reasons
Problems with servicing of cars (air filter has to be changed/ cleaned often)
Mr Nabil has personally no experience with HC as refrigerant but knows about it.
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Date
Name
Address
Contact person
Respondents
Field of business
July 2
YLKI, Yayasan Lembaga Konsumen Indonesia
Jl. Pancoran Barat VII No. 1, Duren Tiga Jakarta
Mrs. Dra. Indah Suksmaningsih, MPM, executive secretary
Consumers awareness, legal rights
YLKI is the biggest of 16 consumer organisations in Indonesia with 30 staff altogether. No association
of these 16 consumer organisations exists at present. YLKI has good international contacts to other
consumer organisations., e.g. to Malaysia, Australia, India etc. For contacts the Internet is used because
it is a cheap and fast medium. Within Indonesia, YLKI has good contacts to WAHLI, the Ministry of
Environment and BAPEDAL. YLKI disseminates its information trough their magazine Warta
Konsumen, Radio, TV and Newspapers.
YLKIs activities (70%) are focused on nutritional matters (food testing) because this is still a major
concern in Indonesia. Environmental friendly refrigeration appliances are no priority neither for YLKI
nor for the consumers yet. Only a minority of the population can afford refrigerators anyway and
consumer awareness is not very highly developed regarding environmental matters. Basically the
consumer does not care with what the refrigerator works, important is that it works and this safely. YLKI
is not aware of any regulations regarding HC. Three ??? ministries are assigned to be responsible for
household appliance standards:
Energy saving
Ministry for Mines and Energy
Performance
Ministry for Trade and Industry
Environment aspects
A national standard shall be worked out in the future.
YLKI has conducted the survey on ODS consumption in Indonesia for the Indonesian Country Program
for the phase-out of ODS in Indonesia. The request for this study was passed on to YLKI from WAHLI,
which received the mandate for the study from the Ministry of Environment. The figures for the country
program were elaborated in Jakarta and interpolated to get an estimate for whole Indonesia. According
to YLKI, the figures include the service sector.
YLKI has recently been asked by the Ministry of Environment to do the monitoring of the phase-out of
ODS in Indonesia. YLKI declined the request because they do not want to function as controllers.
The yearly budget of YLKI amounts to about Rupiah 400 Mio. These funds come from several sources
e.g. USAID (biggest donator), International Consumer Organisation, Ford Foundation, Swisscontact
(clean air program) and Government institutions. YLKI is an independent and neutral organisation and
is very selective in accepting funds from private donors/ supporters. Larger donations must be reported
to and approved by the Government
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Part II
Date
Name
Address
Contact person
Respondents
Field of business
July 2
Ministry of Manpower
PNKK 8th floor Blok A Jl. Gatot Subroto Kav. 51 Jakarta
Mr. Dr. Tjepi F. Aloewie, MSc., Director Occupational Safety and Health
Mr. Dr. Tjepi F. Aloewie
Mrs. Sri. Harjani
Safety aspects for workers
The Ministry of Manpower is responsible for occupational safety of workers and its responsibility is to
provide regulations for the use of e.g. HC.
The obligation to develop and implement such regulations is stated in the Act No.1, 1970 on safety, State
Gazette No 1, 1970: Membangunan Manusia Karya Direktor Jenderal Bina Hubungan Ketenagakerjaan
dan Pengawasan Norma Kerja.
Mr. Tjepi is aware of this obligation but the MoM is very much occupied with work. Specifically for the
use of HC no regulations exist yet. Support would however be most welcome and would this issue
become a very important one, adjustments with regard to priorities are possible. MoM co-operates with
Sucofindo for the new safety and health management and with TUV. For special fields, e.g. boiler
construction and operation, MoM assigns and authorises specialised companies to set up and implement
regulations. These companies are trained beforehand by, e.g. TUV regarding safety aspects, regulations
etc.
Pilot projects for HC can be authorised by the MoM. The proposal for it have to be sent to the Director
General of MoM.
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Date
Name
Address
Contact person
Respondents
Field of business
July 3
UN Building 5th floor, Jl. Thamrin No. 14, Jakarta
Mr. Lars S. Andersen, Programme Officer
ODS Phase-out Programmes
With regard to ODS reduction in Indonesia, UNIDO is active in the foam sector, insulation for
refrigeration equipment and commercial freezers and in tobacco production (fluffing tobacco used to be
done with CFC). UNIDO conducts the projects without local partner (on the financial side), which
means that UNIDO does the initial assessment of projects and after approval also the implementation.
The funds do not pass other government tables and this fact made execution of UNIDO projects (the
Government of Indonesia has to approve the projects as well) sometimes difficult in the past. Totally
about 9 projects have been conducted or are still in process. The main concern for further projects is the
ODS phase-out dead line end of 1997. Without official statement from the Government of Indonesia to
delay the ODS phase-out, support from the Multilateral Fund will not be possible anymore after 1997.
Other institutions conducting projects for the MLF are the World Bank (biggest executor of projects but
slow) and UNDP (recovery and recycling). Sucofindo is a major consultant company for MLF project
assessments and proposals, and works mainly for the WB for this.
Within UNIDO, John Oxly was the initiator of ODS phase-out projects. John Oxly is a private
consultant living in Germany with extensive knowledge and experience about the whole ODS phaseout issue. Even so UNIDO is well aware of the fact that HC is very suitable as refrigerant they can not
promote and support this technology for two reasons:
HC is not an official alternative refrigerant according to the Montreal Protocol;
Safety reasons; one accident could severely damage UNIDOs image and finally its operation.
UNIDO works in the mobile air-conditioning sector in Thailand and will work in the future probably in
Egypt as well. Worldwide UNIDO is very much involved in Cyclopentane foaming projects.
According to UNIDO the dead line for the phase-out of ODS in Indonesia is not very realistic. Basically,
the market forces will decide what final replacements will available, other solutions, e.g. tax measures
etc. might only lead to market distortions.
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Part II
Date
Name
Address
Contact person
Respondents
Field of business
July 3
Suconfindo Appraisal & Consultancy
Jl. Raya Pasar Minggu Kav. 34, Jakarta
Mrs. Anita Masduki
Mrs. Anita Masduki
Consultancy agency for a.o. the Government on environmental issues,
Consultant in drafting Country Program, Member Ozone Unit
Sucofindo is an inspection and control organisation founded in 1956. Today Sucofindo consists of 4
divisions: Export, Laboratory (testing), General commodity & trade inspection and Appraisal and
consultancy. Sucofindo is a semi Government company (BUMN). Financially, 95 of the shares are hold
by the Ministry of Finance, 5% by SGS (Swiss General Services) with Surveyor Indonesia (an import
inspection company) as partner. Technically, Sucofindo is closely connected with the Ministry of
Industry and Trade. Sucofindo employs totally 4000 people, 900 in the main office in Jakarta (new
building 1994) the others at the 27 provincial branches all over Indonesia. Total income generated in
1996: approximately U$ 120 Mio.
Since 1994 Sucofindo does consultant work for the Ministry of Environment regarding the ODS phaseout issue (Indonesia country program, funded by the Multilateral Fund). In 1996 Sucofindo carried out
a feasibility study (funded by the WB) on non ODS aerosols in Indonesia. An ongoing project for
BAPEDAL is the environmental performance rating system for industries. A probable future project to
be conducted is the climate change project (global warming) for GEF (Global Environment Fund). Not
started yet has the project for the MoE for the refrigerant management plan (ODS phase-out for the
service sector, funded by the WB) which has to be finished in September 1997. Sucofindo is the main
consultant company for the WB regarding ODS phase-out and has conducted 20 projects so far.
Ongoing WB projects are: 4 in foaming, others in replacement of methylbromide (Sucofindo is a big
user of it itself for pest control) etc. Sucofindo conducted a WB study for the tobacco companies Djarum
and Soemporna to replace CFC with CO2 in tobacco fluffing. Partners of Sucofindo are among others
ICF and PAPPA. Sucofindo does not co-operate with YLKI (Indonesian consumer organisation) or
WALIH (Environment forum).
Anita M. is a member of the ozone unit of the MoE. Approximately 15 people of the totally 150
members are fully involved and active in this unit. The chairman of the ozone unit is Mr. Aca S., 1st
assistant minister of the MoE.
According to Anita M. GTZ had introduced HC as refrigerant in Indonesia but with little success- no
interest from the industry at this time. More information on these activities might be available from the
MoE itself (Mr. Sutamihardja deputy Mr. Aca S., Mr. Gunardi and Mrs. Muliani).
Mrs. Anita M. is of the opinion that no refrigeration company is 100% Indonesia owned so far.
Anita M. is not aware that R134a is only regarded as a transitional solution. She is of the opinion that
R134a is a permanent solution. Disadvantages of R134a are the high price, the fact that R134a has a
peculiar smell and the lower performance compared to R12.
Awareness building about HC as refrigerants is necessary and important according Anita M.
Anita M. asks for contact addresses of refrigerant suppliers and the specifications for HC as refrigerants.
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Date
Name
Address
Contact person
Respondents
Field of Business
July 4
PAU-ITB, Bandung Institute of Technology, Bandung University centre for
Engineering Services, Thermodynamics Research Laboratory
Jl. Tamansari 126, Bandung 40132
Dr. Aryadi Suwono
Dr. Aryadi Suwono, Head of Department PAU
Dr. Ir. Nathanael P. Tandian, researcher
Dr. H. Soeparwoto
Mr. Aseng Gunawidjaya
University of Bandung: department of refrigeration and air-conditioning,
Conversion Milk Cooling Tank
ITB is the oldest and most prestigious technical state University in Indonesia with a total of
41departments. ITB ranks as no. 19 in Asia according to Asia Week and as no.1 in Indonesia. ITB was
founded by the Dutch and until today ITB is affiliated with the Technical University of Delft. ITB
receives the top 5 % students selected for state universities every year. Totally 810000 students are
studying at ITB. Mechanical engineering employs 110 and electrical engineering 120 teachers, faculty
member only.
ITB had first contact with HC as refrigerants in 1971 (Mr. Ariyadi). In 1981 environmental issues with
regard to refrigerants surfaced but not with regard to ODS but with regard to increasing the efficiency
(energy reduction) of cooling equipment. In 1989 students did a first thesis (theoretical work) on HC as
refrigerants. Today ITB is the main university working on the HC issue. Pertamina- supplies propane
and butane and national (ITENAS, Institut Nasional- study on mobile air-conditioning with HC) and
international (University of Delft) links to universities are established with regard to HC as refrigerant.
The World Bank has been supporting the PAU (centre for university interrelations) for 3 years in HC
research, in a 1st phase for equipment and laboratory, in a 2nd phase for training of staff. This support
runs in its 2nd phase in the 2nd year with a yearly budget of Rp. 300 Mio./ year. ITB is not aware of the
existence of the Ozone Unit.
ITB (Ariyadi) would favour to establish a ozone group which should be responsible to co-ordinate the
ozone activities conducted by various parties and to disseminate information on the HC issue
(organisation, funds???). Another idea mentioned is the set up a HC conversion shop in Bandung
responsible to do conversions and training activities. Mr. Ariyadi thinks also about producing/ bottling
of HC refrigerants himself and needs information from Swisscontact about possible producers of
bottles.
Mr Ariyadi asks for the German safety standards DIN 7003. Swisscontact will mail it to him. Mr.
Ariyadi is fluent in German, no translation necessary.
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Part II
Date
Name
Address
Contact person
Respondents
Field of business
July 4
Toko Antartica
Jl. Sambang 21-BOG, Bandung
Mr. Suparman
Mr. Suparman
Wholesaler of refrigeration equipment for air-conditioners and
Refrigeration, Participant Training workshop May 1997
Date
July 4
Name
Address
Contact person
Respondents
Ade Engineering
Jl. Sewu F-15 New-Pharmindo, Bandung
Mr. Edi, brother Mr. Tjandra, informatics specialist 25 years in Germany
Service technician for textile factory, Participant Training Workshop May 1997
Field of business
Both, Mr. Soeparman and Mr. Tjandra took part at the information seminar as well as at the technician
training conducted at BLK Bandung in April 97. They know about the Montreal protocol, the Indonesian
country program and its implication. They did not have the chance to use the HC refrigerant (PIB) handed
to them after the technician training because Mr. S only sells spare-parts and Mr. T does engineering and
mostly uses R22. However they consider HC as a feasible alternative to R12/ R22. The issue of
flammability can be addressed properly by applying the safety regulations. Their main arguments:
Environment protection is a must, think about our children future
Change of equipment should not be necessary with a new refrigerant
R134a is not suitable because it is expensive, lubricant attracts water, parts have to be replaced
and efficiency is lower than with R12
Economically HC is a good solution, no replacement of equipment necessary
Industry is reluctant to accept a refrigerant they do not know (this might be the case for HC as
well because its flammability but otherwise HC is very suitable because it is a drop-in)
Interest for HC among consumers is big because many chillers use R12 at present (many textile
production companies in and around Bandung). Unfortunately HC is not available on the market right
now. On his own initiative Mr. S managed to convince and register 14 of his customers to attend a HC
training in Bandung later!
In general, information about HC as refrigerant is too sparse. More promotion must be done (also in
form of personal contacts) especially to inform companies about HC as refrigerant and to keep them
from considering switching to R134a or any other expensive solution. Swisscontact will edit and
disseminate booklets for owner of refrigeration equipment, technicians and consumers. More articles
should be published in newspapers/ magazines regularly.
Ciba-Geigy must be contacted regarding pilot projects for room AC conversions.
According to Mr. S, a large number of car conversions (>100) to ELPJ as fuel have been conducted by
Mr. Aron, Jl Sumatra, Bandung. Conversion equipment is imported from the NL. The instillation itself
seems to be simple. Accessories have been bought at Mr. Ss company.
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Date
Name
Address
Contact person
Respondents
Field of business
July 5
Sekolah Teknik Menengah Pembangunan (STMP)
Jl. Leuwi Gajah No. 48, Cimahi Bandung
Mrs. Edwina
Mr. Drs. Undum Suparman
Mr. Djadjang
Mr. Dadang
Technical vocational school
STMP (technical high-school, 4 years program, Ministry of Education and Culture) Cimahi was for a
long time the only STMP/ STM (3yrs program) state school with a refrigeration department. In 1997,
4 other state schools have been equipped with equipment: STM Medan, STM 14 Jakarta, STM Kendal
Jateng and STM Sidoarjo, Surabaya.
STMP consists of 4 departments: Industrial electronics, Industrial instrumentation, Electrical
engineering for industry and refrigeration technology (since 1972). 600 students are studying at the
STMP of which 120 at the refrigeration department (35 students / class). Totally, 9 teachers teach for
the refrigeration department including the ones for electrical engineering for refrigeration equipment.
For refrigeration alone there are 3 teachers (Suparman, Djadjang, Dadang-dept. head refrigeration). The
4-year training is conducted according to the curriculum of 1994, which leaves much more flexibility
regarding topics and methodology of training than the curriculum of 1984.
Besides the 4-year regular training, STMP also conducts training courses on demand for the industry
since 1996. At present, the 4th basic training in refrigeration technology is conducted. He main need for
the industry is maintenance and repair of refrigeration equipment. For industry courses, STMP works
together with PT. Sepa Rindo Alfa Persada (SAP), Jakarta, Mr. Rama Royani, alumni ITB. PT Sepa
Rindo trains their customers at STMP. Another contact with the industry exists with Coca-Cola which
has their cooling cabinets repaired by the STMP (over 100 cabinets so far).
STMP teachers obtained their refrigeration training among others from Mr. Braunschweiger, Swiss
expert at STMP for several years and from Polytechnics ITB Bandung, Mr. Arda Lukito (RMIT, 2years
Australia). One STMP staff (Mr. Supardan) attended also a seminar at ITB but has left the STMP
meanwhile. Generally STMP instructors obtain training at TTUC Bandung.
HC refrigerants are not known at the STMP so far. Refrigerants covered during training are R12/22/502
and R134a. For practical training, R12 is used only, R134a is known but has never been applied (costs
too high).
STMP is equipped with refrigeration equipment but things look a bit static. A number of equipment
looks inoperable and not used at all. One has the impression that not a lot of activities are conducted in
the workshops.
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Part II
Date
Name
Address
Contact person
Respondents
Field of business
July 5
BLK Bandung
Jl. Jend. Gatot Subroto No. 170, Bandung
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Date
Name
Address
Contact person
Respondents
Field of business
July 5
Bandung Institute of Technology, School of Polytechnics
Jl. Gegerkalong Hilir, Desa Ciwaruga, Kompleks Swisscontact, Bandung
Mr. Ir. M.Eng. Arda Rahardja Lukitobudi, Head of Department
Refrigeration and Air-conditioning Specialist
Mr. Ir. M.Eng. Arda Rahardja Lukitobudi
Mr. Ir. M.Eng Dpl.Tech.Tchg Supratman Hara, Head of Air-conditioning
Laboratory
Polytechnic, department of refrigeration and air-conditioning
The Polytechnic belongs to the ITB Bandung but has a rather meagre existence compared to the ITB.
No significant links between the Polytechnics and the ITB exist. The Polytechnics is also not well
known by the industry yet and therefore it is planning to seek a closer co-operation (first step with PT
Sepa Rindo Alfa Persada, Jakarta, a refrigeration engineering company) and to conduct more promotion
activities (open house, seminars). Close links to refrigeration workshops exist however trough alumni.
Totally approximately 1200 students study at the Polytechnics Bandung. The Polytechnics Bandung is
the only Polytechnics with a refrigeration department in Indonesia so far. 48 students per year (3*48)
are enlisted in this department supervised and guided by 36 staff.
The refrigeration department obtained its first information about HC as refrigerant approximately 6
years ago from the ASHRAE journal and from the Swisscontact experts working at the Polytechnic (the
Polytechnics system has been developed as a joint project between the Indonesian and the Swiss
Government). But at this time the subject was an interesting one only without further follow-up. More
concrete became HC as refrigerant trough the demonstration at ITB and a refrigeration exhibition in
Jakarta (HC icemaker) a few years ago. Polytechnics itself has not conducted any experiments with HC
as refrigerants so far but would be interested to do so.
Ozone awareness is a topic and HC as refrigerant is included in the in the syllabus in the chapter of
refrigerants. The Polytechnic instructors are aware of the phase-out of R12 and are quite worried that
their present equipment might become useless when R12 is not available anymore. Some information
is around that ICI promoted HC (propane) as refrigerant but with a price of 3 Mio. Rp./kg. No R134a
equipment is available at the Polytechnic (OECF Japan will eventually provide funds to modernise the
refrigeration lab of the Polytechnic Bandung) and this refrigerant has only been subject to theoretical
work. An isolated test with a heat pump was conducted by replacing R12 simply with R134a without
further changes (lubricant etc.). Result: It worked. But no further use of R134a in other R12 equipment
so far because of fear to break the equipment.
The Polytechnic instructors are not very happy with the phase-out of R12 and the solution of R134a as
replacement. Their argumentation:
R134a is only a transitional solution and a waste of money (consumers must pay for new or retrofit of equipment)
From the environmental point of view R134a is not suitable
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The Polytechnic instructors themselves will hesitate to convert their lab equipment to any new
refrigerant or purchasing new equipment until a final solution for a replacement of R12 is available even
so Mr. Harnato, project manger PEDC, wants to replace the existing equipment. To introduce a final
solution for the replacement of R12 (with HC) needs the political will of the Government of Indonesia
and the pressure from the industry.
Regarding safety, HC can be applied safely with no worries at all in applications like refrigerators with
only a small amount of HC in the system (compared to having an ELPJ bottle of 12kg gas in the
kitchen). Safe handling of HC refrigerants by workshop technicians might be an issue as the skills and
discipline is according to the Indonesian context. Mr. Frank Victory, Australia, has conducted tests on
safety of HC refrigerants in refrigerators.
Polytechnic lacks information on HC as refrigerants and in general on latest information about
refrigeration technology, as no money is available for foreign magazines (no local magazines on
refrigeration technology available). Mr. Supratman gets a magazine from the Japanese Association of
Refrigeration because he is a member (but this magazine is considered as private property and not
handed to his colleges- very common phenomena not only at the Polytechnic).
Polytechnics is indeed very well equipped with very nice refrigeration equipment (equipment probably
up to 1 Mio.U$) but is seems that a lot of it not much used. Former Swisscontact experiences with the
refrigeration department to conduct training for 3rd parties were not very positive and the training had
finally to be stopped after a few days.
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Date
Name
Address
Contact person
Respondents
Field of business
July 7
PERTAMINA Divisi Gas Petrokimia
Jl. Merdeka Timur No. 1A, 16th Floor, Jakarta
Mr. Ir. Hadiono
Mr. M. Hassan, Manager Operational Gas & Petrochemical
Mr. Ir. H. Giyanto Hadiputnomo, General Manager Gas and
Petrochemicals Audit and Control
National refineries and gas producer
Pertamina is the Indonesian State Oil and Gas Company with totally 33000 employees. Their main
mandate is the supply of energy (fuel) to the Indonesian population.
Pertamina is not interested to produce HC as refrigerant as the amounts required are far too small.
(Mentioning of 10000 tonnes/ year provoked only a smile.) Besides, production of such refrigerants
would be out of Pertaminas main mandate. Pertamina is however willing to supply the feedstock
(propane and butane, no iso-butane) to down stream businesses willing to produce the refrigerant. Mr.G
and Mr.H doubt however that some private company will start production of HC as refrigerant. The
mixture of commercial ELPJ contains at present 6070% butane, 4030% propane. The maximum
pressure allowed in cylinders is 120psi.
Mr.G and Mr.H know that Pertamina delivered 500kg of propane to ITB for the use as refrigerant in
research.
For safety regarding transport and production of gas (new facilities and refining) the Ministry of Energy
and Mining and the DirJen MiGas (Directorate General Oil and Gas) is responsible. Safety aspects with
regard to HC as refrigerant have been discussed within Pertamina but without the intend to produce the
refrigerants.
Pertamina lacks information on HC as refrigerant.
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Part II
Date
Name
Address
Contact person
Respondents
Field of business
July 8
pt. Bayu Imalaya Lestari
Jl. Letjen Sutoyo 81, Malang
Hadi Puspanto, Director
Hadi Puspanto
Mr. Hariyanto, Technician
Car and bus work shop, new AC and service
PT Bayu Imalaya Lestari is a mobile air-conditioning workshop in Malang (7 employees) doing service,
repair and new installations of mobile air-conditioning equipment. The mother company is located in
Surabaya (24 employees). Future expansion is planned in Central Java, Solo.
Mr. Hadi is very actively promoting HC as a refrigerant and has more than 50 mobile air-conditioning
converted to HC already. HC is only used in the Malang workshop. One of his technicians, Mr.
Hariyanto, followed the training in Singosari in April. The main obstacle in using HC is the present
price, which is simply too high (U$ 23.-/ kg = U$ 12.-/ filling, HC refrigerant bought at Swisscontact)
compared to R12 (U$ 6.-/ kg or per filling, not the cheapest available R12) and R134a (U$12.-/kg or per
filling, not the cheapest available R134a). 12 cars can be converted with 5.5kg of PIB (4 bottles used so
far). Mobile air-conditioning service costs (refilling only) for R12: 60000.-, for R134a and HC:
90000.-. An average of 150 mobile air-conditioners are serviced monthly and 5 new installations done
in Malang. In Surabaya approximately 100 mobile air-conditioning are serviced and 300 (three
hundred) new installations done. (Mr. Hadi does the installations for Suzuki Carry Station Wagons in
Surabaya, Sanden AC.)
No difficulties have been experienced with HC so far. (But the filling of the system with upside down
bottle was not clear.) For Mr. Hadi HC is a good alternative and he hopes that HC refrigerants are on the
market soon for a competitive price.
According to Mr. Hadi, it is always made sure that the systems to be filled with HC are in good working
order. A lot of information has been handed to him by Swisscontact already regarding use of HC in
refrigeration equipment and especially also in mobile air-conditioning.
Most of the customers accept HC as refrigerant. Mr. Hadi does explain the issue to the customers
himself but he would be happy to have some suitable leaflets/ posters for explanations available.
R12 is not being recycled so far. Swisscontact will have a recovery unit made for him for test purposes.
With his number of mobile air-conditioning services, the return of investment will be within a few
months.
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Date
Name
Address
Contact person
Respondents
Field of business
July 8
Arifin Service
Mr. Arifin
Mr. Arifin and son
Refrigerator and air-conditioning workshop
Arifin service is a small service and repair workshop for refrigerators and room-AC (rarely done). 4
people keep themselves busy with the work, including Mr. Arifins son. Mr. Arifin runs his workshop
since 1975.
The average repairs done per month amount to approximately 30 refrigerators. Costs per repair (change
of dryer and refilling) Rp. 35000.-. Mr. Arifin also repairs refrigerators from bigger service workshops
(Herry Alters and Alfa Teknik, Malang) especially when more difficult repairs have to be done, e.g.
rewinding of compressor motor.
Mr. Arifin had attended the HC training in Singosari in April 1997 and has used HC in approximately
35 refrigerators so far. He is very satisfied with the results and has no difficulties experienced with HC.
He is not at all worried of using HC as refrigerant and demonstrates it right away by igniting the gas
coming out of a capillary tube. He is of the opinion it is not necessary to inform the customer about the
use of HC in the equipment in order not to worry him/ her unnecessarily.
He will use HC also in the future provided that it is available for a competitive price. Refilling of a
system costs him Rp.1900.- with R12 (5 units/ kg of R12) but Rp.4200.- with HC (14 units/ kg of HC)
right now (HC refrigerant from SC). He is confident that he could rise the price for his service for about
(4200.-minus 1900.-) in order not to be burdened with the higher cost when using HC. SC will make
him an overview about the costs with R12 and HC for better clarification.
Other costs: Costs R12: 9500.-/ kg (very cheap price ), R12-oil/ filling: Rp.4500.-, R134a-oil/
filling: Rp. 11000.-.
Mr. Arifin remarks that the safety sticker is too large to fit on the compressor sometimes.
Mr. Arifin held discussions with his colleges about HC and 3 more people are interested to join the next
SC training.
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Date
Name
Address
Contact person
Respondents
Field of business
July 9
BLK Surabaya (BLKS)
Jl. Dukuh Menanggal III No. 29, Surabaya
Mr. Soenardjo, Director BLK Surabaya
Mr. Soenardjo Magister Management, Principal BLK
Mr. Drs. Hadi Matsuri, Co-ordinator Training Advisory Service
Mr. Drs. Wahyudi Prihanto
Mr. Ir. Sulahjo Head PPL (to Sby from BLK Singosari
Mr. Drs. Achmed Sugeng, co-ordinator and instructor Electrical Dept
Technical Training Centre
BLK Surabaya is one of the many training institutions from the Manpower Department providing
unskilled people basic practical training in many areas. At BLK Surabaya 42 trades (including subtrades) are trained. Air-conditioning and refrigeration belongs to the Electrical Department which
consist of 2 sections, Electronics (Radio, Electrical Industry, TV) and Electrical Installation (Lighting,
Power, air-conditioning. & refrigeration). Totally 62 instructors are employed at BLK Surabaya. 12
instructors are assigned in the Electrical Department whereas 3 are refrigeration specialists.
3 different programs are conducted at BLKS:
6 month programs with approximately 512 students / year (96 in air-conditioning. & refrigeration)
3 years programs (PSG) with totally approx. 300 students, 96 in air-conditioning. & refrigeration
(year 1,2,3, together)
Special courses (1 week1month) for 3rd parties, approximately 800 trainees/ year
In Air-conditioning. & refrigeration (6 month program) the following topics are covered:
Basic electrical engineering
Basic refrigeration, compressor
Basic refrigeration techniques
Repair and Service (including refrigerants R12, R134a, R22)
Controlling for refrigeration equipment
In practical training, only R12 and R22 are used.
Regarding R134a no understanding exists why this refrigerant is on the market and what its exact
properties are. The main difference of R134a compared to R12 is according to them the different smell
and the higher price. The instructors are of the opinion that no R134a equipment is on the market yet,
not even mobile air-conditioning.
First contact with the HC issue had BLK trough the Swisscontact information seminar conducted in
April 1997 in Singosari where 2 BLKS instructors participated. HC as refrigerant is not integrated in
any BLKS teaching yet. Drs. Solahyo, 2 month ago still at BLK Singosari, knows very well about the
HC issue (Swisscontact worked with him in Singosari) but obviously the issue was never taken up and
seriously discussed at BLK Surabaya. BLKS lacks information on HC as refrigerant.
The visit to the workshops was not very encouraging. Not much has changed since a few years ago (last
visit ME to BLKS), it still looks like a museum of old and defective equipment. I doubt that basic
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refrigeration technique is trained in the workshops. What has changed indeed is that meanwhile also the
high-tech CNC machines (EMCO) are idle and looking already pretty rusty. Drs. Solahyo confirms that
BLK Surabaya has major internal difficulties and it is expected that his transfer to BLK Surabaya will
bring a fresh wind into the institution.
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Date
Name
Address
Contact person
Respondents
Field of business
July 9
Dani Electronics
Jl. H. Hussein Idris 7, Sidoarjo, Surabaya
Mr. Choiron, owner
Mr. Choiron
Refrigerator workshop
Dani Electronics is a small workshop with 2 employees plus owner. The location (house) is rented for
300.-U$ per year. Choiron started this business in 1994 after he had to close down the automotive
workshop he operated since 1971 in the same neighbourhood. Additional motivation was his technical
interest furthered by some technical information he found on a garbage dump in the city about
refrigeration parts. He wanted to know more about this refrigeration technique and started
experimenting with old refrigerators he bought. He is a self-made man with still a lot of experimenting
wit left. Learning and getting better by doing and trying things out is his motto and it works so good that
he stopped handing name cards to people and took his workshop sign down because he just has too
much work already. Choiron plans to expand his business but the place he occupies now is just too small.
It would be possible for him to rent additional space in the neighbourhood but he needs funds (2 Mio.
Rp.) to rent and ready it. Swisscontact might be able to support him via one of the business centres.
Dani Electronics does repair and service of refrigerators, cooling cabinets and washing machines. No
room-air-conditioners are repaired, the power provision (less than 1000 VA installed) is not sufficient
for this purpose. He repairs 3 refrigerators per day on average but does also service at the customers
place (PT PAL cantine). Costs for service of refrigerator (change of dryer and refilling refrigerant): Rp.
40000.- (U$ 16.-), rewinding of compressor motor: Rp. 70000.0 (U$ 28.-). Most frequent used
compressors are Sanyo and National.
Choiron had its first contact with HC as refrigerant at the information seminar and the technician
training conducted by Swisscontact at BLK Singosari in April 1997. Meanwhile he has already used
HC in more than 43 refrigerators and is very pleased with the result. He experienced difficulties with
the first uses of HC because the refrigerators did not cool. Obviously the problem was that he did not
fill them from the liquid phase and after shaking the bottle before filling (he remembered that this was
done at the training) the result was ok. The biggest equipment converted is a freezer with 600gram HC
in it (compressor 1/3 hp). There is nothing to worry about the flammability, HC is just like ELPJ. He
did his own experiments to see how flammable these HCs are.
Safety stickers are too large to fit on compressor sometimes.
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Date
Name
Address
Contact person
Respondents
Field of business
July 10
PT Nestl Indonesia
Kejayan Factory, Desa Tanggulangin, Kecematan Kejayan, Pasaruan
Mr. N. Mayer, Dairy development Manager, Agro Service
Mr. N. Mayer
Dairy products producer
Nestle operates two factories in Indonesia in Waru near Surabaya and in Kejayan near Pasuruan. The
factory in Waru has approximately 600, the one in Kejayan 300 employees. Nestle Kejayan processes
approximately 450 tonnes of milk a day under very strict quality standards beginning at the suppliers
until the finished product. This is why Nestle has its own Agro Service catering for their milk suppliers.
40 milk co-operatives (150 exist in Java) supply milk to Nestle, which is only allowed to buy milk via
those co-operatives (contract with bodies like Dairy Co-operative Federation a.o.). Nestles Agro
Service is basically free of charge (except for new equipment, e.g. coolers) for the milk suppliers (but
Nestle pays somewhat less for the milk than other factories). Kejayan has 22 direct suppliers (milk cooperatives with own cooling units, milk goes Co-op to Nestle ) with a capacity of 1.5 75 tonnes a day
each and 18 indirect suppliers (smaller milk co-operatives with together 2 cooing points, milk goes Coop to cooling point to Nestle). Totally about 23000 farmers (35 cows each) produce for Nestle with
an average of (only) 17 kg of milk/ farmer / day. Milk production grows very fast in Indonesia and with
better roads and electricity supply it is possible to go closer to the producers with cooling units. 12 new
coolers (Pako) have been installed lately and 6 more are already on the way. Nestle prefers to use Pako
coolers because of the ice-bank system (power installation can be smaller). The ice-bank system was
jointly developed by Pako together with Nestle. Nestle is very happy with Pakos service.
Swisscontact SMEP got in touch with Nestle regarding HC as refrigerant via letter a to headquarters in
Jakarta in July 1996. Nestle is a sponsor of Swisscontact. Nick Meyer was very interested in the HC
issue from the beginning and ready to conduct a plot project at a milk co-operative. (Taking such
decisions is within Nick Meyers competency, no permission from the Swiss HQ is necessary but the
Swiss HQ has meanwhile to be informed about these activities by Nick Meyer.) Two new R22
compressors (installed for old semi-hermetic compressors) have been converted to Hydrocarbon
(propane) and the results are very encouraging. With additional balancing of the system and the use of
HC as refrigerant power consumption went down 27%, compared to R22. This is not a scientifically
proofed result, just comparisons of kWh-meter readings but it works and we are very happy with it
what more do we want? so Nick Meyer. Pressures are down as well compared to R22. The next step
(August 97 earliest) will be to convert the new Pako cooler to HC after tests with R22.
If the long-term test is successful, Nestle will convert other systems. 12 old semi-hermetic type ones
must be replaced to HC- if the refrigerant is on the market. Costs for the replacement of the 2 old
compressors with the new hermetic ones: Rp. 7.5 Mio. (U$ 3000.-) without work and small materials
(installation was done by Agro Service Nestle). Nick Meyer recommends to visit the co-operative in
Pujon and to assess the possibilities for a conversion to HC.
Safety is a concern for Nestle and an alarm unit with 3 sensors is installed at the co-operative. The entire
power supply of the building will be cut off in case of a big leak and an alarm signal the emergency.
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People at the co-operative are instructed. Nestle does not want to have any accidents. In general, Nestle
always recommends Nestles own safety to the co-operatives but the co-operatives are independent
entities and therefore Nestle has no say in what standard to finally implement.
R134a is no solution for Nick Meyer: Why choose something complicated when it can be done
simpler? Price R22: Rp. 10000.- (U$ 4.-)
Nick Meyer wants to inform Nestle HQ Swiss after further successful testing of this equipment and
hopefully Nestle will consider about drafting a Nestle internal recommendation for other Nestle
operations world-wide to use HC as refrigerants. Go green and more efficient. In July 1997 Nestle
will hold its factory manager meeting and Nick Meyer intents to bring the manager to the co-operative
to show the cooling equipment running with HC and the electrical and safety installation. Swisscontact
will edit a short (2 pages A4) information for him about the HC issue (Montreal Protocol, Indonesian.
country program, comparison R12/ R22 R134a/ HC, test results with HC).
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Date
Name
Address
Contact person
Respondents
July 3
Candi Swadaya Sentosa. PT. KUD Puspo
P.O. Box 6806 JKB, TGR, Jakarta
Mrs. Yenny Chandra, Finance Manager
Mr. Chandra Effendy, President
Mrs. Yenny Chandra Finance Manager
Field of business
Producers of cosmetic spraying cans, possible future production
hydrocarbon refrigerant
Business dinner with Mrs. and Mr. Chandra
Mr. Chandra runs 2 factories with totally 400 employees, one for production of plastic boots, the other
for production of cosmetics. Suitable aerosols are very difficult to obtain with the phase-out of R12. Mr.
Chandra plans to set up a refining unit for aerosols for which feed stock from Pertamina will be used.
Pertamina guaranteed to supply the feed stock already. Output capacity of refining unit would be 6
tonnes/ day which is considered as very mini for a refining unit. Costs of proposals for complete unit
(building, equipment, unit running) 6 Mio U$. The refining unit shall be running latest one year from
the present date.
Mr. Chandra considers the possibility to also produce HC for refrigeration purposes but fears that
because of the purity required the investment for equipment will become much more expensive.
A market study for the aerosol sector had been done for Mr. Chandra (data/ report not given to us) and
demand figures are available. No such figures are available for the refrigeration sector however and this
makes it difficult to optimise the capacity of the final refining unit when this sector is included.
Date
Name
Address
Contact person
Reason for visit
July 4
Savoy Homann Hotel, Panghegar Heritage Hotel Bandung
Jl. Asia Afrika 112, Bandung
Mrs. Frances B. Affandy, Managing Director
Conversion Hotel refrigeration equipment
Mrs Frances was very interested in the Survey and expressed her interest in more information on the
consequences of converting the hotel equipment (kitchen refrigerators, freezers, hotel room
refrigerators, air-conditioners).
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Part II
Date
Name
Address
Contact person
Reason for visit
July 7
PT META EPSI Engineering
Pondok Indah Plaza II-35, Jakarta
Mr. Ir. Dony M. Oekron, Trading Division
Mr. Ir. Hendi Hairuddin
Gas Producers
PT Meta Epsi is one company belonging to the highly diversified MEDCO group. ECOZONE and
Swisscontact have been co-operating with Meta Epsi as prospective importer/ producer of HC
refrigerants for one year.
Meta Epsi has had a market study for HC demand conducted and comes to the final conclusion to enter
the Indonesian market, first with PIB targeting mainly the mobile air-conditioning sector. The HC
demand for used cars only, currently still using R12, is estimated at 1700 tonnes / year. Meta Epsi plans
to import in a 1st step 12 tonnes, in a 2nd step 24 tonnes of PIB. The 1st shipment should be in Jakarta
beginning of 1998.
Meta Epsi plans to produce HC refrigerants in the future using as much as possible local feed stock
(propane, eventually. butane in the future). For import, purification equipment & engineering
ECOZONE is the present partner. Meta Epsi will still assess possibilities to have cheaper bottles
produced. They need the specs of the current cylinders used for ECOOL.
Regarding the phase-out of R12, Meta Epsi will have to tackle the problem that at least stock for 1 year
is in the country and that at present 37% (not 47% as earlier stated) of R12 used is imported illegally
mainly from India, China and Mexico.
Date
Name
Address
Contact person
Reason for visit
Present:
July 7
SWISSCONTACT
Wisma Pondok Indah 1, Unit 408, Jakarta
Mr. Dipl. Ing.HTL Hugo Sager
Development Consultants, Head Office SWISSCONTACT Java
Swisscontact HO, Jakarta
Hugo Sager, Dipl. Ing. HTL, Deputy Project Leader
Introduction Marja Tummers to HO and introduction of Hugo Sager to ODS SMEP project and the
UNEP study.
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Date
Name
Address
Contact person
Reason for visit
July 10
KUD Puspo
Puspo
Milk Co-operative, Milk bulk cooling tank converted to Hydrocarbons
Bulk Milk Cooling tank converted from R22 to propane. Runs to full satisfaction, energy consumption
went down (though no measurements to compare the results to).
Date
Name
Address
Contact person
Reason for visit
July 11
VEDC Malang
Mr. Rinson, instructor mobile air-conditioning (among others)
VEDC is one of the three technical upgrading centres (1 trades) from the Ministry of Education and
Culture for Technical High school instructors (STM schools). Besides doing upgrading (Diklat), VEDC
runs also a production unit (Projas, includes conducting training for 3rd parties) and supports STM
schools in the field (SID). At present 140 teaching staff and 150 supporting staff are employed. VEDC
has been developed together with Swisscontact as implementation agency since 1983. Swiss support
will be phased out end of 1997.
Only mobile air-conditioning technique is trained at VEDC, no other refrigeration technique. 3
instructors provide training to about 100 trainees per year. 80 % is training for the industry, 20% teacher
upgrading. Industry trainees are often STM or even university graduates. 25% of industry trainees come
from bigger workshops, 75% from medium and small ones. Age trainees: 2030 years.
Generally industry trainees do not have much basic knowledge about mobile air-conditioning
techniques. Some know R12 (25%) but almost nobody knows R134a. The industry training last for 2
weeks covering:
Introduction refrigeration techniques (incl. refrigerants R12, R134a)
Mobile air-conditioning service (incl. recovery of R12 and R134a, equipment at VEDC: R12,
Agramko, Denmark, imported from Switzerland will cause spare parts problem later, R134a:
White Industries, U$ 4500.-, locally purchased)
Repair
Mr. Rinson and Mr. Catur attended a training in Manila from Malitra (agent of R134a recovery unit) in
February 1997.
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Part II
First concrete information about HC as refrigerant received at technician training conducted by

Swisscontact at BLK Singosari in April 1997.
HC as refrigerant is not included in the VEDC training yet, neither in the theoretical nor the practical
part. Mr. Rinson shows not much motivation to do so. He is of the opinion that it is not safe to use HC
in mobile air-conditioning, the working discipline and skills of the Indonesian technicians is not
sufficient to use flammable refrigerants and because HC is not on the market yet. He also fears that other
technicians working on a car could be in danger when HC is used in the AC system. Several students
however already asked about these refrigerants.
Mr. Rinson has not done any tests himself with the refrigerant so far but he promised to do so.
Prices in Malang for service mobile air-conditioning with R12: Rp. 25000.-, R134a: 50000.-, at Opel
centre R134a: 140000.-!!. Price R134a At Henry Brother Malang: Rp. 35000.-/kg.
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Annex F Terms of Reference Country Specific Survey,

specified for Indonesia
STUDY ON THE POTENTIAL FOR HYDROCARBON
REPLACEMENTS IN DOMESTIC AND SMALL COMMERCIAL
REFRIGERATION APPLIANCES
PART 2 - COUNTRY SPECIFIC SURVEYS
ASSESSMENT OF EXPERIENCES IN THREE COUNTRIES
USING HYDROCARBON REFRIGERANTS
IN RESIDENTIAL/SMALL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
Objective:
To assess practical experiences of hydrocarbon technology in those countries where hydrocarbon
refrigerants (HCs) have been introduced to replace CFCs in residential and light commercial
refrigeration applications. Emphasis will be placed on experiences in the areas of technical and
economic feasibility, safety related issues, country regulations and liability aspects, energy efficiency,
evaluation of practices, training facilities for service staff, availability of servicing equipment, consumer
awareness, and public perceptions of the technology. The main focus will be on case studies in the three
countries of Costa Rica, Cuba, and Indonesia where various HC (and LPG) technology related
programs have been active in recent years. Information may also be gathered from examples in other
countries.
Terms of reference:
The contractor (Ecozone) will assess the current status of hydrocarbon technology and its functioning
by conducting a detailed survey in the above three countries. The survey will be based on responses to
questionnaires and follow-up interviews with key stakeholding groups in those countries, including the
ozone unit offices, government agencies, refrigerator supply companies and their service departments,
local refrigeration entrepeneurs, training/education organizations, etc.
Specific tasks are:
160
Develop a cost break-down and work plan:

- the schedule must be consistent with making results from the study available to be used as
partial input to the follow-up Montreal Workshop proposed for early September 1997.
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Part II
For each of the three countries being surveyed, prepare a detailed questionnaire:
- the content of the specific questions will need to be customized to suit the situation and
conditions prevailing in each particular country, e.g. only LPG available in Cuba;
- the questions must be structured to provide in-depth coverage of the five areas of technical,
economic, regulatory and safety, environmental, and social aspects.
Circulate draft of questionnaires for review by Project Manager and UNEP DTIE.
Identify the various people in government, industry, etc. within the countries to be targeted in the
survey.
Conduct preliminary testing of the questionnaires and make modifications as necessary.
Issue final version of questionnaires and solicit responses.
Organize quantitative surveys to obtain as many responses as possible to the questionnaires.
Follow up with site visits and arrange meetings with groups involved in HC technology to provide
qualitative information based on the questionnaires.
Present results in a matrix such that the information obtained from each country can be compared
in a similar format.
Analyze data obtained from each matrix.
Assess the level of success of the practical experiences of using the HC technology option.
Identify any barriers to continued use of HC technology and make recommendations on how these
barriers can be overcome.
Prepare draft final report and transmit to Project Manager and UNEP DTIE by July 18, 1997.
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Annex G Map of Java
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UNEP

TO COSTA RICA FOR UNEP
July/August 1997
CEGESTI, Costa Rica

Marcela Velzquez
Marja Tummers
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Part II Country Specific Surveys: COSTA RICA
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
Overview phase-out of ODS in Costa Rica..........................................................
167
Methodology .........................................................................................................
168
The proposed alternatives....................................................................................
169
Could Hydrocarbons work....................................................................................
170
Results UNEP Study ...............................................................................................
171
5.1
5.1.1
5.2
5.2.1
5.3
5.3.1
5.4
5.4.1
5.5
5.5.1
Environmental aspects....................................................................................
Social Aspects ................................................................................................
171
173
173
175
176
180
180
183
183
184
6. General observations and recommendations.....................................................
185
ANNEXES
Annex A List of Abbreviations...................................................................................
187
188
190
Annex D Questionnaire in Spanish............................................................................
193
Annex E Reports of Interviews in Costa Rica ...........................................................
197
Annex F Terms of reference........................................................................................
226
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1. Overview phase-out of ODS in Costa Rica

Costa Rica has presented for the year 1997 a new Country Program, with the projects to be executed
and the expected results. It is divided in different activities. On the area of Norms and Regulations the
Ozone Office is working on the ratification of the Copenhagen and London conventions for the first
trimester of 1997. They are also working on the preparation of an import control law of equipment
charged with CFC (Annex A of the Montreal Protocol), a law for the elimination of taxes of CFC
recovery and recycle equipment, a law to regulate the national commerce of CFCs, all of these ready for
September 1997 and for the end the year 1998 the presentation of a law to prohibit the imports of CFC
(Annex A of the MP).
On the area of refrigeration the Ozone Office is planning for March 1997 the execution of a CFC
recovery and recycling project for mobile air conditioning, for June 1997 the organization of a fiduciary
fund to finance recovery and recycling equipment, for September 1997 6 training workshops on
recovery and recycling aspects, to initialise the execution of a CFC recovery and recycling project which
includes 6 recovery and recycling centers and through 1997 and 1998 the monitoring of the
reconversion of Atlas Elctrica, national domestic refrigerator manufacturer.
The Ozone Office is also introducing the public awareness by the diffusion of the change in standards,
the elaboration of a radio and television campaign to motivate the use of products without the use of
CFC, the organization of meetings with entrepreneurs, continue with the publication of the bulletin of
the Ozone Office and organize the celebration of the international Ozone preservation day, all for the
years 1997 and 1998.
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2. Methodology
The methodology used to perform the survey in Costa Rica consisted of the application of a
questionnaire (see Annex D) to the people involved in the introduction of the hydrocarbon technologies
in refrigeration. The questionnaire was developed and tested jointly with Ecozone B.V., based on the
questionnaire distributed by UNEP. A series of 12 individual interviews were performed in situ.
The group interviewed consisted of:
The ozone officer, CO.G.O.
Donor agency, Swiss Contact
Domestic refrigerator producer, Atlas Elctrica
Service and maintenance refrigeration technicians,
Equipment distributor, Refrigeracin Igl
Branch organization, A.P.T.A.M.A.I.(association of owners of industrial maintenance workshops)
Dairy industry, Dos Pinos
University of Costa Rica, U.C.R.
National institutes, I.N.A., Fundacin Samuel.
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3. The proposed alternatives

Within the Monteal Protocol and its amendments the production, distribution and use of Ozone
Depletion Substances is controlled. Following this MP the developed countries have phased out the
consumption of these substances. The Article-5 countries have been granted a grace period of ten years
for the phase out. The MP approves the use of R134a, a HFC, as the alternative refrigerant for CFC R12,
but does not summarise future applications of policy for this refrigerant.
The International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) describes the specifications of those refrigerants that
are not given by the MP. So, the IPCC does not outline CFCs but does inform about HFCs, and other
alternatives for controled substances. Within the IPCC the environmental effects of HFCs, including
R134a, are deliberated upon. Research has shown that R134a does not have an Ozone Depletion
Potential (ODP) like CFCs, but still has a Global Warming Potential (GWP). Besides this high GWP
there are other negative aspects to R134a: it is insoluble in mineral oils (that are found in most
conventional compressors) and the synthetic oil needed can cause burning to human skin as well as
being hygroscopic.
This knowledge has provoked a worldwide discussion on the need and possibilities for the use of HFCs.
The opinion is that if a proposed solution for an environmental unsound substance is itself also unsound,
it may not be such a good solution. The discussion now focuses on possible alternatives for HFCs that
have none of the negative side effects of these substances. It is reasonable to assume that a substitute for
CFCs and HFCs will be found. If this is the case and the international choice will be for this new
substance, then HFCs can be considered transitional substances. This is an ongoing discussion and it is
to be expected that decisions regarding the possible phase out of HFCs could be made in the near future.
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4. Could Hydrocarbons work

Hydrocarbons (HC) as refrigerants have been known and used since the beginning of this century. The
development of the inert CFCs in the 1930s put the HC technology in the background. CFCs have been
applied since then in numerous refrigeration equipment. Eventually the damaging aspects of CFCs
became clear and solutions for the problem have been sought.
The first domestic refrigerator with hydrocarbons was developed in a factory in former East Germany,
in co-operation with Greenpeace already in 1989. Following the production of this Greenfreeze the
major producers of domestic refrigeration equipment in Western Europe have been using HCs as a
refrigerant and as a propellant for insulation blowing for several years.
HCs can also be used in existing refrigeration equipment as a replacement for the original refrigerant.
The HCs, pure or in mixture depending on the application, are compatible with existing refrigeration
equipment whether the system uses mineral or synthetic oil. Changes in the hardware configuration of
the equipment are not always needed. HCs are flammable and thus adjustments in terms of safety
applications to the system have to be taken into consideration. The safety precautions that have to be
taken depend on the refrigerant charge and application of the system.
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5. Results UNEP Study

5.1 Environmental Aspects
1) Protection of the Ozone Layer
a) What organizations, institutions and other groups work in the field of protection of
the ozone layer?
The organizations, institutions or groups working on the field of protection of the Ozone Layer are:
Governmental organizations
The National Ozone Office, CO.G.O. This organization is part of the Ministry of Environment and
Energy (MINAE). COGO represents the country in the Montreal Protocol and develops the country
program (CP) to reduce ODS. It also works on consumer awareness, coordinates the projects regarding
recovery and recycling of CFCs. It has developed training on solvents, foams, and recovery and
recycling of CFCs in MAC.
International organizations
United Nations, Swiss Contact - Pro-Eco and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of the
U.S.A.. These organizations work with the promotion of recovery and recycling projects in the country.
The United Nations with the UNDP agency are introducing a CFC recovery and recycling network.
Swiss Contact - Pro-Eco is working on training, recovery and promotion of alternatives to CFCs. The
EPA is developing a recovery and recycling program for MAC.
Education and training institutes
National training institute (I.N.A.), University of Costa Rica (U.C.R.) and Fundacin Samuel. I.N.A.
works on training programs at the level of refrigeration technicians on aspects like recovery and
recycling of CFCs, refrigeration service good practices and instruction on CFCs alternatives. The
University of Costa Rica works on the level of investigation of CFC alternatives and trains mechanical
engineers with knowledge on refrigeration. Fundacin Samuel, works on the level of training of
refrigeration technicians, introducing aspects like recovery, recycling and alternative substances to
CFCs.
Private Industries
Taller de Refrigeracin Igl (component distributor) works on the development of a CFC recovery
machine, and the promotion of recovery and recycling practices.
Atlas Elctrica, S.A. (refrigerator manufacturer) is in the process of converting the production to nonCFCs and trains their service technicians in recovery and recycling procedures.
Refrigeracin Industrial Beirute (component distributor) promotes training courses for the refrigeration
technicians on the areas of recovery, recycling and alternative substances to CFCs.
Refrigeracin Hermanos Wimmer (component distributor and commercial cooler manufacturer)
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promotes training programs for the service technicians on Ozone Layer Aspects, recovery and recycling
of CFCs.
Coca-Cola Interamerican (beverage industry) trains their service technicians in recovery and recycling
aspects, and the Cooperativa de Productores de Leche Dos Pinos (Dairy Industry) is working on the
introduction of a refrigerant alternative in their bulk milk cooling tank section.
Non-governmental organizations
A.P.T.A.M.A.I., the association of owners of industrial maintenance workshops and Cientec.
A.P.T.A.M.A.I. as a branch organization trains refrigeration entrepreneurs in aspects like CFC
alternatives and recovery and recycling of refrigerants. Cientec is actually working on CFC alternatives.
Private Consultant Organizations.
CEGESTI, Technology Management Center and Sipcom Green. CEGESTI works on refrigeration
technician training on Ozone Layer Depletion aspects, recovery, recycling and reclaim of CFCs and
good refrigeration practices. It has developed a model for a National CFC Recovery and Reclaim
Network for Costa Rica. Cegesti worked as counter-part for the Technology Investment Packages,
which introduced HC as CFC alternative in Costa Rica. Sipcom Green is actually developing a
demonstration video on Ozone Layer Depletion aspects.
b) What are their relations? And how are they financed?
All of this organizations work in some way on the protection of the Ozone Layer. The relation among
them depends on the type of project they are executing. CO.G.O. coordinates projects that are financed
through the MP. Most of these are executed by other organizations. Swiss Contact - Pro-Eco have
financed projects executed by A.P.T.A.M.A.I. and CEGESTI and executes some projects itself. The
different agencies of the United Nations finance other projects.
a) What is the amount of CFCs in your country? And How much CFC is used in
the service sector?
The amount of CFCs in the country is difficult to determine, but there is a record of imports of this
substance. For the year 1996 the country imported 497 ton of R12. This amount is a peak, since the
imports were decreasing to approximately 300 ton / year, and during 1996 an import of 110 ton of R12
was approved. Some refrigerant distributors state that there is enough refrigerant CFC to last for 5 years.
Of the total amount of CFC in the country there is no exact data of the percentages used in the
maintenance and service sector. The amounts stated by the people interviewed were 33, 70 and 90%
of the imported refrigerant was used in the servicing of domestic and commercial equipment. On large
cooling chambers and air conditioning systems the refrigerant used is R22 or R502.
b) Is there a UNEP CFC recovery and recycling network functioning in your country?
How does it work?
At the moment of the interviews there was no refrigerant recovery and recycling network in the country,
even though the ozone officer stated that the system is planned to start working in January 1998. In
September 1997 a refrigerant recovery and recycling plan for mobile air conditioning is going to start.
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The Ozone Office in Costa Rica is working on the introduction of recovery and recycling programs
financed by the MP and by the EPA. The first one is a national recovery and recycling network with 6
recycling centers. The second one is focused on the MAC sector. With these two projects they plan to
reduce substantially the amount of CFCs imported in the country.
The main organizations executing Ozone Depletion reduction projects are I.N.A., Swiss Contact - Pro
Eco, A.P.T.A.M.A.I. and CEGESTI. The ozone Office promotes the introduction of other projects
through the international organizations. Some of the bigger private industries have shown their interest
through the promotion of training programs and by working on the conversion of their cooling systems.
On the small and micro enterprises the awareness is growing, shown in the amount of entrepreneurs
attending the training courses and the ones recovering the CFCs.
Even though some workshops are recovering the refrigerant at the moment of the interviews there was
no recycling network in the country, so most of them are not purifying the refrigerant before reusing it
or are just storing the recovered refrigerant until there is a way to recycle or destroy it.
The amount of imported refrigerant had a tendency of reduction taken from the data of the last years. It
changes in 1996, when a high amount of R12 was imported. This formed a peak in the import tendency.
This amount of R12 is expected to last till the year 2002. It is expected that with the recycling and
training programs the reduction in the imports of CFCs is going to continue.

There is no control on the amount of HFC imported, so there is no way of knowing the amount in the
country. It is most of all used in MAC, on servicing of refrigerators designed for this refrigerant, on
refrigerated containers, on production of commercial refrigerators (one manufacturer) and on mobile
refrigeration.
b) What is the amount of HC in your country as a refrigerant?
Only the people trained on HC technologies during the projects with Swiss Contact and with the Dutch
government have had access to imported HC. The total number of entrepreneurs is 43. Each one has 11
kg of HC (Ecool PIB) imported from The Netherlands. Most of the entrepreneurs use the HC on
domestic refrigeration and on small commercial units. There is some research done for MAC and bulk
milk tanks.
c) What is the quality of the non-imported available HC?
The national LPG has a level of humidity, sulfur, other contaminants and it has an unknown mixture of
hydrocarbons. The contaminants might harm the refrigeration unit components.
One interviewee stated that it cannot be used in bulk milk tanks or with Embraco compressors.
Some tests show a 30% rise of efficiency with the use of LPG.
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d) Could the quality of the non-imported available HC be improved? And if so how?

RECOPE should be the one responsible for the purification of the LPG. Due to the high costs involved
and the reduced market for hydrocarbons as refrigerants in the country it is not seen as a viable solution.
Some people stated that if the distributors and RECOPE would join to do this process, HC of refrigerant
quality could be acquired. One stated that there is a biotechnological process to purify the LPG that
might make it less expensive.
e) Is there a product regulation on HC as refrigerants?
There is no national product regulation on HC as refrigerant. Some people work according to the British
Standards. The only regulation in the country regarding HC is on transport, handling and domestic use,
of HC for cooking.
f) Who sets these regulations?
The Congress sets the laws.
g) Who controls these regulations?
The Ministry of Health.
h) What are the imposed safety regulations for the use of HC as refrigerant?
NA
i)
CFC: $ 1.14 - 2.14 / lb
HFC: $ 7.30 / lb
LPG: $ 0.23 / lb
HC (Ecool-PIB): $ 2.83 / lb

a) Do you think it is a viable option to convert larger systems from CFCs to HCs? (starting
at 2kg) If so, what would be the characteristics for the system to do such conversions?
(Leak proof, size, type of compressor, location, adaptations like ventilation, gas/leak
detection)
The people interviewed had the following opinions on the change of refrigerant to HC of systems
designed for R12, which have a charge higher than 2 kg.
It is a viable option if the refrigeration system is an indirect one, with the hydrocarbons away from
the people or the electric connections.
It could be done. There is a need for a good evaluation of the possibility, good safety regulations
and a review of the location of the system. The same regulations applied for the installation of
boilers could be used.
The procedure could be done, if the safety regulations are followed.
It is not recommendable, but there should be some tests done. Something very important is a good
ventilation in the area of the refrigeration equipment.
b) And to HFCs?
The possibility of a change in equipment designed for R12 to R134a brought the following comments:
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This procedure is very difficult due to the changes in the hardware that should be performed.
It could be done changing parts of the equipment.
Due to problems in the capillary and the oil, this change cannot be performed, not even on
small equipment.
It could be done, but the cost is high, due to the price of the refrigerant and of the parts that
have to be changed like the filter dryer, the capillary and the compressor.
(Income, technical training, clients, equipment)
To the question of the benefits that a workshop has from applying hydrocarbons to systems designed for
R12 the benefits found, in case there are any, are the following:
An increase in the number of clients.
A competitive advantage by using a new ecological refrigerant and the benefit of using a
refrigerant substitute, whose price is similar to R12.
The cost of the service of the equipment is lower for the client.
The advantage to have more knowledge of refrigeration technologies than other technicians.
There would be benefits if the price of the refrigerant is similar to the price of the R12.
There would be benefits if there is an awareness by the client, because then they would look
for this kind of technology and the number of these workshops is going to rise.
Increase in income from the recovery of the R12.
There would not be any benefit since the clients are the same and there is no increase in the
income.
To the question of the benefits of retrofitting systems designed for R12 to R134a, the benefits found, if
any, are the following:
There is no economical benefit, since the gas is expensive, it is not viable. The only advantage
is having more knowledge of refrigeration technologies.
The benefit of working with a partial environmental solution (because it still has a GWP), but
this conversion is more expensive than working with natural refrigerants.
There is no benefit since the refrigerant is more expensive and it doesnt work for a long time.

The R134a is only starting to be introduced in the country. It is almost only used for servicing imported
equipment designed for this refrigerant. Some technicians have stated that this type of refrigerant is
harmful, so they dont use it, others show no interest in using this refrigerant because of the difficult
practices involved and the characteristics of the polyol ester oil. The cooling equipment most frequently
serviced with R134a are mobile air conditioning units, mobile refrigeration and refrigerated containers
(in the harbour). Around the harbours the amount of R134a is high due to the large amount of
refrigerated containers. There is one manufacturer distributing commercial equipment designed for
R134a. Some of this is manufactured in Guatemala, other in Costa Rica.
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The amount of imported hydrocarbons used in the country is reduced. Forty three technicians were
trained in the use of hydrocarbon technology during two projects, one by Swiss Contact - Ecozone and
the other executed by Ecozone - Cegesti, with the financial support of the Dutch government. During
the projects the technicians received hydrocarbon refrigerant (Ecool-PIB). This refrigerant has been
generally used in domestic and commercial refrigeration. The dairy industry is working on some tests
to introduce HC in their milk cooling tanks located in the milk farms.
There is no data on the exact concentration of the components in the national LPG produced by
RECOPE. Even though it is known that the quality of the non-imported hydrocarbon is not good for
refrigeration purposes, because it contains sulfur, different contaminants, humidity, and a non exact
mixture of hydrocarbons. This type of refrigerant cannot be used in milk cooling tanks or Embraco
compressors and it might damage the equipment due to its impurities, according to those interviewed.
The I.N.A. did some tests on the use of LPG in domestic refrigeration and they obtained only a 30%
efficiency.
Due to the low market for HC as refrigerants in the country there is no demand for the purification of
LPG to refrigerant levels. Even though most of the people interviewed affirmed that the non-imported
HC could be improved to be used as refrigerant. Some stated that it had to be in combination with the
companies in charge of the distribution of the LPG used for cooking, since these are interested parties.
Others stated that the costs were too high for the amount of gas to be used in refrigeration, so RECOPE,
the national petroleum refinery, was not going to view this procedure as economically viable. The
professor interviewed from the University of Costa Rica introduced the possibility of purification by a
biotechnology process, which seems to be cheaper.
There is no product regulation over the hydrocarbons as refrigerants. People are using them in
refrigeration based on the British Standards. The only regulation related to the hydrocarbons is the
hydrocarbon law which controls the handling and transport of hydrocarbons (cooking gas) for
domestic use. Some technicians have shown their concern about the lack of regulations or standards that
would cover them in case of an accident or problem with the system.
The actual price of the R12 is very low, due to the high amount of this gas in the country. For this reason
the use of CFC alternatives is currently not forced by economic reasons, but by environmental
awareness.
5.3 Social Aspects

There is no study of the exact amount of refrigeration service workshops in the country. Most of these
are small and micro private enterprises.
In the area of Alajuela there are around 30 workshops, in Cartago 22, and in Heredia approximately 10.
This data is taken from the interviews, but there is no official record of these.
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In the country 43 entrepreneurs have access to imported HC.
These workshops use the hydrocarbon refrigerant for different reasons, like:
The refrigerant is cheaper than the R12.
The technician bought the technology package and received the training in safety aspects and
handling of flammable refrigerants.
Environmental awareness, and the fact that this refrigerant is a viable alternative in the
domestic sector.
To improve the workshop.
d) What are their experiences?
Energy efficiency
Safety
Practices
Consumers
Performance
The experience of using this type of refrigerant was:
Regarding the energy efficiency:
Some stated that the energy consumption is similar to using R12 because the compressor is same, others
said that the amperage decreases (data from observations only; no measurements taken).
Regarding safety:
In domestic refrigeration there is no problem due to the amount of gas in the system.
Regarding the practices: the technicians have to be trained because the practices differ in a way from
the ones of using R12, one thing different is that they should install a charge valve in the equipment (they
could skip this with R12), the technicians have to pay more attention to the work, be conscious of not
soldering the equipment, make the refrigerant charge in the liquid phase and identify the retrofitted
equipment. All of this is simple, they just have to learn the details of working with a new refrigerant.
Regarding the clients:
Some dont care while the equipment works well, others are a little scared of the flammability of the gas
but the technicians explain the safety aspects and then they agree, and others act the same as if it was R12.
Regarding the performance:
Some state that it is better, it works faster and the temperatures are lower, others that the thermodynamic
characteristics of the Ecool-PIB are similar to the ones of the R12 so it performs similar to this
refrigerant and others say that it is slower to cool, but works fine. Some people stated the importance of
having the data of laboratory experiences, since there are no results of secondary effects on the
equipment.
e) How many service workshops apply HFC technology?
Very few, most of them are located in the area of the harbours.
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f) What are their experiences with HFC technology?

Most of the people interviewed stated that technicians are not retrofitting equipment to R134a. That they
use it only on equipment designed for this refrigerant that needs to be serviced. Some workshops dont
even have the equipment to work with this refrigerant and dont have the interest to attain it. Some
workshops use it because of the advertising done about this substance with training courses and because
it is an approved substitute of the R12.
g) Why do they apply HFC technology?
Energy efficiency
Safety
Practices
Consumers
Performance
The experience of the use of this type of refrigerant is summarized as follows:
Regarding the energy efficiency:
Some affirm that it is similar to working with R12, others find that it is better because of the redesign of
the equipment and others state that using R134a produces an increase in the energy consumption of the
equipment.
Regarding safety:
The only aspect regarding safety is the corrosive characteristic of the polyol ester (POE) oil, which could
cause skin burns.
Regarding the practices:
The refrigerant substitution is more complicated than working with R12. Due to the characteristics of
the gas the technicians have to be more careful about the gas and there are more details that need
attention. The technicians should change some of their habits, like keeping the tools and hands clean,
so they wont introduce contaminants in the system and they should have more control in the workshop.
There is a need for training in order to use this refrigerant. Since some workshops dont know about the
gas or dont have the equipment some people interviewed affirmed that some technicians take the R134a
out of the system, clean the equipment and charge it with R12. Some technicians dont like this gas
because of the details that have to be followed in order to work with it.
Regarding the customers:
The people interviewed said that the clients see no problem in using this type of gas.
Regarding the performance:
It is similar to the one with R12. It works fine in equipment designed for this type of gas.
h) How are these enterprises organized?
There is no official branch organization for the refrigeration workshops. The only non-official branch
organization is A.P.T.A.M.A.I., which has 35 refrigeration entrepreneurs affiliated.
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a) What type of schooling/training institutions for refrigeration service people are there
in your country? (on the job, vocational, technical training institutes, universities,
specific courses)
There are different training or education institutions in the country. The more formal one is the I.N.A.,
which train refrigeration technicians. There are three technical high schools which also have courses in
refrigeration. The Fundacin Samuel, which works with German funds, is a new institution which trains
refrigeration technicians. There are other groups which give small training courses to the technicians,
like the Ozone Office, Refrigeracin Wimmer Hermanos, A.P.T.A.M.A.I., compressor distributors and
Tecni-Practi, an institute in San Jos. In the education of refrigeration engineers the University of Costa
Rica and the Technological Institute of Costa Rica are the ones working in this area.
3) Awareness and publicity on the use of HC as refrigerant?
a) What organizations and institutions work in the field of consumer awareness regarding
The mentioned organizations are:
CO.G.O., with short television advertisements, school lectures and stickers,
Swiss Contact - Pro-Eco, with training courses,
CEGESTI, through lectures and training courses,
I.N.A., through direct lectures to the consumers and
the technicians, who instruct the clients about these aspects.
b) Is the public/are the consumers aware of the fact that cooling equipment is being
charged with HC?
The technicians have to tell them. All of the clients know that their refrigerator is charged with HC.
The people that have an equipment charged with HC see no problem in this, others dont care as long
as the equipments performance is not altered. Most of them follow the instructions of the technicians.
c) How can consumers and the users of HC charged equipment be informed?
Some ideas were given on how the people should be informed about the retrofit of their refrigerators.
These are detailed as follows:
They should be informed by the technician or the service workshop that the refrigerant is
flammable and about the care they have to take in case of a leak of refrigerant.
An official bulletin with the details of the gas and the safety aspects.
Always install the stickers, which indicate that the equipment is charged with a flammable
refrigerant.
Advertisements in radio and television about the refrigerant and the safety aspects related.
General information about the global environmental problem about the ozone layer, the type
of gas, the tests done and safety aspects through lectures, commercial ads, and through the
communication media.
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There is no exact record of the amount of service and maintenance workshops in the country. One of
the interviewed stated that there should be approximately 2500 refrigeration workshops, including all
areas of work. From the total amount of service and maintenance workshops some of the people stated
that around 90% are micro or small enterprises. Others divided the group as 50% micro, 40% small and
10% medium enterprises. In the group of medium and large enterprises, one stated that, 3 are dedicated
to commercial refrigeration, 10 to air conditioning and 2 to industrial refrigeration.
From the total group of refrigeration workshops, 43 have access to the imported hydrocarbon refrigerant
Ecool-PIB. Three bought a technology package, which included a bottle of refrigerant, in a training
course organized by Swiss Contact and Ecozone. The other forty were part of the Technology Investment
Packages program organized by Ecozone-Cegesti-APTAMAI, financed by the Dutch government.
The workshops in Costa Rica are not organized in a branch organization. Only a small group is part of
A.P.T.A.M.A.I. This organization gathers owners of maintenance workshops from different areas of
work, so since it is not only for refrigeration, some of the interviewed stated that they do not know how
efficient it is for the sector.
The main training facility in Costa Rica for the technician level is I.N.A. This organization trains
refrigeration technicians in a period of two years and gives different courses through the country. They
can reach almost all levels of technicians and consumers. Fundacin Samuel focuses on domestic
refrigeration and MAC technicians, giving a training program of one year. On a higher level the U.C.R.
and the I.T.C.R. prepares mechanical engineers with knowledge on refrigeration.
On consumer awareness about the problem of the depletion of the Ozone Layer and the refrigerant
alternatives, the only organizations working are I.N.A. with lectures in different parts of the country and
the Ozone Office with some television short ads and stickers given to schools. Other people interviewed
stated that there is nobody working with the consumer awareness aspect. Some said that Swiss Contact,
Cegesti and the refrigeration technicians themselves are working with this issue.
On the aspect of the awareness of the client that their equipment is charged or is going to be charged
with hydrocarbons, most said that they have to be told. The reaction of the client to this issue is that:
they have no problem with the charge of the hydrocarbon in their refrigerators, they follow the
instructions of the technicians and others dont care very much about this aspect as long as their
refrigerator works fine.
5.4 Technical aspects

1) Retrofit process
The technicians change the refrigerant in an equipment because of: their environmental awareness, the
training they have received, a reduction in the amount of R12 available and because they have a good
R12 alternative (thermodynamically and economically).
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The procedure to change the refrigerant in a system designed for R12 to HC is described as follows:
recover the R12,
check for leaks (some do it by keeping the system pressurized for 24 h),
installation of a charge valve,
change of filter dryer,
charge of the hydrocarbon refrigerant in the liquid phase (some do it with a scale),
install the sticker stating that the system is charged with flammable refrigerant (some do so
before charging the system) and
evaluation of the performance.
Some of the people interviewed stated that they clean the system with nitrogen and thinner, others that
they change the oil in the compressor. One of the people interviewed was charging the system with the
refrigerant in the gas form, practice that he said was going to change.
The recovered R12 is stored and used sometimes in mobile air conditioning. One of the people
interviewed said that when the equipment comes for service it usually doesnt have any refrigerant. The
domestic refrigerator manufacturer said that they recover the refrigerant, recycle it and sometimes sell
it to a company in the USA for recycling.
d) What are the costs of improper use of HC as a refrigerant to refrigeration equipment?
If the system is not charged correctly the technician might have to do the work again, vacuum the system
and recharge. They have to vacuum the system, because if the charge is too high they cannot just let
some refrigerant out, since the proportions might change and so the performance of the equipment.
Some technicians stated that if the performance is not right they might have to recharge the system with
R12.
e) What is your perception of the adequacy of the HC-technology for Article 5 countries?
To the question of the viability of the use of hydrocarbons in Article 5 countries the answers are
summarized as:
Is a viable option.
Good option since there are no changes needed in the hardware to make the retrofit.
Only if the R12 is less accessible the HC are a good option.
Is a good solution only if there is a good training program.
Is a good solution for the domestic refrigeration area, only if it is joined with a strong training
program, safety regulations and more evaluation of the energy efficiency and the reactions with
the equipment.
It is the only option for these countries.
It is a good option, but it is important to find a way to reduce shipping costs by finding a
supplier of the refrigerant closer to the country.
2) Safety
country?
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Regarding the level of education of the service technicians, there is no official study in the area, but some
of the people interviewed divided the group in education percentages as follows,
Graduated from a training institute
25%
50%
40%
Medium level of education
50%
50%
60%
Empirical
25%
Others said that most of the young technicians are graduated from a training institute and most of the
old technicians are empirical. Some said that the ones that own a workshop in general are graduated
from a training institute. One said that the education level of the service technicians is very low and that
they dont go to the organized courses. Most of the people interviewed affirmed the need to introduce a
regulation to control that only the trained technicians use refrigerants.
b) Can transport and stock of hydrocarbons pose any safety risks to anybody?
Transport and storage of refrigerant is not seen as a risk since these practices are normal in the country
for LPG as cooking gas. Theres a law regulating these aspects and it is well controlled. The technicians
and workshops should be trained about the safety aspects to be followed for the storage and transport
of flammable refrigerants.
c)
service, consumer)
There is no report of accidents related with the use of hydrocarbons as refrigerants.
3) Quality of refrigeration equipment
a) How is the performance of the refrigeration equipment before and after retrofitting?
Energy consumption
Components
Oil
Some of the interviewed stated that the energy consumption is similar to the one of the equipment
charged with R12. Others stated that the equipment are more energy efficient, and the rest that the
equipment consumes more electricity.
On components, most of the people see no problem with HC on equipment designed for R12. Even
though some stated that the compressors work longer periods, others said that the compressors work on
a lower temperature.
The oil works perfect with this type of refrigerant.
b) Are there any changes in the lifetime of HC charged refrigerators compared to nonretrofitted equipment?
Regarding the change in the lifetime of the equipment due to the change of refrigerant the answers vary.
Some of the answers as shown in the following section.
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It could not be told yet, since the changes are very recent
Is reduced because the compressor is heated by the use of HC due to the rise of the pressure in
the high section.
Is reduced because of a knocking noice in the compressor when using HC.
If it is done with the correct charge and blend the lifetime doesnt change.
c) Is the energy consumption of a refrigerator an issue in your country?

On the issue of the importance of the discussion of the energy consumption of the domestic refrigerators
in the country, the answers vary, some stated that it is discussed all the time, others that actually it is not
an issue, people are not curious and some stated that it is important only when buying new equipment.

The technicians perform the retrofit of equipment because of their environmental awareness. They have
almost no economical motivation since the R12 is very cheap compared to the options. They have been
trained on the process of retrofitting equipment to HC, including the part of recovery of CFCs.
The recovered CFC is stored or reused, but many technicians state that there is no real option of disposal
or recycling of the refrigerant at this moment in the country. This has the consequence of some
technicians venting the CFCs into the atmosphere.
There is no quantitative conclusion on the real performance of the HC refrigerant because the
technicians have stated different observations on the aspects of compressor performance, temperature
drop, and energy efficiency.
Most of the people interviewed see the HC refrigerants as a viable option in Article 5 countries, even
though some are interested in the reduction of shipping costs and others are interested in more tests on
the performance of the refrigerant on old equipment designed for R12.
There was no exact answer to the question of the change of the lifetime of the equipment since the
retrofitting to this gas has been done maximum 1 year ago, so there was not enough data on this. Most
of the interviewed stated the need to test this a little further.

There are no regulations in the country that control the use of refrigerants or the refrigerant technologies.
Some aspects that are regulated is the fact that when a new large installation is built the blueprints have
to be checked and signed by a mechanical engineer as well, the industrial safety aspects of handling and
transport of flammable gases, and the import of CFCs (which is done by the Ozone Office.
The people interviewed pointed out the importance of including regulations and laws that would control
the refrigeration practices, also another regulation about the use of HC, the amounts permitted according
to the application.
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When there is a question of liability the people which should be responsible are the technician or
workshop that gave the service and have received the necessary training. If the actions of the user
provoke the accident and he has been instructed by the technician about the safety aspects to be
followed, he should be responsible for the accident.
c) Is there an organization who deals with these issues?
It is not usual in Costa Rica to sue a refrigeration technician because of a job not done correctly, so the
answers about which institution should deal with this issue are very different. Some said that it should
be dealt with by the Consumer Protection Office inside the Ministry of Economy, by the Ministry of
Health or by the National Insurance Institute. Others said that it should be dealt with in Court, and other
in the Defensora de los Habitantes. One of the persons interviewed gave the idea of organizing the
technicians in a branch organization and that this institution would be the one to deal with these
demands.

Since there is no regulation on refrigeration practices, sometimes the technician cannot be found legally
responsible for the refrigerant they apply. Even though if there is a problem they would suffer the loss
of clients, and they are aware of this. The technicians are asking for a law or regulation that would cover
them in case of an accident or a problem in the performance of the equipment. Also to cover them in
case another technician does not perform their work according to the good practices taught in the
training courses.
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The information in the above chapters was gathered through a series of interviews of the people more
closely related to the hydrocarbon technologies. The group was selected because of their knowledge
about the introduction of these technologies and their experience using hydrocarbons in the service
sector. The information obtained is a reflection of the respondents point of view. Thus the information
gathered gives a broad perspective of the situation of the country regarding the introduction of these
technologies.
From the information gathered in the interviews it shows the need to have more practical experience and
tests on the performance of the hydrocarbon refrigerant as a substitute of the R12 in the service sector.
Most of all regarding the temperature pull down and the compressor performance. Some of the
interviewed showed their interest in the change of lifetime in the converted equipment, since there is no
data on this.
It is also important to have the exact thermodynamic data of the hydrocarbon refrigerant the technicians
are going to use. Some of the applications demand theoretical calculations. Also with this data the
person applying the refrigerant or even selling it can compare and decide which is the better option for
a specific application.
For the introduction of the technology of flammable refrigerants the training programs have to be
completely related to the distribution of the gas. This means that no technician without the specific
knowledge on the handling of flammable refrigerants should be able to buy it. A licencing program
should be installed to give credit to trained technicians.
On the level of regulations the government should introduce parallel to a technician licencing program
the procedures and regulations regarding hydrocarbon technology in the refrigeration sector. This would
also contribute to the responsibility assignment in case of an accident or a mal-practice.
In order to cover the use of flammable refrigerants, licenced technicians should be gathered in a branch
organization. This way not only the follow up training easily reaches the technicians but also there
would be an informal control on the way the flammable refrigerants are used. On the level of consumer
awareness, this should be increased not only on Ozone Depletion aspects, but also on the alternatives to
CFCs in the market.
The price of the R12 in Costa Rica makes it difficult to introduce alternatives to this refrigerant at
present. However if the shipping prices of the imported hydrocarbon are reduced or if the local refinery
gets to produce a mixture of hydrocarbons with the required level of purity to be used as refrigerant,
then the hydrocarbons would easily compete in the market with the R12, with the benefit of not being
an ODS.
The use of R134a as an alternative to R12 is not seen as a solution for the service sector. The reason for
this is the difficulty of the practices and the hygroscopic characteristics of the oil used. Also the
entrepreneurs would have to acquire new equipment compatible with the refrigerant and change
hardware in the serviced equipment, which forms an economical barrier for the use of this gas.
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ANNEXES
Annex A List of Abbreviations
A.P.T.A.M.A.I.
Asociacin de Propietarios de Talleres de Mantenimiento Industrial

Association of Owners of Industrial Maintenance Workshops
CFC
Chloro fluoro carbon
CO.G.O.
Comisin Gubernamental del Ozono

National Ozone Office
CP
Country Program
EPA
Environmental Protection Agency, U.S.A.
GWP
Global Warming Potential
HC
Hydrocarbons
HCFC
Hydro chloro fluoro carbon
HFC
Hydro fluoro carbon
I.N.A.
Instituto Nacional de Aprendizaje

National Training Institute
IPCC
International Panelon Climate Control
I.T.C.R.
Instituto Tecnolgico de Costa Rica

Costa Rican Technological Institute
LPG
Liquid Petroleum Gas
MAC
Mobile Air Conditioning
MINAE
Ministerio de Ambiente y Energa

Ministry of Environment and Energy
MP
Montreal Protocol
ODP
Ozone Depletion Potential
ODS
Ozone Depletion Substance
RECOPE
Refinera Costarricense de Petrleo

Costa Rican Petroleum Refinery
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Date
Name
Address
Contact person
Respondents
Field of Business
July 8
Comisin Gubernamental del Ozono, COGO
Ministry of Environment and Energy
San Jos
lvaro Brenes, MSc., Ozone Officer
lvaro Brenes, MSc., Ozone Officer
National Ozone Office
Date
Name
Address
Contact person
Respondents
Field of business
July 11
Swiss Contact
Paseo Coln, San Jos
Rodolfo Elizondo, Eng., Environmental Office
Rodolfo Elizondo, Eng., Environmental Office
Donor Agency
Date
Name
Address
Contact person
Respondents
Field of business
July 11
Atlas Elctrica, S.A.
Heredia
Eduardo Scorza, Eng., Technical Manager
Eduardo Scorza, Eng., Technical Manager
Sebastin Montero, Eng., Technical Department
Domestic Refrigerator Manufacturer
Date
Name
Address
Contact person
Respondents
Field of business
July 11
Refrigeracin Igl
Alajuela
Eliel Campos, Refrigeration Technician, owner
Eliel Campos, Refrigeration Technician, owner
Equipment Distributor
Date
Name
July 14
University of Costa Rica
Mechanical Engineering Department
Ciudad Universitaria Rodrigo Facio
Mark Bloomfield, Eng., Refrigeration Professor
Mark Bloomfield, Eng., Refrigeration Professor
University
Address
Contact person
Respondents
Field of business
Date
Name
Address
Contact person
Respondents
Field of business
188
July 14
Refrigeracin Hermanos Morales
Cartago
Geovanny Morales,
Refrigeration Technician, workshop owner
Geovanny Morales,
Service and maintenance refrigeration workshop
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Date
Name
Address
Contact person
Field of business
July 14
Refrigeracin Rojas
Cartago
William Rojas,
William Rojas,
Date
Name
Address
Contact person
Respondents
Field of business
July 16
Fundacin Samuel, German funds
La Uruca, San Jos
Oscar Navarro, Refrigeration Technician, instructor
Oscar Navarro, Refrigeration Technician, instructor
Instruction Institute
Date
Name
Address
Contact person
July 21
Multiservicios 911
San Antonio
William Rojas,
William Rojas,
Respondents
Respondents
Field of business
Date
Name
Address
Contact person
Respondents
Field of business
Date
Name
Address
Contact person
July 21
Cooperativa de Productores de Leche, Dos Pinos
Francisco Peralta, San Jos
Rafael Salas, Eng.,
Chief of Milking Equipment Department
Rafael Salas, Eng.,
Chief of Milking Equipment Department
Dairy Industry
Field of business
July 22
National Training Institute. I.N.A.
La Uruca, San Jos
Ronald Cerdas,
Refrigeration Department, Instructor
Ronald Cerdas,
Refrigeration Department, Instructor
Training Institute
Date
Name
Address
Contact person
Respondents
Field of business
August 11
A.P.T.A.M.A.I. (association of owners of industrial maintenance workshops)
Paseo Coln, San Jos
Elicer Quesada, Director
Elicer Quesada, Director
Branch Organization
Respondents
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a
b
What organisations, institutions and other groups work in the field of protection
of the ozone layer?
What are their relations?And how are they financed?
Phase out of CFCs
What is the amount of CFCs in your country? And How much CFC is used in the
service sector?
Is there a UNEP CFC recovery and recycling network functioning in your country?
How does it work?
ECONOMIC ASPECTS
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
i

What is the amount of HC in your country as a refrigerant?
Could the quality of the non-imported available HC be imported? And if so how?
Do you think it is a viable option to convert larger systems from CFCs to HCs?
(starting at 2kg) If so, what would be the characteristics for the system to do such
conversions? (Leak proof, size, type of compressor, location, adaptations like ventilation,
gas/leak detection)
And to HFCs?
What would be the implications for the workshops if they shift from CFCs to HCs?
(Income, technical training, clients, equipment)
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SOCIAL ASPECTS
a
b
c
d

Energy efficiency
Safety
Practices
Consumers
Performance
How many service workshops apply HFC technology?
What are their experiences with HFC technology?
Energy efficiency
Safety
Practices
Consumers
Performance
How are these enterprises organized?
What type of schooling/training institutions for refrigeration service people are there in
your country? (on the job, vocational, technical training institutes, universities,
specific courses)
Awareness and publicity on the use of HC as refrigerant?
What organizations and institutions work in the field of consumer awareness regarding
Is the public/are the consumers aware of the fact that cooling equipment is being
charged with HC?
e
f
g
b
c
d
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TECHNICAL ASPECTS
Retrofit process
a
b
c
d
e

Safety
country?
Can transport and stock of hydrocarbons pose any safety risks to anybody?
service, consumer)
b
c
How is the performance of the refrigeration equipment before and after retrofitting?
Energy consumption
Components
Oil
a
b
c

Is there an organization who deals with these issues?
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Annex D Questionnaire in Spanish
ASPECTOS AMBIENTALES
Proteccin de la capa de ozono
a
b
c
Cules organizaciones, instituciones o grupos, trabajan en el campo de la proteccin de

la capa de ozono?
Cul es la relacin entre stas?
Cmo se financian?
Eliminacin de los CFCs
a
b
c
d
Cul es la cantidad de CFC en su pas?

Cuntos CFC son utilizados en el sector de servicio?
Domestico y comercial
Grande (cuartos fros y sistemas de aire acondicionado split)
Est funcionando en su pas una red de recuperacin y reciclaje de PNUD?
Cmo funciona?
ASPECTOS ECONOMICOS
Hidrocarburos como refrigerantes
Cunto HFC es utilizado en su pas?

Cunto HC es utilizado en su pas?
Cul es la calidad del HC no importado disponible?
(pureza, mexcla de HCs, contaminacin, agua)
Puede mejorar la calidad del HC no importado disponible?
De ser as, cmo?
Existe alguna regulacin de producto sobre los HC como refrigerantes?
Quin pone estas regulaciones?
Quin ejecuta el control?
Cul es el costo de los HC, el LPG y los HFC en comparacin con los CFCs por unidad?
CFC
HFC
LPG
HC
c
d
e
f
g
h
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Conversin de sistemas de mayor escala
Cree usted que es una opcin viable el convertir sistemas de mayor escala de CFCs a
HCs? (a partir de 2 kg)
Y a HFCs?
Cules seran las caractersticas de un sistema para realizar tales conversiones?
(pruebas de fuga, tamao, tipo de compresor, ubicacin, adaptaciones como ventilacin,
deteccin de fugas/gas) A HCs
A HFCs
Generacin de ingresos/empleo
a
b
Cules seran las implicaciones para los talleres si estos cambiaran de CFCs a HCs?
(ingresos, entrenamiento tcnico, clientes, equipo)
Y un cambio de CFCs a HFCs?
ASPECTOS SOCIALES
Asistencia a pequeos talleres
Cuntos talleres en refrigeracin trabajan en el rea de servicio?

Nmero de empleados
Micro empresas
<10
Pequea empresa
<20
Mediana empresa
<100
Gran empresa
>101
Cuntos talleres de servicio aplican la tecnologa de los hidrocarburos?
Micro empresas
Pequea empresa
Mediana empresa
Gran empresa
Por qu aplican HC?
Cul ha sido su experiencia?
Eficiencia energtica
Seguridad
Prcticas
Clientes
Desempeo
Y HFCs?
Micro empresas
Pequea empresa
Mediana empresa
Gran empresa
Por qu aplican HFC?
b
c
c
d
f
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Seguridad
Prcticas
Clientes
Desempeo
Cmo estn organizadas estas empresas?
Entrenamiento y educacin
Qu tipo de instituciones de educacin/entrenamiento existen en su pas para el personal

de servicio? (en el trabajo, vocacionales, institutos tcnicos, universidades, cursos
especficos)
Concientizacin y publicidad en el uso de los HC como refrigerantes
Qu organizaciones e instituciones trabajan en el campo de la concientizacin del

consumidor con respecto a aspectos ambientales del ozono y alternativas a las sustancias
que desgastan la capa de ozono?
Est el pblico/los consumidores concientes del hecho de que su equipo de refrigeracin
se est cargando (est cargado) con HCs?
Cul es su reaccin?
Cmo pueden ser informadas las personas que utilizan equipo de refrigeracin cargado
con HCs?
b
c
d
ASPECTOS TECNICOS
Proceso de cambio de refrigerante
a
b
c
d
Por qu cree usted que los tcnicos cambian el tipo de refrigerante en un equipo?
Cmo se efecta este tipo de cambio? (herramientas, consideraciones tcnicas)
Qu sucede con el CFC que estaba dentro del equipo?
Cules son los costos del uso inapropiado del HC como refrigerante en un equipo?
(uso de electricidad, reparaciones futuras, costos para el consumidor)
Cules son las experiencias del personal de servicio que ha realizado el cambio de
refrigerante? (cilindros, presin, clientes, medida de la carga)
Cul es su percepcin de la viabilidad del uso de la tecnologa de hidrocarburos en los
pases del Artculo 5?
e
f
Seguridad
Cul es el nivel de educacin de los tcnicos de servicio de equipos de refrigeracin en su

pas?
Puede el transporte y almacenaje de HC presentar algn riesgo para las personas?
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Existe algn reporte de accidentes relacionados con el uso de HC como refrigerantes?

(talleres, servicio, consumidor)
Calidad del equipo de refrigeracin
Cmo es el desempeo del equipo de refrigeracin antes y despus del cambio de

refrigerante?
Consumo energtico
Componentes
Aceite
Existe algn cambio en la vida til del los equipos cargados con HCs comparado con los
equipos a los que no se les ha cambiado el refrigerante?
Existe algn cambio en la eficiencia energtica de los equipos cargados con HCs
comparado con los equipos a los que no se les ha cambiado el refrigerante?
Es el consumo energtico de un refrigerador un aspecto discutido en su pas?
ASPECTOS REGULATORIOS Y DE RESPONSABILIDAD
Cules son las leyes y regulaciones en su pas con respecto a la tecnologa de

refrigeracin?
Cundo hay un accidente quin es el responsable?
Cul es la organizacin que trata estos asuntos?
b
c
b
c
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Annex E Reports of Interviews in Costa Rica

Name:
Category:
Address:
Tel:
Alvaro Brenes, National Ozone Office (CO.G.O.)

Ozone Office
Next to the National Meteorological Institute, San Jos.
223 8467
# CR-1
A. ENVIRONMENTAL ASPECTS
The organizations working in Costa Rica in the field of Ozone Layer Protection are:
1. Swiss Contact/Pro-Eco.
General demonstration programs on recovery and recycling of CFCs and the introduction of
hydrocarbons (HC).
Financed by the Swiss government.
2. Taller de Refrigeracin Igl.
Manufacturer of CFC recovery machine for the service sector of domestic and small commercial
equipment.
Private organization.
3. A.P.T.A.M.A.I.
Training to refrigeration entrepreneurs.
Non governmental branch organization.
4. CEGESTI
Promotion and training on recovery and recycling of ozone depleting substances to refrigeration
entrepreneurs. Promotion of the use of HC technology.
Private consultant organization on Technology Management. Non-profit foundation.
5. Cientec
Proposal for the work on HC technologies.
Non governmental organization.
6. Sipcom Green
Production of videos about Ozone Layer depleting substances.
Financed by the National Ozone Office.
All this organizations coordinate their work with the Ozone Office.
Costa Rica imported 497 ton of CFCs in the year 1996. This amount is a peak in the trend of the imports
in recent years, which shows a reduction in the quantity of CFCs used. The amount of CFCs imported
in the year 1995 was around 300 ton.
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There is no exact data of the amount used only on the service sector. From the total amount of CFCs
used in country 80% goes to the domestic sector and 20% goes to the commercial sector, including the
production on new refrigeration units. Big refrigeration systems, like cooling chambers and split air
conditioning units, generally work with HCFCs.
Actually there is no recovery and recycling network working in the country. A recovery and recharge
system for mobile air conditioning units is expected to start working in September 1997 and a global
network for the service sector to start working in January 1998.
B. ECONOMIC ASPECTS
There is no data on the amount of HFC or HCs used in the country.
The Ozone Office has no data on the quality of the non-imported HC available in Costa Rica. The
quality of this substance cant be purified in the country. The national petroleum refinery (RECOPE)
doesnt have the infrastructure to purify this hydrocarbons.
There is a law approved by the Congress to control the handling, transport, storage and domestic use
(cooking) of hydrocarbons. This control is executed by the Ministry of Health.
The price for the R-134a is 2.4 times the price for the CFC-12. The Ozone Office has no data on the
prices for LPG or for hydrocarbons as refrigerants.
It is possible to convert larger systems (refrigerant charge higher than 2 kg) to HC if it is done as an
indirect cooling system, having the flammable refrigerant on a safe place. If the refrigerant charge is too
high it would be impossible to make the change, since the compressor would have to be very big to
comply with the refrigeration needs. It is not viable to convert larger systems to HFCs due to the changes
that have to be done in the hardware, like compressor, oil and capillar tube.
The conversion of equipment to hydrocarbons in the workshops would increase the income for the
entrepreneurs, since they would be recovering the CFCs and using other refrigerant (HC) with a lower
price. The conversion to HFCs is not going to be beneficial to the refrigeration entrepreneurs since this
gas has a higher price and it is corrosive, so the lifetime of the equipment is going to be reduced.
C. SOCIAL ASPECTS
In the refrigeration service sector the workshops are distributed in the following way:
Micro-enterprises (<10 employees): 50%
Small enterprises (11 - 20 employees): 40%
Medium enterprises (21 - 100 employees): 10%
Large enterprises (>101 employees): 0%
From these 40 micro-enterprises work actually with hydrocarbons. These workshops apply HC because
they have been trained in the handling and advantages of this practice in the project executed by
Ecozone and Cegesti in the year 1996.
The experience of the workshops from the use of this new refrigerant is detailed as follows:
Safety: There is no problem with this aspect since the amount of HCs used in the equipment is very
low.
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Practices: The personnel has to be trained in the handling of flammable refrigerants. Without this
training the technicians should not use this refrigerant.
Consumers: The consumers have no problem in the introduction of HC in their refrigeration
systems, they care about the performance of the equipment.
Performance: The performance is better, the time to reach the desired temperature is lower and the
temperatures the system reach are lower.
Regarding the use of HFCs, only from 8 to 10 workshops deal with HFCs in mobile air conditioning
and in refrigeration. This refrigerant is applied because the system already works with this substance.
Technicians dont convert systems from CFCs to HFC.
The experience of the workshops from the use of HFCs is detailed as follows:
Safety: There is no problem.
Practices: The technicians need to be trained in order to use this refrigerant.
Consumers: They like the refrigerant.
The workshops nationally are not organized, they work independently.
The institutions that work on education/training in the country are: The National Training Institute
(I.N.A.), 5 technical high schools and the University of Costa Rica (U.C.R.).
Actually there are no institutions working on the consumer awareness of global environmental issues
like the ozone layer and alternatives to substances that deplete the ozone layer. The Ozone Office works
on a project for television short adds on ozone layer aspects and distributes stickers and cassettes dealing
with this issues in schools.
Mr. Brenes pointed out the importance of telling the consumer that their equipment is going to be
charged with HC and the safety aspects that have to be followed. After this communication no consumer
has a problem with this change. The technician has to be the one to inform the consumer.
D. TECHNICAL ASPECTS
The technicians retrofit a system because they have been motivated to do so by environmental training
and economical aspects, the price of the refrigerant is lower. The retrofit is done with manometers and
a recovery machine. The CFC extracted from the equipment is stored in gas cylinders. If the conversion
is performed an improper manner the system is not going to work efficiently, it can be deteriorated. Mr.
Brenes is not aware of the experiences of the personnel that has performed a retrofit procedure.
Mr. Brenes stated that the only option for Article 5 countries is the hydrocarbon technology in order to
comply with the Montreal Protocol.
The education level of the technicians in the refrigeration sector is low (empirical) in 50% of the microworkshops and in the small workshops the technicians have received a good training.
Since the transport and storage of hydrocarbons is already regulated, Mr. Brenes sees no risk in this.
There has been no report on accidents related to the use of HCs, only one related to transport.
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Mr. Brenes is not aware of the performance of the equipment before and after the retrofit regarding,
energy consumption and efficiency, components or oil and the change in the equipments lifetime.
In Costa Rica the energy consumption of the refrigerators is not an issue of discussion.
E. REGULATORY AND LIABILITY ASPECTS
Actually there are no laws regarding refrigeration technology in Costa Rica.
If there is a liability problem the Consumer Protection Service deals with this aspect and the
organization that would handle demands is the Defensora de los Habitantes.
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Name:
Category:
Address:
Tel:
Rodolfo Elizondo, Swiss Contact

Donor Organization
Paseo Coln, de la Toyota 200 norte, 100 este.
223 8467
# CR-2
The organizations working on Ozone Layer protection are: Swiss Contact, Cegesti and CO.G.O.
(National Ozone Office). Generally these organizations work independently. Swiss Contact is financed
by their own projects.
The CFC consumption in Costa Rica is around the 400 ton per year. From this, approximately 40% is
used in the service sector. Even though there is no exact data on the amount used in this sector. The
amount of HFCs in the country is very low. Only from imported equipment and a manufacturer, which
produces HFC small commercial equipment. The amount of imported HC is also very reduced. The
people who has this kind of gas are the ones who have been involved in Swiss Contacts hydrocarbon
workshops and the Dutch government Technology Investment Packages. So far there are 43
entrepreneurs which have imported HCs and have been trained in the handling of this substance. Most
of this people work with domestic and small commercial equipment.
There is no recovery and recycling network working in the country at the moment of the interview.
Some work has been done on the development of such a system.
B. ECONOMIC ASPECTS
The non-imported HC contains sulfur and other contaminants. There are experiences that demonstrate
that this substance works as a refrigerant but there is no study of the consequences to the equipment due
to the amount of contaminants in the gas. There are no product regulations on the HCs for refrigeration
in the country. The level of purification could be determined by international regulations.
The non-imported HCs are produced by RECOPE, the National Petroleum Refinery. This company
could purify the gas to the level required for refrigeration purposes, but it would have to be done jointly
with the suppliers of gas to reduce the cost of such an installation.
The prices of the refrigerants used in the country are approximately:
CFC 12, $ 1.3 / lb.
HFC 134a, $ 3.5 / lb.
HC (Ecool-PIB), $ 2.8 / lb.
Equipment with a refrigerant charge higher that 2 kg could be converted to HC with a good evaluation
of performance and regarding all levels of safety. This kind of conversion on domestic refrigeration
equipment could bring benefits to the entrepreneur if there is a good consumer awareness of the kind of
refrigerant used and the safety requirements. This conversion has to be closely related to the training of
the technicians on the handling of hydrocarbons.
Regarding the same conversion to R 134a, Mr. Elizondo thinks it could be possible if the required
hardware changes are done. The conversion of domestic equipment could be a marketing tool for the
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entrepreneurs. It would be a partial environmental advance since this gas has a global warming potential.
This conversion is more expensive than the normal workshop practices with R
12, even more than the practices with HC, this aspect could be an obstacle for this kind of technology.
C. SOCIAL ASPECTS
The total amount of refrigeration workshops has not been determined, but Mr. Elizondo states that
approximately 90% of these enterprises work on the service and maintenance sector. A reduce amount
of technicians (43) has the HC refrigerant, and might be working with it. There is no control on exactly
which workshops are working with this gas. The people working with HC are doing so because of the
training they have received, their environmental awareness and the viability of this CFC alternative.
The experience of the use of HC regarding safety is very good, there has been no trouble with the gas.
Regarding the practices of using HC, the experience shows that this gas is not difficult to use, it is very
similar to the use of CFC, the only aspect to be taken into acount is that the technician has to be careful,
be aware of the safety aspects and the way to handle the refrigerant. The performance of the HC
refrigerant has been good, even though there has been no knowledge of secondary effects or laboratory
experiments on this kind of conversion.
The consumers/users of the converted equipment are told about the safety aspects regarding the use of
hydrocarbons by the technician. They pay attention to the instructions of this person. The Ozone Office
works at a certain level on consumer awareness. There should be an introduction of newsletters or
pamphlets with more details, produced by the official institutions on these aspects.
The refrigeration workshops in Costa Rica, generally are not organized. There is a group organized
inside the Association of industrial maintenance workshop owners (A.P.T.A.M.A.I.). Mr. Elizondo is
not aware of the way this organization works, but since this organization is not only for the refrigeration
sector, it does not work specifically for this area.
Regarding the training and education institutes in Costa Rica, Mr. Elizondo has knowledge of the I.N.A.
(National Training Institute) and other technical high schools.
The technicians are converting equipment to hydrocarbons because of their environmental awareness.
The procedure they use is to recover the CFC of the equipment, to make the necessary repairs, check
for leaks, introduce the hydrocarbons and evaluate the performance of the equipment. The recovered
CFC most of the times is stored or reused in mobile air conditioning. If they charge the system
improperly, the performance is not going to be good, so they would have to recharge the system with
hydrocarbons or with CFC-12 again.
This technology could be a viable solution for Article 5 countries on a domestic level, if it is highly
related to a strong training program on safety and handling procedures, a study of its energy efficiency
and the reactions it produces on the equipment.
The actual level of the service technicians varies. Among the older technicians there is a lot of empirical
people and among the young ones the education level is higher, more are graduated from technical high
schools or training institutes.
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The transport and storage of hydrocarbons could be a risk for the people, it would have to be controlled.
The energy consumption of the refrigerators in the country is actually an issue, most of all when buying
a new one.
The only regulations regarding refrigeration technology in Costa Rica are the ones included in the
Montreal Protocol.
When there is a liability question the first thing would be to find out who is responsible. The technician
should be the one since he made the conversion and he has been trained to do so. The organization of
refrigeration technicians and entrepreneurs should be the one to handle these issues.
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Name:
Category:
Address:
Tel:
Eduardo Scorza, Sebastin Montero, Atlas Elctrica, S.A.

Refrigerator manufacturer
Heredia
2603737
# CR-3
The organizations working on the Ozone Layer protection in Costa Rica are: the Ozone Office
(CO.G.O.), Cegesti and The United Nations office. Between Cegesti and CO.G.O., there is some
relation from joint projects, like the development of a National CFC Recovery and Recycling Network.
The network approved by the Montreal Protocol is in process of implementation.
B. ECONOMIC ASPECTS
Costa Rica has non-imported HC (LPG) refined by the Costa Rican Petroleum Refinery (RECOPE).
This substance has a mixture of different contaminants like, sulfur, water, and the proportion of different
hydrocarbons is not exact. This substance could be refined to a level accepted for refrigeration with a
refinery plant. In Costa Rica there is no regulation on the concentration or purity of the HCs for
refrigeration.
The prices of the refrigerants are actually varying. The relation between the prices for R12 and for
R134a varies daily. The price for the R134a is approximately 25% higher than the price for R12. The
price for the imported hydrocarbons is approximately 50% the price for R12.
The conversion to equipment with a charge higher than 2 kg from R12 to HC can be done but with a
high level of safety measures, since with this high charge the possibility of an explosion is higher. It also
depends on the location of the equipment. The same measures applied with boilers could be applied to
refrigeration systems with a HC charge higher than 2 kg. A workshop that could make the conversion
of domestic and commercial equipment to HC would benefit with a higher amount of clients and a lower
cost of refrigerant. It is very important to include a high level of training to this workshops on safety and
handling of flammable refrigerants.
The experience of the tests done with HC blends (50/50 propane/isobutane) on domestic refrigerator
have presented the following conclusions:
The energy consumption is similar to the one with R12 since the compressor is the same.
The safety measures that have to be followed are very simple. One aspect that have to be covered
is the installation of permanent charge valves.
The procedure of charging the hydrocarbons does not vary very much. The difference is that the
charge has to be in liquid phase and that it cannot be soldered if the system has refrigerant.
The performance of the equipment is similar to the one of R12 since the thermodynamic
characteristics are very similar.
Systems designed for R12 cannot be converted to R134a because the of the presence of substances that
could cause a problems with the refrigerant, like chlorine. This substance could produce a mal- function
with the capillar and the oil present in the system.
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The experience of the tests done with systems charged with R134a have presented the following
conclusions:
The energy consumption is better due to the redesign of the refrigeration system.
Regarding the safety of the system, the technicians have to be careful with the oil since it is
corrosive and could cause skin burns.
Some practices have to change, like keeping the tools and hands clean during the repair of a system,
so no contaminants are introduced. The tools should be cleaned with an oil that is compatible with
the refrigerant. There should be more control in the workshop.
For the clients it is no problem in the use of R 134a in their refrigerators.
The performance is very similar to the performance in systems with R12
C. SOCIAL ASPECTS
Some of the service workshops are organized in APTAMAI, the association of owners of industrial
maintenance workshops.
The training or education of the service technicians in Costa Rica is executed by I.N.A., National
training institute, and technical high schools. Some of the equipment distributors give different specific
courses, specially the compressors manufacturers. All the training of technicians should be supervized,
evaluated and certified under laws and regulations by an official organism who supports and controls
the suitable knowledge about the HC and non CFC alternatives.
Consumer awareness projects are executed by Swiss Contact and CO.G.O., regarding the depletion of
the Ozone Layer. The consumers should be informed by the service technician who is going to make a
conversion about the safety measures and the type of refrigerant they are applying. They should also
apply a sticker which would identify the type of refrigerant in the system.
The procedure to convert a system to HC is the following: recover the refrigerant (CFC) in the system,
vacuum the system, make the repairs and install the charge valve, change the drying filter, check for
leaks and charge the system with HC in liquid phase. If no leaks are detected, be sure to tight safely the
valve plugs. If the system is charged correctly the lifetime of the equipment is not affected. A high
amount of propane in the system could produce a problem with the compressor. The CFC recovered
from the system is accumulated. The future options with this refrigerant would be to sell it, recycle or
incinerate it.
The use of hydrocarbons as refrigerant in Article 5 countries would be a real option from the
environmental point of view. Safety aspects should be covered with training and control. So far in the
use of hydrocarbons there has been no reported accidents.
The education level of the service technicians varies from graduated technicians of training institutes to
empirical technicians which have learned the practices in a workshop.
The transport and storage of hydrocarbons, even though represents a risk, could be controlled, like the
actual transport and storage of LPG.
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The energy consumption of the domestic refrigerators is not actually an issue in Costa Rica, even though
a law regulating the energy consumption of new systems has been introduced.
There are no regulations covering refrigeration practices in the country. The control effectuated at the
moment is of the import of CFC, which is done by the National Ozone Office.
If there is a liability question the technician should be the responsible since he is the one who
manipulated the system. The organization which deals with these issues is the Defensora de los
Habitantes.
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Name:
Category:
Address:
Tel:
Eliel Campos, Refrigeracin Igl

Equipment distributor, refrigeration technician
Alajuela
4419457
# CR-4
The organizations working on ozone protection projects are CO.G.O., APTAMAI (financed in part by
Swiss Contact and in part by the associates), Cegesti, Swiss Contact and the United Nations office.
Almost none of these organizations have a close relation with CO.G.O., but they join to work on some
projects.
Refrigeracin Igl sells every month approximately 2000 lb. of CFC 12 mainly to service and
maintenance workshops. The amount of R 134a sold in Refrigeracin Igl is very low, 30 lb./year.
Almost all of it is used in mobile air conditioning. This company also distributes imported HC (EcoolPIB) to trained technicians. He has sold 44 kg in the past 4 months.
B. ECONOMIC ASPECTS
The quality of the non-imported HC (LPG) is not good for refrigeration purposes, mainly due to the
presence of contaminants like, humidity and sulfur. Mr. Campos has made conversions from R12 to
LPG and the results have been good. The quality of this gas can be improved by purification.
The prices of the different refrigerants available in the country are:
R12, $1.14 - $1.86 / lb.
R134a, $7.29 / lb.
LPG, $0.22 / lb.
HC, $2.84 / lb.
Mr. Campos considers that the conversion of equipment with a charge higher than 2 kg is possible. The
same conversion to R 134a could also be done but would be expensive, since it requires a change in the
drying filter, the capillar, the compressor, the oil and the gas.
The conversion to HC or HFC of equipment designed for R12 would not bring benefits to the workshops
due to the low cost of the R12 compared with the price of the other refrigerants.
C. SOCIAL ASPECTS
Alajuela counts with approximately 30 service workshops, from these 10 work with hydrocarbons.
These workshops apply this type of refrigerant due to their environmental awareness and the price of
the R12.
The experiences of these conversions are:
The energetic efficiency is similar to the one with R12.
There are no problems with the safety aspects.
The practices are the same as with R12.
The clients dont mind the change.
The performance is better, it cools faster than the R12.
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The workshops apply R 134a only if the equipment is design for this type of gas. The practice of using
this gas requires the technician to be more careful.
The workshops are not organized, they work independently.
The institutions or organizations in charge of the training or education of the service technicians are:
I.N.A. and Fundacin Samuel.
There are no organizations working on the area of consumer awareness. The information the consumers
receive is from the technician that makes the reparation.
The procedure to convert a system from R12 to HC is to first recover the refrigerant (CFC), then clean
the system, check for leaks, change the drying filter, and charge the system with HC in the liquid phase.
The recovered CFC is stored or reused in mobile air conditioning. If the procedure is not done correctly
the performance of the equipment is not going to be the desired one and the technician might have to do
the complete work again. The people who have worked with this refrigerant see no problem in the
practices. The lifetime of the equipment and its energy efficiency is not changed.
The HC refrigerant is a viable solution for the article 5 countries if the R12 is banned. The technicians
have to be very well trained to handle the flammable refrigerants. The transport and storage of large
amounts of this substance could be a problem.
The education level of technicians is in general bad. Most of the technicians are not graduated from a
formal institute and do not assist to the courses given by different organizations.
The energy consumption of the refrigerators is important to the consumers when they are buying a new
refrigerator.
There are no regulations on refrigeration technologies in Costa Rica.
If there is an accident the probability is high that the technician is going to say the responsibility is of
the owner of the equipment if the technician has instructed the consumer about all the safety aspects
related to the refrigerant. This issue should be handled in court.
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Name:
Category:
Address:
Tel:
Mark Bloomfield, University of Costa Rica

University
San Pedro, San Jos
207 4328
# CR-5
The organizations working on ozone protection aspects are: CO.G.O., Swiss-Contact, I.N.A. and the
U.C.R. (University of Costa Rica) on investigation. The university is financed by normal funds of the
institute, there are no external funds.
B. ECONOMIC ASPECTS
The use of R 134a is very low. It is only used for equipment designed for this type of refrigerant. The
amount of imported HC is low, only the people trained in the programs of Swiss Contact and the Dutch
Embassy use this kind of refrigerant. There is no product regulation on the hydrocarbons for
refrigeration.
The quality of the non imported HC is reported from RECOPE. This quality can be improved with
biotechnology. This technology is less expensive than the normal refinement procedure.
It is possible to convert equipment with a refrigerant charge higher than 2 kg from R12 to HC. From
some articles in Europe it is done, following the safety regulations in these places. The same conversion
to R 134a can be done but some modifications in the hardware of the system have to me done, like the
change of compressor and oil to ones compatible with R 134a.
Both the mentioned conversions are going to bring knowledge benefits to the technicians, being this an
advantage over other technicians that dont perform these operations.
C. SOCIAL ASPECTS
The technicians are converting equipment to HC because it is a good alternative to the R12 and it is
cheaper. Some might convert equipment from R12 to R134a because of all the advertising of this
substance and because it is an approved technology alternative to the R12.
The service and maintenance workshops are not organized.
The institutions and organizations working on the education and training of the refrigeration service
sector are I.N.A. and technical high schools. For the service engineers the University of Costa Rica and
the Technological Institute of Costa Rica.
The organizations working on consumer awareness about ozone layer depletion are CO.G.O. and Swiss
Contact. The consumers should be instructed by the technician about the type of refrigerant applied in
the system and the safety measures to be taken.
The alternative of the HC refrigerants is a viable solution for the Article 5 countries if it is closely related
to a good training of the people engaged in the handling of the refrigerants.
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Most service technicians are graduated from a formal training institute, but some have a low level of
training. There should be a regulation which controls the handling of refrigerants by trained personnel.
There have been no reports of accidents related to the use of hydrocarbons as refrigerants.
Costa Rica already has the experience of storage and transport of hydrocarbons, but the workshops
handling hydrocarbons for refrigeration should be informed about the safety measures that have to be
considered in the transport and storage of the refrigerant.
The converted equipment from R12 to HC has no change in the lifetime and the energy efficiency
improves. The energy consumption of domestic refrigerators is starting to be as issue in Costa Rica.
There are no regulations controlling the refrigeration technologies. The blue prints of big refrigeration
installations have to be checked and signed by a mechanical engineer.
Liability issues should be handled by the Ministry of Health or the National Institute of Insurance. The
demands would be deal in court.
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Name:
Category:
Address:
Tel:
Geovanny Morales, Taller Hnos. Morales

Refrigeration technician
Cartago
5520025
# CR-6
The organizations working on ozone protection aspects are: CO.G.O., Cegesti and Coca Cola
Interamerican. There exists a relation among these organizations since the goal is the same.
The use of R12 in Cartago is approximately 100 lb/week, of HFC is very low, and of HC only the ones
involved in some kind of training (Swiss Contact or the Dutch Embassy).
B. ECONOMIC ASPECTS
The quality of the non-imported HC (LPG) is not as good as the quality of the imported HC. It contains
humidity and contaminants, which are not good for the equipment. This quality could be improved,
taking it to the purity desired to work as a refrigerant. Even though, in Costa Rica there is no product
regulation over hydrocarbons as refrigerants.
The prices of the available refrigerants in the country are approximately:
R12, $1.65 / lb
HFC 134a, $6.87 / lb
LPG, $0.28 / lb
It is possible to convert equipment with a refrigerant charge higher than 2 kg, from R12 to HC if the
safety regulations are followed. The same conversion to R 134a is possible, but there has to be a change
in some components like oil, filters, compressor and motor.
The workshop, which make the conversion to HC, would receive benefits, like more income and clients,
since the service is cheaper. To convert equipment to R 134a would not bring benefits, since this
conversion is too expensive.
C. SOCIAL ASPECTS
In the province of Cartago there are around 22 service and maintenance workshops. From these 3 use
hydrocarbons as substitute to the R12.
The conversion of equipment designed for R12 to HC produces a reduction in the amperage. Regarding
safety aspects, there has been no problems with the use of the HC. The practices are very similar to the
ones with R12, the difference is the liquid charge and to be aware of the safety aspects. The clients
havent presented any problem with the installation of the new gas once they have beeing instructed of
the safety measures. The cooling time of the refrigerant is longer provoking the reaching of the desired
temperature slower, but it works fine for domestic refrigerators.
The use of R134a is reduced to the equipment designed specifically for this refrigerant. The energy
efficiency of the equipment with this refrigerant is lower and the service practices are more complicated,
since it is hygroscopic and Cartago is a place with high humidity. The clients dont even know the type
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of gas they have in their refrigerators. The general performance of the equipment is good.
The service workshops are not organized, only a small group is part of APTAMAI.
The institutions working in the training and education of the service technicians are the national training
institute (I.N.A.), Refrigeracin Wimmer (manufacturer and equipment distributor), Tecni-practi
(organization in San Jos) and sometimes APTAMAI which gives short courses. On the consumer
awareness of the ozone problem only Cegesti is working.
The consumers are aware that the equipment is being charged with HC. They see no problem in it while
it performs according to their needs. They are instructed of the safety measures that have to be taken
with the gas.
The technicians change the type of refrigerant in a refrigerator because of their environmental
awareness. The way to do the conversion from a equipment designed for R12 to HC, starts with the
recovery of the gas, then the system is cleaned, there is a change of the drying filter and the installation
of a charge valve. Then the system is vacuumed for enough time and the HC refrigerant is charged. The
recovered CFC is stored and used sometimes in mobile air conditioning. If the conversion is not done
correctly the equipment does not perform correctly and the technician might have to do the work again.
The use of the HC as refrigerants might be a solution for article 5 countries if the CFC is not available.
The converted equipment consumes less electricity, and there have been no problems related to the
equipment components or the oil.
The education level of the service technicians is low, there is a small group graduated from the National
Training Institute, the others have learned the technical aspects from working with other technicians
(empirical).
The transport and storage of HC is no problem since the experience with this issues exists in the country.
The issue of the energy consumption of the equipment is an issue discussed in the country. The people
are interested in the amount of electricity a system consumes.
There are no regulations on refrigeration technologies in the country.
If there is a liability question the responsible part would be the workshop that did the conversion. The
institution who would deal with this issues is the Defensora de los Habitantes.
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Name:
Category:
Address:
Tel:
William Rojas, Taller de Refrigeracin Rojas

Refrigeration technician
Paraso, Cartago
5747422
# CR- 7
The organizations working on ozone issues are: Cegesti, Refrigeracin Hermanos Wimmer
(manufacturer) and I.N.A.
The R12 is easy to acquire in any place. From the total amount of CFC imported in the country around
33% is used in the service sector.
B. ECONOMIC ASPECTS
The quality of the non-imported HC is not good for refrigeration practices. It contains acids and
contaminants that could affect the refrigeration system. The quality could be improved if there existed
some interest by the companies involved in the production and distribution of the gas. There is no
product regulation of the HC as refrigerants in the country.
The price of the refrigerants in the country are approximately:
R12, $1.93 / lb
LPG, $0.25 / lb
HC, $2.84 / lb
An equipment with a refrigerant charge higher than 2 kg designed for R12 can be converted to HC if
the installation is well ventilated, even though it is not recommended, some tests should be done. The
same conversion to HFC could be done, tests should also be performed.
The conversion to HC would benefit the workshops as a marketing tool of using an environmental
refrigerant. Another important aspect is that the HC price is similar to the price of the R12. The
conversion to R134a is not good for the workshops since the price of the refrigerant is too high, it is not
viable.
C. SOCIAL ASPECTS
In Cartago there are around 20 refrigeration workshops, and from these 2 work with hydrocarbon
refrigerants. These two workshops apply the refrigerant because of the training they have received. The
experience shows that the energy efficiency is similar to the one with R12. The practice of applying HC
is normal, and there have no problems regarding safety or with the clients. The performance level of the
equipment is good.
The refrigeration service and maintenance workshops are not organized. They work independently.
The institutions or organizations working on the training and education of the service technicians are:
I.N.A., Wimmer Hermanos (short courses) and APTAMAI (short courses).
There are no institutions working on consumer awareness. The technician who performs the conversion
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is the one that informs the consumer about the characteristics of the gas. The reactions of the consumers
are positive to the use of the HC refrigerants. It could help to have some kind of publicity in the
newspaper or in the radio regarding the characteristics of the new gas.
The procedure to perform the conversion of an equipment to HCs starts with the recovery of the CFCs
present in system, then the system is cleaned with nitrogen, leaks are tested by vacuum. The oil is
changed, if it is needed, the drying filter and the capillar are also changed. Then the system is charged
with the HC refrigerant in liquid phase. The recovered CFC is stored. The people that have performed
the conversion havent had any problem. The performance of the equipment is very similar to the one
with R12.
This kind of conversion is a good alternative for article 5 countries, since there are no needed
investments to perform the change.
Most of the service technicians in the country are empirical (around 60%), the rest are graduated from
the national training institute, I.N.A..
The transport of the HC refrigerant would not be any problem if it is done correctly. The storage is not
going to be a problem if the amount of gas stored is not very high. There are no reports of accidents due
to the use of HC as refrigerants.
There is no knowledge yet about any change in the expected lifetime of the equipment due to the change
of the refrigerant.
The people in Costa Rica are not very interested in the energy consumption of their refrigerators.
There are no regulations or laws in Costa Rica that would cover the refrigeration technologies or
practices.
If there is an accident with the equipment the person responsible would be the technician executing the
service. The organization that would deal with issues would be the court.
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Page 215
Name:
Category:
Address:
Tel:
Oscar Navarro, Fundacin Samuel

Training institute
La Uruca, 150 norte Rapifreno, San Jos
2315533
# CR-8
The organizations working on ozone protection projects are: CO.G.O. and Cegesti.
B. ECONOMIC ASPECTS
The amount of HFCs used in the country is very low, only for new equipment design for this refrigerant.
The amount of HC used is low also, only the people that have been trained use this type of refrigerant.
The non-imported HC have contaminants like humidity, that can harm the system. This quality could
be improved by the companies involved. There is no product regulation of the hydrocarbons used for
refrigeration.
Equipment with a refrigerant charge higher than 2 kg designed for R12 can be converted to HC if the
equipment is placed in a well ventilated place. This could also be done to R134a changing the
compressor and the oil in the system.
The workshops, which perform conversions to HC are going to have a competitive advantage over other
workshops. Same thing happens if the workshops makes conversions to R134a, the only problem would
be the price of the gas, since it is more expensive.
C. SOCIAL ASPECTS
Technicians perform the conversion of equipment from R12 to HC because they have received a training
to do so.
The service and maintenance workshops are not organized in general, only a small group is associated
to APTAMAI.
The institutions or organizations working on the education and training of the service and maintenance
technicians are I.N.A., Fundacin Samuel (German Funds) and some technical high schools.
The people working on the consumer awareness about the Ozone Layer issues and the refrigerant
alternatives are CO.G.O. and the technicians performing the conversions.
The technicians change the refrigerant in an equipment designed for R12 because the HCs are a good
alternative y because of the training they have received. The procedure to change the refrigerant is to
first recover the refrigerant, then produce a vacuum in the system for a long period, then install a charge
valve, change the drying filter, and then recharge the system with HC in liquid phase. The procedure is
very similar to the one using R12, the difference is the liquid charge. If the procedure is not performed
correctly then the work would have to be done again. The recovered CFC is stored and reused in mobile
air conditioning.
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The option of the HC as refrigerants in the article 5 countries is good, since the refrigerant works fine
in the domestic systems.
Most of the technicians that have a workshop are graduated from the I.N.A. or have received several
years in this institute and are not graduated.
The transport of the refrigerant HC is the same as the one for LPG, so there is experience in this practice
in the country. There are no reports of accidents from the use of HC as refrigerants.
Actually the people are more interested in the energy consumption of their refrigeration equipment than
years ago.
There are no regulations on the refrigeration technics in Costa Rica, even though there should be some
control over this aspect.
If there is an accident with the use of HC as refrigerants the person responsible should be the technician
since he is the one who had received the training. If there is a problem or demand the Judicial System
should deal with this issues.
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Name:
Category:
Address:
Tel:
William Mena, Multiservicios 911

Refrigeration Technician
San Antonio de Beln, Alajuela
2390905
# CR- 9
The amount of refrigerant (CFC) used in the service sector is approximately 200 lb/day. The R134a used
in the service sector is very low. It is used almost only in mobile air conditioning on systems that are
already designed for this refrigerant. The amount of imported hydrocarbons (HC) used in the service
sector is approximately 20 lb/day. The quality of the non-imported HC is bad for the systems so Mr.
Mena hasnt used this kind of substance.
B. ECONOMIC ASPECTS
The price of the refrigerants normally used in the service sector are:
CFC 12, $1.16 / lb

HFC 134a, $8.58 / lb
The substitution of the refrigerant from R12 to HC for equipment with a refrigerant charge higher than
2 kg can be performed if the area is well ventilated and people dont live very close. This kind of
substitution to R134a could be done but is expensive, since there has to be a change in the hardware of
the equipment.
The workshops that perform conversions from R12 to HC benefit from having more clients. People
aware of the Ozone Layer depletion problem are going to look for these workshops. The conversion to
R134a would not benefit the workshops because of the cost.
C. SOCIAL ASPECTS
In the service sector approximately 1000 workshops maintain and repair equipment. The group of
workshops that perform conversions to HC, do so because of the low costs involved in this practice and
their environmental awareness.
The experience of the workshops tell that the energy efficiency tend to be lower than with the equipment
working with R12, the practices related to the conversion are not complicated, the only detail is to be
conscious about the safety aspects, the performance of the equipment is good, a problem in the freezer
with the use of this refrigerant is that the temperature is higher when the compressor starts working
again which produces the defreezing of the chamber, the technician makes the regulation on the
thermostat to eliminate this problem. The clients like this kind of technology.
A small group of workshops are organized in APTAMAI a branch organization, which gathers owners
of industrial maintenance workshops.
The education institutes related to the training of technicians are I.N.A. and some technical high schools.
The consumer awareness is a responsibility of the Ozone Office. The owners of the equipment converted
to HC are told about the refrigerant and the safety aspects by the technician. The consumers see no
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problem with this kind of substance. Some kind of advertisement would help make the consumers aware
about this alternatives.
The procedure to convert the equipment to HC is first to recover the refrigerant, then make the required
repairs, install a charge valve, clean the system, check for leaks, put the sticker, charge the refrigerant in
liquid phase and finally regulate the pressure. The recovered CFC is stored and used in mobile air
conditioning units. If the procedure is not done correctly then the charge would have to be performed
again. The lifetime of the equipment can be reduced because of the heating of the compressor produced
by the use of this refrigerant.
There have been no reports of accidents due to the use of hydrocarbons as refrigerants.
The use of hydrocarbons in refrigeration is a good option for the Article 5 countries, because of the price
of the gas.
Regarding the education level of the technicians, 50% are graduated from a training institute and 50%
are empirical.
In Costa Rica the transport and storage of hydrocarbons (LPG) have been a practice for years, so the
experience can be used for the hydrocarbons for refrigeration with no risks.
There are no regulations or laws regarding refrigeration technologies in the country.
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Name:
Category:
Address:
Tel:
Rafael Salas, Cooperativa de Productores de Leche Dos Pinos

Local Diary Industry, (2000 employees)
B Lujn, San Jos.
2571311
# CR-10
The organizations working in the area of ozone protection are Cegesti, Refrigeracin Industrial Beirute
(Equipment distributor), Swiss Contact, Atlas Elctrica (Domestic refrigerator manufacturer), and Dos
Pinos on investigation.
Dos Pinos uses R12 and R22 in all of the milk cooling tanks.The use of R134a in Dos Pinos is only for
mobile refrigeration in equipment designed for this gas.
B. ECONOMIC ASPECTS
The non-imported HC in the country has some kind of contaminants that doesnt permit its use with
Embraco compressors and due to the pressures it cannot be used in milk cooling tanks. This quality can
be improved but there are no resources to do so.
There is no national product regulation on the hydrocarbons as refrigerants. People are working with
the British Standards.
The price of the CFC 12 used by Dos Pinos is $2.14 / lb.
The conversion of equipment with a charge higher than 2 kg, from CFC 12 to HC, is a viable option,
but there would have to be some tests performed to check the performance and safety of the equipment.
The gas has to be efficient. The same conversion to R 134a is not viable because of the high costs,
including the new gas and the changes in the hardware.
The benefits in the workshops that perform the conversion to HC are reduced since the clients are the
same and the difference in the income is not that high. The conversion to R 134a doesnt bring any
benefit to the workshop due to the price of the gas and the components.
C. SOCIAL ASPECTS
In the refrigeration service sector there must be a group of approximately 2500 workshops giving
maintenance to all kinds of refrigeration and air conditioning equipment. From these the amount that
work with HC is lower than 50. The last apply hydrocarbons because of the training they have received.
From the experience in tests done with milk cooling tanks the mixture Ecool-PIB doesnt perform
correctly. The energy efficiency is lower, the compressors temperature is lower but works longer
periods, the safety aspects are controlled very well with training of the technicians involved, and the
general performance shows a low efficiency of the equipment.
The organizations working on the training of the service technicians are I.N.A. and CO.G.O.. On
consumer awareness there are no organizations involved. When a milk cooling tank is converted to HC
the owner is communicated of this issue and the safety aspects to be followed. The consumers should
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be informed about the Ozone depletion problem, the type of gas that is going to be charged, the tests
performed and the safety aspects involved.
The technicians change the type of refrigerant in an equipment to HC because of the reduction of CFC
12 in the market and because of their environmental awareness.
When there is a need to repair a tank, moment in which the technician might change the refrigerant,
generally the tank doesnt gave any refrigerant left in the system. The charge should be done with an
analytical scale. If the charge is done with a refrigerant mixture that is not the direct replacement of the
design refrigerant, the work would have to be done twice, there would be a higher energy consumption
and a decrease in the quality of the milk in the tank. The energy consumption of a milk tank is a very
important aspect since it has consequences in other things like the final quality of the milk.
The hydrocarbons as refrigerants are a good option for the Article 5 countries. Tests have to be
performed in order to find the exact replacement according to the intended use. The transport and
storage of the hydrocarbons as refrigerants doesnt represent a risk, due to the experience in the country
with the handling of LPG. These aspects are regulated by the law.
The education level of the service technicians is very high, most of them are graduated from I.N.A. or
from a technical high school. There have been no reported accidents due to the use of hydrocarbons as
refrigerants.
There are no regulations regarding refrigeration technologies in Costa Rica.
If there is a liability question the workshop should be the one who deals with this issue. The
governmental organization controlling this aspects should be the Consumer Defense Office inside the
Economy Ministry.
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Name:
Category:
Address:
Tel:
Ronald Cerdas, Instituto Nacional de Aprendizaje, I.N.A.

Training Institute (120 employees in the electric sector)
La Uruca, San Jos
2324422
# CR-11
The organizations working on ozone depletion projects are: CO.G.O., I.N.A. and Cegesti. There is a
problem with the flow of information of the projects the ozone office have, to the training institute which
could spread the information among the technicians and other companies related to refrigeration.
There is a big amount of CFCs in the country and approximately 90% of this is used in the service sector.
The R134a is widely used in refrigerated containers, and is increasing in mobile air conditioning. The
quality of the non-imported HC is not good for refrigeration, it has sulfur and humidity. The tests
performed with this gas showed a 30% of effectivity. The quality of this gas cannot be improved, it is
not viable. There is no national regulation on the quality of HC for refrigeration.
B. ECONOMIC ASPECTS
The prices for the refrigerants in Costa Rica are:
CFC 12, $1.29 - 1.50 / lb
LPG, $0.22 / lb
The conversion of equipment with a charge higher than 2 kg, from R12 to HC, is a viable option. The
place have to be ventilated and follow the safety requirements. There should be a regulation on the
charge according to the application. The same conversion to R134a is not viable because of the high
costs.
The workshops that perform the conversion from equipment with CFC to HC can perceive benefits from
the increment in clients. The conversion to R134a would not bring benefits.
C. SOCIAL ASPECTS
The service workshops in the country are small enterprises, there is a group of about 15 big enterprises
dedicated to commercial and industrial refrigeration and air conditioning.
The experience with the use of HC is that the energy efficiency is similar to the one with R12, the safety
aspects are easy to follow, the practices are normal and the technicians are easily learning them.
The R134a are not frequently used, only in the area of Limn (harbor) with the refrigerated containers.
The experience there has been that the compressors fail frequently due to overheating. The technicians
use this refrigerant because they are servicing equipment that is designed for R134a. The technicians
are not prepared to use this type of refrigerant, they dont have the equipment needed. The practices are
more complicated since the work has to be performed faster due to the characteristics of the oil and the
problem with the humidity.
The workshops in general are not organized, only a small group is part of A.P.T.A.M.A.I.
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The organizations working on the education and training of service technicians are I.N.A. and some
technical high schools. I.N.A. also works with the consumer awareness of Ozone Layer depletion
aspects, but there is the need to increase this kind of lectures or increase the awareness with
advertisements.
The technicians change the type of refrigerant in their equipment because of training they have received
and their environmental awareness.
The procedure to convert an equipment from R12 to HC starts with the recovery of the CFC in the
system then vacuum the equipment, install a charge valve, change the filter, check for leaks, and charge
the HC refrigerant in liquid phase. The recovered CFC is stored and reused. If the procedure is not done
correctly the charge would have to be done again, after vacuuming the system.
The option of using HC in the Article 5 countries is a viable solution.
The level of education of the refrigeration technicians in country is: 25% graduated technicians from an
training institute, 50% technicians with a medium level of education and 25% empirical technicians.
Transport and storage of hydrocarbon refrigerants does not present a risk since is the same as working
with LPG, with which the experience exists. There are no reports of accidents due to the use of HC as
refrigerants.
The issue of the energy consumption in domestic refrigerators is not an issue in Costa Rica.
There are no regulations covering refrigeration technologies. There should be a regulation or norm
covering the HC applications and the charge allowed.
When there is a liability question the person responsible should be the technician since he has received
the respective training. The governmental organization that should deal with these issues is the
Consumer Protection Office in the Ministry of Economy. CO.G.O. should be the one in charge of
implementing the legislation needed and the projects. I.N.A. should be in charge of the training of the
technicians.
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Name:
Category:
Address:
Tel:
Elicer Quesada, A.P.T.A.M.A.I.

Branch Organization (35 refrigeration entrepreneurs)
Paseo Coln, San Jos
2239036
# CR-12
The organizations working on the Ozone Layer protection projects are A.P.T.A.M.A.I., Swiss Contact,
CO.G.O. and CEGESTI. On some projects Swiss Contact and A.P.T.A.M.A.I. work together.
A.P.T.A.M.A.I. is financed by the projects it executes, the credit programs to their associates, with
which it acquires the income due to administration and the monthly contributions from their associates.
At the moment there is no U.N.D.P. recovery and recycling network in the country.
B. ECONOMIC ASPECTS
The use of R134a is not very well accepted among the technicians, because they see it as harmful for
their health, and the practices with this gas are very complicated for them. The technicians prefer to
work with hydrocarbons as refrigerants.
The amount of people working with hydrocarbons as refrigerants is 40, from the technology investment
program with the Dutch Government. The amount of refrigerant used is around 20-25 kg per month.
The non-imported LPG is not good for the refrigeration equipment. It contains contaminants as sulfur,
which cause problems in the systems. Even though A.P.T.A.M.A.I. has an equipment working with LPG
since 1994 and it is working fine. The LPG cannot be purified at this moment in RECOPE because of
its lack of interest to include this market in their working plan.
There is no regulation on the use of HC as refrigerants. The technicians working with this type of
refrigerant are woried because of the lack of laws or regulations covering them in their work.
The price of the refrigerants are:
CFC 12, $ 0.98 / lb

HC (Ecool-PIB), $ 2.84 / lb
The conversion of equipment with a charge higher than 2 kg, from R12 to HC, is not a good option. The
same conversion to R134a is not viable because of the high costs involved.
The benefits the workshops receive because of the use of hydrocarbons in their service practice are not
much because the number of clients is the same. They would increase their income only if the
consumers were aware of the benefit of using HC in their refrigeration equipment and they would ask
for a change in the refrigerant in their system.
The same conversion to R134a is not going to bring benefits because of the increase in the costs of
servicing.
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C. SOCIAL ASPECTS
Hydrocarbons are applied because of the training the technicians have received, this have given the
entrepreneurs more trust in the HC as refrigerant.
The experience with the use of HC is that the energy efficiency is higher than the one of the system
working with R12, the safety aspects are easy to follow, the practices are simple and safe and the
performance is good, it seems like the compressor can last longer. Regarding the clients at the begining
their reaction is not to like the use of HC, after the explanation of the technician they accept the option.
Some technician are only using HC with the more known clients.
Regarding the R 134a most of the workshops dont use it.
A.P.T.A.M.A.I. is the only organization gathering the refrigeration entrepreneurs in the country. They
actually have 35 entrepreneurs afiliated, they intend to duplicate this in a year.
The organizations working with the training and education of refrigeration technicians are I.N.A. and
A.P.T.A.M.A.I. with some short courses. On the area of consumer awareness only the government with
seldom advertising works on aspects of the Ozone Layer Depletion.
The consumers are instructed by the refrigeration technician about the use of HC in their equipment,
and see it in the sticker put in the compressor. If the technician is known by them they dont see any
problem, if not they ask more about the type of refrigerant.
There should be a national campaign to instruct t0he consumers about the Ozone Layer depletion, and
the safe options to CFCs, supported by the government.
The technicians are executing the convertion of equipment as they have been instructed in the training
courses, also recovering the refrigerant. The recovered refrigerant is stored and some times reused in MAC.
The option of HC as refrigerants is viable, the only thing that has to be covered is to try to find another
country in America which would produce the refrigerant, like Venezuela, to reduce shipping costs.
The level of education of the service technicians is divided as 65% empirical and 35% graduated
technicians.
The storage and transport of HC as refrigerants shouldnt be a risk if there are good regulations of safety
aspects and distributers by zone. There is no report on accidents on the use, transport or storage of HC
as refrigerants.
The lifetime of the equipment converted to HC is increased because the compressor works with lower
pressures.
The energy consumption of a refrigerator is an important aspect in the country but the people are not
aware of the way to reduce it. The energy reduction in converted equipment to HC should be measured
to promote it.
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There are no laws or regulations on the refrigeration practices or technologies in the country.
There should be an accident prevention prevention program involving the entrepreneur and the
consumer. A follow up of the training at least 2 times a year is required to continue on the safety
regulations and practices. The technicians should have a safety policy to cover them from any accident.
If there is a problem with liability the Ministry of Economy, in their office of Consumer Protection
should deal with these aspects.
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Annex F Terms of reference

Objective:
countries.
Terms of reference:
Specific tasks are:
226

- the schedule must be consistent with making results from the study available to be used as
partial input to the follow-up Montreal Workshop proposed for early September 1997.
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- the content of the specific questions will need to be customized to suit the situation and
conditions prevailing in each particular country, e.g. only LPG available in Cuba;
survey.
Consumption of a specific substance in the MP is equal to the production plus the imports minus the
exports of the controlled substance multiplied by its ODP.
Global Warming Potential.
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UNEP

TO CUBA FOR UNEP
September 1997/April 1998
CEGESTI, Costa Rica

Marcela Velzquez
Oficina Tcnica de Ozono, Cuba
Dr Nelson Espinosa Pena
Marja Tummers
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Part II Country Specific Surveys: CUBA
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
Introduction ..................................................................................................................
233
Overview phase-out of ODS in Cuba ..................................................................
234
Political background..............................................................................................
235
The Ministry of Environment ...............................................................................
236
The development of hydrocarbon refrigerant in Cuba .....................................
237
Methodology .........................................................................................................
238
Results Unep Study ...............................................................................................
239
6.1
6.1.1
6.2
6.2.1
6.3
6.3.1
6.4
6.4.1
6.5
6.5.1
Environmental Aspects...................................................................................
Social Aspects ................................................................................................
239
242
242
245
245
247
248
250
250
251
General observations and recommendations.....................................................
252
ANNEXES
Annex A List of abbreviations....................................................................................
255
256
259
Annex D Questionnaire Spanish................................................................................
263
Annex E Reports of interviews Cuba ........................................................................
267
Annex F Terms of Reference.......................................................................................
281
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Introduction
The United Nations Environmental Program (UNEP) proposed a study into the possibility for the
conversion of domestic and small commercial refrigeration appliances with refrigerants based on
hydrocarbons.
The project covers three consecutive phases. The first phase is a desk study of the documents and
research carried out so far related to the conversion of domestic and small commercial refrigeration
appliances with refrigerants based on hydrocarbons.
The second phase is an in-depth study of the situation of the application of hydrocarbon refrigerants and
hydrocarbon replacement technology in developing countries.
The third phase is an international workshop in Montreal on September 8, 1997. During this workshop
the preliminary findings of the two first phases of the study, along with other relevant material will be
presented and discussed with Ozone Officers of Article-5 countries, technical experts from different
countries, representatives of the Multilateral Fund Secretariat, government representatives of Article-2
Country and others.
In the early spring of 1997 at a meeting in Eschborn, Germany, the lay-out for the study was agreed upon
by the partners involved. The Project Management is carried out by the National Research Council in
Canada. The specific sub-studies of the project are carried out by the partners from India, Indonesia,
Costa Rica, Cuba, Switzerland and The Netherlands.
In this report the findings of the Survey carried out in Cuba are presented. The interviews were held
using a questionnaire (annex C and D). The reports have been written based on interviews held by
representatives of the Oficina Tcnica de Ozono (OTOZ; the Technical Ozone Office) from Cuba,
Cegesti from Costa Rica and Ecozone from The Netherlands. The interviews were held in August 1997
in La Ciudad de la Habana and Santiago de Cuba, Cuba.
The assessment includes the results of 6 official meetings and interviews held, 5 additional meetings
and interviews and additional research into the experiences Cuba has in the use of hydrocarbons as
replacement for CFCs in the different sectors that are involved in refrigeration and refrigeration
technologies.
A total of 3 official meetings and interviews were cancelled, due to various reasons.
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1. Overview phase-out of ODS in Cuba
The Government of Cuba (GoC) subscribed and ratified the Vienna convention and the Montreal
Protocol in 1992. Cuba is an Article 5 Country and is eligible for funding through the Multilateral Fund.
The GoC has decided to comply exactly with the time schedule for the phase-out of ODS as it is given
by the MP.
The base year for the calculation of the phase-out was set on 1991. The following data reflect the amount
of ODS in the country per that date:
REFRIGERANT
METRIC TONS
PERCENTAGE OF TOTAL %
CFC11
14.60
4.04
CFC12
309.00
93.20
CFC114
4.20
1.20
Halon 1211
0.21
0.19
Halon 1301
0.30
0.90
328.31
99.53
TOTAL
Source: Country Program Cuba, 1993

In the CP 8 projects have been proposed to achieve the set goal of the phase out of ODS. The projects
are funded through the MLF.
The first project was the set up and strengthening of a Ozone Unit within the Department of
Environment (AMA) of the Ministry of Science, Technology and Environment (CITMA). This project
has been completely finalised.
The second project is the implementation of a ODC (CFC) Recovery and Recycling Network (R&RN).
This project was commenced at the end of 1996 and is at this moment at the stage of evaluation.
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2. Political background
In the beginning of the1990s, after the opening of the Berlin Wall in 1989, the Eastern-European
states and countries changed their political and social structure. The change of the USSR into the Soviet
Union had a great impact on the organisation of Cuban society. Cuba does produce hardware equipment
but it is mainly an agricultural society. Being an island, all of those goods that were not produced in the
country itself had to be imported from abroad. Most of these imports were from the USSR. The USSR
supplied Cuba with a.o. crude oil, instrumental equipment, medical equipment and medicines, half
products and products from the food industry. Refrigerants were also imported. It can be said that the
Cuban economy relied largely on the USSR economy. Not only for the import of goods but also for a
part of the training and education in Cuba. The USSR economy had a setback after the communist
system was abandoned. Due to these internal economical problems, the exports to Cuba were
minimised from 1991 onwards. From that date the Cuban society started to experience great problems.
There was not sufficient state income nor foreign currency to buy all the necessary goods on the world
market. Besides this, Cuba also faced an economic embargo from the United States. This situation still
continuous.
At this moment the monetary situation in Cuba is divided in a Cuban Peso and an American dollar
economy. State and other employees receive their salary in Cuban Pesos. With this money they can buy
goods in the Cuban Peso stores. These stores are supplied with a limited amount of goods. Whoever
wants to buy anything not available at the Peso Stores can change his Pesos in US Dollars and buy goods
in the so called Dollar Stores. Not only is the exchange rate for US dollars not optimal, and sometimes
the exchange stores dont have US dollars available, the average salary does not give much financial
freedom. For instance refrigerators are imported from countries like South Korea (Daewoo and
Samsung), Costa Rica (Atlas) and USA (Goldstar) and cost from US$ 400 to 1000. For foreigners and
tourist there is a second monetary system: they can only pay with US Dollars. In almost all shops, hotels
and restaurants only US dollars are accepted. The tourist industry thus provides the Cuban Government
with foreign hard, US$, currency. This money is used to buy various products on the world market.
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3. The Ministry of Environment
For the scope of this fact finding study on Hydrocarbons as Replacement in Domestic and Commercial
Refrigeration in Cuba it is important to understand the structure of two ministries. These ministries are
the Ministerio de Ciencia, Tecnologa y Medio Ambiente (CITMA), The Ministry of Science,
Technology and Environment, and the Ministerio de Comercio Interior (MINCIN), Ministry of Internal
Trade.
The Ministry of CITMA consists of 4 large departments. One of these departments is the Agencia de
Medio Ambiente (AMA), the Environmental Agency. Under this AMA falls the Oficina Tcnica de
Ozono (OTOZ), the Ozone Technical Office. This office is responsible for the implementation of the
Cuba Country Program (CP) as it was presented to the Montreal Protocol (MP) in 1993. The CP was
approved by the MP in 1994. The six objectives of the CP are:
1
2
3
4
5
6
Institutional building and strengthening of the OTOZ

Implementation of a recovery, recycling and destruction network for ODS
Promote good refrigeration practices in the service and maintenance sector
Follow up on mobile air-conditioning for private and transport vehicles
Making available hydrocarbons as refrigerants
Effectuate the substitution of methylbromide by non ODS
The main tasks of OTOZ are the supervision of the use of refrigerants in Cuba, information
dissemination to technicians, training institutes, entrepreneurs, consumers and companies.
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4. The development of hydrocarbon refrigerant in Cuba
The Special Period in the beginning of the nineties affected the Cuban Economy deeply. Besides basic
goods and materials also the import of refrigerants was greatly reduced. The need for an easy available,
cheap and simple to apply refrigerant became an issue.
At the Universidad de Oriente in Santiago de Cuba members of the Refrigeration Group (Department
of Mechanical Engineering) developed in 1992, in close co-operation with the Forum Nacional de
Ciencia y Tecnologa, a new refrigerant, based on the locally available LPG produced by one of Cubas
three refineries. The name of the new product, the hydrocarbon refrigerant LB12, was derived from the
names of the inventors:
L Sr. Laercis Daz Macias
B Sr. Luis Fernando Brossard Prez
12 indicating a replacement for R12
The product is now produced at a special plant near one of the refineries. It is not known what amounts
of LB12 are being produced nor the amounts that have been produced the last few years. There is also
no information available on the quality of LB12 nor of scientific test results on the use of LB12 in
existing refrigeration equipment.
Figures indicate that over 113.000 domestic refrigerators have been charged with this LB12 since
(Universidad de Oriente, July 1997). It is estimated that there are between 2-2.5 million refrigerators in
total in Cuba.
Following the mentioned study on hydrocarbon refrigerants a development of the existing laws
regarding the production, transport and use of LPG in general and for hydrocarbons as refrigerants as a
special product was considered needed. The Refrigeration Group of the Universidad de Oriente is part
of the team that is working on the description of these laws.
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5. Methodology
Following the meeting of the organisations involved in the UNEP-Study in Eschborn, Germany, a final
questionnaire was drafted for the Country Specific Surveys. The division of questions into groups of
aspects was set on Environmental, Economic, Social, Technical and Regulatory and
Liability.
In the period of August 25 to August 30, 19 representatives of a total of 6 organisations have been
officially interviewed. Further a total of 6 respondents of 5 other organisations were added to the list.
These unplanned contacts resulted in further background information.
The Surveys executed in Costa Rica and Indonesia had shown that a strict following of the questionnaire
that was prepared for the survey, was not a viable option. The questionnaire as it was developed was
therefore not as such used during the interviews and meetings with the respondents. Depending on the
type of organisation or institute the respondents were employed, those questions appropriate to and
related to that type of business were asked. Following this methodology almost all questions got to be
answered during the Survey.
The OTOZ arranged the contacts with most respondents prior to arrival of Mrs. Velzquez and Mrs.
Tummers to Cuba. A list was submitted to OTOZ stating the type of organisations that were to be
included. On arrival of the consultants a request was made to add some institutions to the list to ensure
a broader covering of representative interviews.
There was unfavorable incidence on this work due to lack of previous information and consultation to
the Cuban authorities about changes in the objectives and the procedure to carry out project work, the
Cuban authorities were not contacted until a few days before the arrival of the study group and taking
into account the fact that the project origin was analized at the VIII Conference of the Parties held in
Costa Rica.
Unilateral planning of the studies and surveys on the experiences of the countries did not allow to make
adequate use of the time the visit was here, while problems that were not the major ones were sometimes
emphasized.
All information obtained from all contacts is compiled into the following chapter. The structure is based
on the reports that were made during the Survey. The structure of the chapter follows the structure of
the questionnaire which was used as a basis for discussions during the Survey.
Not all questions could be answered (NA - not available) and it has to be kept in mind too that because
of a lack of information from the side of the respondents some information is not very accurate.
All visits and interviews were jointly carried out by:
Sr. Dr. Ing. Prof Tit: Nelson Espinosa Pena, Ozone Officer, Director General of the OTOZ;
Sr. Dr. Carlos Pablo Noland Empty, Specialist of the Ozone Unit, OTOZ,
Srta. Ing. Marcela Velzquez, CEGESTI, Costa Rica and;
Mrs. Ir. Marja Tummers, Ecozone, The Netherlands.
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6. Results Unep Study
6.1 Environmental Aspects

1) Protection of the Ozone Layer
a) What organisations, institutions and other groups work in the field of protection of the
ozone layer?
b) What are their relations?
There are 25 governmental organisations and institutions working in the field of environmental
protection. Most of these are organisations of a specific goal and nature for specific target groups.
Examples of such organisations are:
- The Union of Common Youth
- University Students Association
- The Cuban Women Federation
- Union of Cuban Pioneers
These organisations are, as can be read from the names, targeted at specific groups. They deal mainly
with issues concerning that target group, but, since it is a Cuban policy, environment is taken as a subject
for everybody. The groups deal with the environmental issues from their own specific focal point of
view.
The environmental concern is integrated in the society. Every municipality has a so called
environmental specialist responsible for the proper implementation of the issue in the city.
Of the 15 NGOs working on environmental issues some examples are:
Pronaturaleza,
The Man and the Nature
The Association of Zoologists
The Association of Botanists
The Cuban Academy of Sciences
The 25 Governmental and 15 environmental organisation are jointly represented in the National Group
for the Implementation of the Montreal Protocol.
International organisations working in Cuba or having joint projects with different institutions and
organisations in the country:
Green Peace,
UNDP (office in Cuba),
UNEP (office in Mexico),
UNICEF (office in Cuba),
UNIDO (office in Cuba),
FAO (office in Cuba),
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GEF (projects related to bio diversity),

OMS (health related projects),
OMM
History of the Environmental organisation in Cuba

The first organisation that dealt with environmental aspects in Cuba was the Direction of Environment and
Natural Resources (DIMARCA in Spanish). From this, in 1981, emerged the Academy of Sciences, the
National Commission of Environment and Natural Resources and the Commission of Nuclear Aspects.
With the Law of Environment from 1994 all of these organisations were dissolved, and the Ministry of
Science, Technology and Environment (CITMA) was created as a governmental institution. This
organisation controls the implementation of the Cuban Agenda 21 and the agreements of the Ro
Convention (1992).
Inside the different governmental institutions there are also environmental commissions that control the
environmental aspects of these respective organisations.
There are also national commissions dealing with the implementation of international agreements like
the Montreal Protocol (Technical Ozone Office), Biodiversity agreements and the Vienna Agreement
among others.
The industries have their own environmental problems, even though some of these problems are mainly
related to financial problems. Every factory though has its own environmental program, mainly geared
towards its own production and production techniques.
In 1998 the government will implement a law regarding the imports of CFCs as refrigerant, both stock
and in charged equipment, to comply with the regulations of the Montreal Protocol. The only CFC
permitted to be imported would be the CFC used in medicine like Salbutamol aerosols. The law is going
to include a regulation of the people working in refrigeration. Only those persons who have been trained
or are going to be trained in a certified training program are going to have the permit to work in
refrigeration. The ones who do not fulfil this aspect would have to be trained in the aspects needed to
receive their certificate.
c) How are they financed?
The state organisations are completely funded through the Government. The international organisations
are financed by the donor countries through country or subject related contributions.
a) What is the amount of CFC in your country?
The amount of CFCs that was used in the year 1991 is stated to be 331 tonnes (OTOZ, August 1997).
The OTOZ is at this moment actualising this figure for 1996 and 1997.
The major refrigerator factory, EINPUD, was forced to stop production of refrigerators in 1991 because
the largest supplier of spare parts (mainly compressors), Eastern Germany, was no longer able to
produce nor export the parts.
The GoC is now trying to find new partners to start the production of refrigerators again. The aim is to
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re-start production using R600a as refrigerant and Cyclopenthane or R141b as foam blowing agent. The
choice for Cyclopenthane or R141b will be an economical one; Cuba will in time most probably be able
to produce R600a but production of Cyclopenthane will be too expensive. Following their basic policy
the MLF will not support the conversion to Cyclopenthane because the factory has not been producing
for more than 5 years. Other budgets will have to be found to finance the conversion.
b) How much CFC is used in the service sector?
Na
Over 80% of all the larger (i.e. non-domestic) equipment is charged with R12. R12 is bought on the
world market by the Cuban Government for US$. The GoC has only limited resources of foreign
currency. Trade offs have to be made on how to use these resources. The possibility of the import of R12
depends on the general needs as they are felt by Cuba and can be fulfilled by the GoC, concerning the
financial situation. The service sector does feel the limited availability of R12 for service purposes.
Around 80 tonnes of CFC per year are used in domestic refrigeration.
c)

country?
Since the beginning of 1997 the UNEP CFC Recovery and Recycling Network has been active in Cuba.
It was stated that the refrigerant recovery and recycling network is not working very well due to a lack
of promotion. Even though some organizations specifically ask for the R&RN service.
d) How does it work?
The company UNISARCO is one of the recovery and Recycling Centres in Cuba.
Before the UNEP network was implemented this company recovered the refrigerant with hand made
recovery machines because the recovered refrigerant was needed for their service work. The machines
they used made the procedures of less quality. Now their work is improved by the equipment given by
the UNDP project. The only problem shown with this equipment is that some times it drags the lubricant
out of the system, so they have to charge the compressor with new lubricant. The distributors of the
recovery equipment also supply the lubricant because they are aware of this problem. Sometimes they
have to transport the recycling machine to the client, which at this moment becomes a problem because
of transport facilities. Four of the technicians in UNISARCO were trained in the recovery and recycling
technology as a part of the R&RN project. These technicians introduced the technology to their
colleagues. They have one or two follow up trainings every year for internal and external technicians.
The recycling machine is very sensitive to vibrations; it is therefore only seldom used for on the spot
servicing. It is felt that with better transport facilities the recovery machine will be used more than it
has been up to now.
One of the items of the equipment of the R&R network are the perforation pliers. Besides the fact that
these pliers are not often used because of the size of the systems that are serviced there is also the
problem that there are no spare points. These points are not available in Cuba and have to be imported.
The entrepreneurs prefer to work with a soapy solution when detecting leaks instead of using the official
leak detector which is said to be too rough. Testing on leaks of larger systems is done by charging the
system with No2 at 300 PSI and leave the system for 1-2 days.
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The OTOZ is the state body responsible for the implementation of the Montreal protocol in Cuba.
The amount of ODS in the country and the amount of ODS that is being imported has been due to
several reasons: imports from Eastern Europe and the former Sovjet Union ceased and the financial
situation of the GoC does not allow for abundant imports since 1992. The development and production
of the hydrocarbon refrigerant LB 12 proved a solution.
Recovery of R12 is not common; refrigeration equipment that is being brought to the workshop is more
often than not already empty.
There is a project with the Ministry of Internal Trade to service domestic equipment of the population.
The name of the project is M.A.I.S. (Industrial Articles and Services Market).With this project they
would assure quality and warranty and the costs are going to be covered in Cuban currency.

Na.
Virtually nothing. A very small amount of cars with R134a have been imported into the country. There
is some R134a available for the servicing of these systems but it is not known what quantity this might
be.
b) What is the amount of HC used in your country as a refrigerant?
Domestic
20 tonnes of LB12 / year
Commercial
30 tonnes of LB12 / year
(Source: OTOZ, August 1997)
LB 12 is not applied in larger systems like cold stores or split air conditioning.
c)

The hydrocarbon LB 12 has a purity of 98% pure hydrocarbons (Propane, iso-butane and n-butane)
The contamination of 2% consists of water, sulphur and other hydrocarbon fractions.
(Source: OTOZ, August 1997)
d) Could the quality of the non-imported available HC be improved?
The hydrocarbon refrigerants that are being used in Cuba at this moment, LB12 and LB11, have been
developed by and through the Universidad de Oriente of Santiago de Cuba. The hydrocarbon
refrigerants are being produced at one the three refineries near Santiago de Cuba. The exact composition
nor properties of the hydrocarbon refrigerants are not known. The general opinion however does is
shared by the OTOZ, AMA as well as the Refrigeration Group of the University, that the quality of the
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hydrocarbon refrigerant could definitely be improved. Since the exact composition nor
thermodynamical properties are known it is not possible to describe the technological improvements
that are needed. All parties concerned expressed their conviction that for the improvement international
technical as well as financial support was needed.
e) And if so, how?
Improvement of the quality of the available LB12 and LB11 would imply that first of all more accurate
laboratory equipment is needed for the determination of the exact composition.
f) Is there a product regulation on HC as refrigerants?
Yes, As stated and controlled by the GoC.
g) Who sets these regulations?
The Government is responsible for the description of the laws. They develop the laws together with the
institutions and businesses involved.
h) Who controls these regulations?
The Fire Department as well as the 169 municipalities of the country exert controls at provincial and
national level on the follow up of the set rules and regulations.
i) How are the controls carried out?
The controls are carried out through business visits, at random and announced surveys, by the inspectors
of the departments.
j) What are the imposed safety regulations for the use of HC as refrigerant?
The rules and regulations concerning the use of LPG as fuel and cooking gas are at the moment being
extended to include LPG/hydrocarbons as refrigerants. Data on how these rules and regulations will be
shaped are not yet available.
k) What are the costs of HC, LPG and HFCs in comparison to CFC a unit?
CFC
HFC
LPG
HC
The cost of LPG as fuel is 0.24 pesos (national currency, non-convertible)/kg
The cost of LB12 is 6 pesos (national currency, non-convertible)/kg
The price of R12 changes throughout the year, depending on availability at the distribution centres. In
1997 prices between 2,60 and 4,70 US$ per kilogram had to be paid.
The price of R22 differs too, for the same reasons, between 4,30 and 8,20 US$ per kilogram
The workshops usually buy refrigerant when they need it; they do not keep a stock. The price of R12 in
the state owned shops is in foreign currency, US$. When a company needs the servicing of one the
refrigeration systems, for instance an air conditioning unit, they can also buy the R12 themselves on the
world market. With this privately owned R12 the workshop entrepreneurs can service the system.
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Foreign companies that require service pay their bills in US$; Cuban companies pay for the R12 in US$
and for the work of the technician in Cuban Pesos.
R134a reparations can be done by the workshops. The necessary refrigerant has to be ordered by the
workshops and the delivery of it to the workshops may take as long as two months.
a) Do you think it is a viable option to convert larger systems from CFCs to
HCs? (starting at 2 kg)
It is generally considered that, taking into account the necessary safety precautions and rules it will
indeed be a viable option to convert larger systems to hydrocarbons. At this moment there are no such
systems working in the country, though there a number of smaller units (number not exactly known)
functioning well.
The entrepreneurs that work with the R&R network do not have an opinion on the use of hydrocarbons;
since they service mainly larger equipment and hydrocarbons are merely applied in domestic
equipment.
b) And to HFCs?
HFCs appear only in a very small number of MAC systems.
At this moment the right equipment for the servicing of R134a systems is not available in the country.
c)
What would be the characteristics for the system to do such conversions? (leak proof,
size, type of compressor, location, adaptations like ventilation, gas/leak detection)
d) To HCs
The systems should be hermetically sealed, the surroundings sufficiently ventilated with secured
ventilation of possible leaks of hydrocarbon to the open air, possible ignition sources eliminated and the
systems should be charged with hydrocarbons to a minimal charge.
e) To HFCs
NA
This shift has already been made in Cuba. Since 1995 all the refrigeration workshop have been applying
hydrocarbon technology. However, the working conditions in the workshop can be improved. Any
improvement would lead to a lower possible chance of accidents (although no accidents have been
reported so far).
This is not a likely option to occur in Cuba. HFCs are too expensive and difficult to apply. The GoC has
no financial means to buy HFCs.
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The economical and financial situation of Cuba hampers new developments in all fields of society,
including the refrigeration sector.
HFCs are not at all generally known nor applied in Cuba.
The development of Hydrocarbon refrigerant has been initiated by the GoC to overcome the
diminishing import of R12 from Eastern Europe and the relatively high price of R12 on the world
market.
All state owned workshops apply hydrocarbon technology. It is however felt that the application of the
safety aspects should deserve more attention.
6.3 Social Aspects

Number of employees
Micro enterprises
<10
Small
<20
Medium
<100
Large
>101
Micro enterprises
Small
Medium
Large
All State Workshops apply hydrocarbon technology, when the product is available.
Hydrocarbons are the most reasonably priced refrigerants available in the country. LB 12 being a
nationally developed and produced product, its application and use are stimulated by the GoC.
d) What are their experiences?
Energy efficiency
Safety
Practices
Consumers
Performance
At the Universidad de Oriente a limited number of tests into the application and use of LB 12 is existing
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domestic refrigeration equipment have been performed. The preliminary test results show that LB 12
performs well. The results of the tests are however difficult to generalise because most of the converted
equipment had not been tested with the original refrigerant. Besides, the stock of refrigerators in Cuba
is old and most of these refrigerators have been serviced numerous times by different mechanics.
General safety measures and precautions have been taken in all the refrigerator workshops. As stated,
there have no accidents been reported so far.
Concerning practices: the refrigeration Group of the Universidad de Oriente has been conducting
trainings at several centrally situated workshops throughout the country to refrigeration entrepreneurs
that are working in the state owned workshops.
It is not completely clear if all customers are fully aware of the fact that their revised refrigerant is
charged with hydrocarbons, LB12. Those who do are aware are stated to be fully accepting the option
as a good one.
e)
And HFC technology?

Micro enterprises
Small
Medium
Large
NA
f) What are their experiences with HFC technology?
NA
g) What are their experiences?
Energy efficiency
Safety
Practices
Consumers
Performance
NA
h) How are these enterprises organised?
The workshops and enterprises that deal with the service of refrigeration equipment are all state owned.
They are organised at Barrio, Municipal and Provincial level. Controls on the function of the workshops
are top down.
a) What type of schooling/training institutions for refrigeration service people are there in
your country? (on the job, vocational, tti, universities, specific courses)
At technical training institutes students are trained at a intermediate refrigeration technology level.
Universities conduct, within their departments of mechanical Engineering courses on refrigeration
technology. The employees of the refrigerator workshops receive on the job training and it is also
possible to receive a post graduate course on refrigeration technology.
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3) Awareness and publicity on the use of HC as refrigerant

a) What organisations and institutions work in the field of consumer awareness
There are a number of state organisations that work in the field of consumer awareness; although the
system differs from many other countries. Cuba is a centrally organised state in which several specific
groups are organised. Every municipality is divided into barrios, comparable to quarters or (small)
districts. Every barrio knows a council that is responsible for the communication between the people
and the state. These councils are also responsible for the implementation of the Government policy at
this level, including the implementation of the environmental policy. Besides these organisation into
these barrio council the people are usually organised in specific target groups. This can be a womens
group, youth, manual labourers, etc. Environmental issues are discussed within these groups.
A consumers organisation as such that carries out research, tests and investigation into general consumer
problems and their possible solutions is not known in Cuba. Complaints are dealt with through the
barrio council to a higher level. When for instance consumers are dissatisfied with a type of service
rendered, like for instance from a refrigeration workshop, it is common that first the workshop is
approached. If this fails, the consumers can turn to the barrio council that will deal with the matter at a
higher level.
b) Is the public/are consumers aware of the fact that cooling equipment is being
charged with HC?
A converted, with hydrocarbon charged refrigerator, is labelled with a sticker at the back of the
refrigerator.
c) What is their reaction?
If the consumers are informed their general opinion is favourable towards the new technology. If the
consumer would insist on charging with CFCs instead of LB 12 it could also mean that the reparation
has to be postponed until R12 is available; the costs of charging with R12 would also be higher.
d) How can consumers and the users of HC charged equipment be informed?
It is considered that the way in which consumers are being informed is sufficient.

Hydrocarbon refrigerant, LB12, is applied by all the workshops in the country. All these workshops are
state owned workshops. The knowledge on the application of LB12 is considered sufficient; te
Universidad de Oriente from Santiago de Cuba gives regular trainings and information workshop to the
entrepreneurs.
The general possibilities of receiving a refrigeration training are widely available at the different types
of education Cuba knows.
The workshops are not organised in a branch organisation. The social structure, all state owned
workshops, makes this superfluous.
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There are no official or regular consumers organisations in Cuba. There are numerous organisations
that do however deal with consumer complaints, but all of these function from their own limited
background and focus. Customers that are informed on the charge of their serviced refrigerator are
stated to have no problems with it; as long as the refrigerator functions.
6.4 Technical Aspects

1) Retrofit process
Retrofitting in Cuba is not a matter of a pure choice for a more environmental technology. The reason
for the development and consequent production in 1993 of the hydrocarbon refrigerant LB12 was born
from need. CFC R12 is difficult to obtain, and when there is a supply it is often expensive. LB 12 is
cheaper, simple to apply, and usually readily available.
The basic techniques for the conversion of refrigeration equipment to hydrocarbon refrigerant are
applied. The methods and especially the tools could be improved. Charging of a system is done on
pressure, sometimes scales are used. The scales that were demonstrated are definitely old fashioned and
have not been equilibrated for many years.
The cylinders used for the charging of the LB 12 are 4,5 kg cylinders that are filled at the workshop from
1 large, 50 kg cylinder. The small cylinders have no handles nor charging pipes so usually the technician
keeps the cylinder upside-down on his shoulder when charging.
Since the beginning of 1997 a UNDP CFC Recovery and Recycling Network is being implemented in
the country. The CFCs that are recovered from the equipment that is being serviced is usually stored in
cylinders. It has been stated that the equipment that does come into the workshops (workshops for
domestic and small commercial refrigeration equipment) is usually empty with the refrigerant leaked
out almost completely. Trying to recover the minimum charge of CFC that might be left in the system
is not worth while.
d) What are the costs of improper use of HC as a refrigerant to refrigeration equipment?
There are no data that indicate any (more) costs being involved whatsoever in equipment charged with
Hydrocarbon refrigerant,
e)
The employees of the refrigeration workshops have since several years been working with hydrocarbon
refrigerants. They feel confident and secure and find no problems other than lack of proper and new
equipment.
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f) What is your perception of the adequacy of the HC-technology for Article 5 countries?
HC technology is considered a good, cheap and simple option for Article-5 countries. It is an easy to
apply technology.
2) Safety
country?
The employees of the state refrigeration workshops have usually received an intermediate technical
training. Persons working with companies are usually academically trained.
b) Can transport and stock of Hydrocarbons pose any safety risks to anybody?
There will always be a risk involved when transporting and storing flammable substances like hydrocarbons. The chances that an accident could occur have to be diminished by taking adequate safety precautions.
c)
service, consumer)
Until now there are no reports of accidents involved in the use of hydrocarbons as refrigerants in Cuba.
3) Quality of Refrigeration equipment
a) How is the performance of the refrigeration equipment before and after Retrofitting?
Energy consumption
Components
Oil
Due to the limited resources of the Refrigeration Group of the Universidad de Oriente only a small
number of domestic refrigerators have been converted to LB12 with the purpose of doing scientific
research into the performance of the system with the new refrigerant. Those systems that have been
converted function well. Of those systems that were tested before the conversion the following remarks
were made: the energy consumption is lower compared to the use of R12; no components were changed
(not only because it was not needed but also because spare parts are quite difficult to obtain).
The oil was not changed but indications have been mentioned that another lubricant with a higher
viscosity would be needed.
b) Are there any changes in the lifetime of HC charged refrigerators compared to
The stock of domestic refrigerators in Cuba is old; failure of converted systems could therefore be
caused by several factors. It would be difficult to find out if a failure would occur because of the charging
with hydrocarbons.
c)
Are there any changes in the energy efficiency of HC charged refrigerators compared to
The Refrigeration Group of the Universidad de Oriente is currently researching a domestic refrigerator
in order to obtain data.
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d) Is the energy consumption of a refrigerator an issue in your country?

It is claimed to be a very important issue; no details on why are available.

Retrofitting in Cuba is performed by all the state owned workshops. The reason for applying the
hydrocarbon replacement technology is however not based on environmental considerations. The lack
of R12 in the country, limited import because of the financial situation Cuba finds itself in, has forced
a nation wide implementation of the state initiated use of hydrocarbons. The locally produced
hydrocarbon refrigerant is applied in basically all domestic refrigerators that are brought to the
workshops for servicing. The refrigerators are cleaned, checked on leaks and charged with LB12, if
available. If necessary defective parts are changed; this is if these new parts are available. Though the
technical knowledge of the entrepreneurs is more than sufficient, the availability of both LB12 as well
as spare parts hampers a smooth functioning of the workshops.
The new parts can also be revised old parts; the fact that separate workshops exist where compressors
are revised en masse can be seen as an indication for the precarious situation Cuba finds itself in.
There is no question whether hydrocarbons refrigerants are a viable solution for the phase out of R12;
for Cuba it is the only solution.
Most of the equipment that enters the workshops is already void of refrigerant. The main cause of
malfunctioning of the refrigerators being leaks. If however there is still R12 in the system it is tried to
recover and store it. If the amount is too small for recovery it is discarded into the environment.
There are as yet no reliable data on the lifetime of refrigerators when they are charged with LB12. Since
the stock of refrigerators in Cuba can without doubt be said to be old, there is no doubt that the
technicians will keep the refrigerators functioning in the future.

At this moment the laws and especially the norms, rules and regulations concerning, production,
transport and storage of LPG (used as cooking gas and fuel) are being adapted to include hydrocarbons
as refrigerants. One of the additions will be that the current practice of using second hand LPG cylinders
for the storage of LB12 will be abandoned. At this moment the second hand LPG cylinders are cleaned,
fitted with a refrigerant valve and filled with LB12. The consequence of the new rule will be that
specially designed refrigerant cylinders have to be produced.
There exist extended rules concerning the code of practice for employees at the workshop level.
In case of complaints consumers will firstly approach the entrepreneur/refrigeration workshop to try to
find a solution there. If this turns out to be unsatisfactorily they will turn to the Barrio council, and if
necessary they will turn to higher organisational levels.
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The workshops are organised in the so-called councils via the consumer complaint system.
At every workshop level (barrio, Municipal and provincial) there is a spare part distribution system. So,
if there is a complaint concerning the non function of spare parts the workshop owner can apply for
spare parts at the barrio level and if the parts are not available to a higher level.
c) Is there an organisation that deals with these issues?
The Office of Justice deals with the proper implementation of the laws.

The development of rules and regulations in Cuba is well developed. Most of these rules and regulations
were developed in close co-operation with the former Sovjet Union. The norms are known as the
Norma Cubana and are developed by the Offician de Normalizacion. The regulations are evaluated
regularly, usually after the regular inspections of a factory by an inspector. Norms, rules and regulations
will only than function when frequent and independent analysis are made of the current situation.
The existing norms, rules and regulations concerning the production, transport, storage and application
of LPG as cooking gas are currently being adapted to be used for LB12, flammable hydrocarbon
refrigerant, too.
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Due to the economical and trade situation Cuba found itself in after the political changes in Eastern
Europe the country was forced to find a solution for, amongst others, the refrigerant situation. The
Government greatly stimulated the development of a Cuban refrigerant based on hydrocarbons, the LB
12 and LR11. Raw material was abundantly available in the form of the by-products of the three
refineries. Since several years LB12 is being promoted and used by the refrigeration entrepreneurs when
servicing domestic and small commercial equipment. The exact composition and functioning of this
LB12, which consists of a mixture of 98% pure propane, butane and n-butane, is however not known.
Test on the composition and functioning of this refrigerant in existing equipment have been carried out,
but it is felt that more tests will have to be conducted to irrefutable prove the working as well as the
benefits of this refrigerant. Cuba will need international support for these researches since the countries
own resources are limited. It is felt that more information on the refrigerant LB12 has to be brought to
the attention of the international refrigeration public. The development of LB12 can be called unique
world wide and deserves more attention from all parties involved.
LB12 has been successfully used by the refrigeration workshop as a replacement refrigerant in existing
domestic and small commercial refrigeration appliances. However, the consumers of the refrigeration
equipment are not always aware of the refrigerant charge of their refrigerator. Refrigeration is important
in Cuba; the climate is very hot and humid and cool beverages, the safe storage of food and food
products are essential. Even though consumers might not at all be interested in the charge of refrigerant,
the nature of LB12, flammable hydrocarbons, makes good consumer information and extension to
consumers a prerequisite.
In this the functioning of the Ozone Technical Office will prove to be very important. The OTOZ is
responsible for the proper implementation of the Cuba Country Program on the phase out of ozone
depleting substances and the introduction of proper alternatives. The OTOZ has good international
contacts and may be considered the governmental body that serves as the interface between the Cuban
state and the International forums that deal with the ODS issue. When more consumer education will
be brought to the public the OTOZ can bring together the international knowledge on the issue and the
state bodies, for instance the department of extension of the AMA. It is felt that continuation of the
services of the OTOZ following the CP has to be provided.
The UNDP Recovery and Recycling Network which has been functioning since the beginning of 1997
does work, but it is felt that the impact of the network could be improved. Availability of spare parts like
points for the perforation pliers, transport for the recycling machine, maybe even production of a Cuban
recovery machine, keeping in mind the availability of spare parts, would improve this impact. It is felt
that a R&R network should be integrated with the unique Cuban experience, the use of the hydrocarbon
based refrigerant LB12. Sole recovery and recycling of R12 without a secure stock of R12 for
recharging demands and alternative. Based on Cubas experience this alternative has to be sought in
further development of the LB12. International academic discussion and possible international testing
and refining of the LB12 production techniques and product itself would undoubtedly benefit the
refrigerant situation in Cuba. Besides this the R&R network needs more promotion among refrigeration
entrepreneurs throughout the country.
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The current situation where the existing rules and regulations on the production, transport and use of
LPG as cooking gas may prove to be an example for other countries.
At this moment the safety aspects concerning the storage and use of LB12 refrigerant in the workshops
need some more attention to fully guarantee all safety requirements.
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ANNEXES
Annex A List of abbreviations
AMA
Agencia de Medio Ambiente

Environmental Agency
CITMA
Ministerio de Ciencia, Tecnologa y Medio Ambiente

The Ministry of Science, Technology and Environment
CP
Cuba Country Program
GoC
Government of Cuba
MAC
Mobile Air Conditioning
M.A.I.S.
Mercado de Artculos Industriales y Servicios

Industrial Articles and Services Market
MINCIN
Ministerio de Comercio Interior

The Ministry of Internal Trade.
MLF
Multilateral Fund
MP
Montreal Protocol
OTOZ
Oficina Tcnica de Ozono

Ozone Technical Office
R&RN
Recovery and Recycling Network
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Date
Name
Address
Contact person
Repondents
Field of business
Date
Name
Address
Contact person
Repondents
Field of business
Date
Name
Contact person
Field of Business
Date
Name
Address
Contact person
Respondents
Field of business
Date
Name
Address
Contact person
Repondents
Field of business
256
August 25 &26
Calle 47 e/18a y 20 Miramar, Playa. C. Habana
Sr. Dr. Ing. Prof Tit: Nelson Espinosa Pena, Ozone Officer
Sr. Dr. Carlos Pablo Noland Empty, Specialist of the Ozone Unit
Sr. Andrs Ramos Prieto, Translator
Technical Ozone Office of the Environmental Department of the CITMA
August 25
Ministerio de Ciencia, Tecnologa y Medio Ambiente (CITMA);
Agencia de Medio Ambiente (AMA)
Calle 20 Esquina A 18-a Playa, Ciudad de la Habana
Sr. Dr. Fabio Fajardo Moros, President AMA
Sr. Dr. Fabio Fajardo Moros
Sr. Dr. Ing. Prof Tit: Nelson Espinosa Pena
Sr. Dr. Carlos Pablo Noland Empty
Environmental Department of the Ministry of CITMA
August 26
Ministerio de Comercio Interior (MINCIN)
Ministry of Internal Trade
August 26
UNISARCO Taller Provincial de Equipos de Aire Acondicionado y
Refrigeracion Comercial
Provincial Workshop for Air-conditioning and Commercial Refrigeration
Ciudad de la Habana
Sr. Carlos Pablo Noland Empty
Sr. Rafael Varella, Pricipal Engineer of the Technical Department
Sr. Rafael Hernndez, Production Manager
Sr. Michel Lpez, Director
Servicing workshop and 1 of the 6 UNDP Recovery and
Recycling Networks
August 26
Instituto Nacional de Refrigeracon y Climatizacon
National Institute for Refrigeration and Climatecontrol
Ciudad de la Habana
Jorge Oviedo, Director
Guillermo Cartaya, Researcher
Industrial Repair Centre for Refrigeration Equipment and Research
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Date
Name
Address
Contact person
Repondents
Field of business
Date
Name
August 27 / 28
Universidad de Oriente, Department of Mechanical Engineering,
Refrigeration Group
Ave. Las Americas y Calle L,CP, 90900, Santiago de Cuba
Sr. Mcr. Ing. Reinaldo Guilln Godin, Head of Refrigeration Group
Sr. Ing. Rafael Quintero Ricardo, Researcher
Sr. Ing. Josu Imbert Gonzlez, Specialist
Sr. Ing. Inty Matos Briosa, Specialist
Sr. Ricardo Pratts Milans, Specialist
Sr. Alexnder Martnez Rodrguez, Specialist
Sr. Tec. Omar Fabars Salmn, Technical Assistant
University Group of Refrigeration, Research Group on LB12
Field of business
August 27
Taller Provincial de Recuperacin de Motocompressores
de Refrigeracin Domstica
Santiago de Cuba
Sr. Ing. Patrick Jones, General Manager
Sr. Oswaldo Laguna, Technician
Revision and Recovery of Compressors
Date
Name
Address
Contact person
Repondents
Field of business
August 28
Taller Garzn
Santiago de Cuba
Sr. Rmulo, Technician
Recovery and service of domestic refrigerators
Date
Name
Contact person
Field of business
August 29
EINPUD
Appointement cancelled
Refrigerator factory
Date
Name
Contact person
Field of business
August 29
Fro Clima
Address
Contact person
Repondents
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ADDED MEETINGS
Date
Name
Address
Contact person
Repondents
Field of business
August 27
Universidad de Oriente, Principals Office
Ave. Las Amricas y Calle L,CP, 90900, Santiago de Cuba
Sr. Dr. Enrique Maran Reyes, Rector of University
Rector Sr. Dr. Enrique Maran Reyes, Rector of University
Sr. Dr. Pedro Beatn Soler, Dean of Research and Post-Graduates
Rector Universidad de Oriente
Date
Name
Address
Contact person
Respondents
Field of Buisiness
August 28
LB12 refrigerant plant
Santiago de Cuba
Sr. Ing. Laercis Daz Macias, Director
Producers of LB12 Hydrocarbon refrigerant
Date
Name
Address
Contact person
Repondents
August 28
Forum Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnologia
Santiago de Cuba
Sr. Jose Antonio Gmez Alvarez, Manager
Sra. Soila Milet Rontillo, Energy Specialist
State assigned body for the identification and promotion of scientific ideas
Field of business
Date
Name
Address
Contact person
Respondents
Field of Business
Date
Name
Address
Contact person
Repondents
Field of business
258
August 29
United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
Calle 18 n 110 entre 1ra. y 3ra, Miramar, Playa,
Ciudad de la Habana
Sr. Jafet Enrquez, Programme Officer
United Nations Development Programme
August 29
Business Dinner
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A
What organizations, institutions and other groups work in the field of

protection of the ozone layer?
1
2
3
4
What are their relations?
1
2
3
4
b
c
Phase out of CFCs
a
b
What is the amount of CFC in your country?

How much CFC is used in the service sector?
country?
How does it work?
ECONOMIC ASPECTS

What is the amount of HC used in your country as a refrigerant?
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d
e
f
g
h
i
j
k
Could the quality of the non-imported available HC be improved?

And if so, how?
How are the controls carried out?
CFC
HFC
LPG
HC
d
e
Do you think it is a viable option to convert larger systems from CFCs

to HCs? (starting at 2 kg)
And to HFCs?
(leak proof, size, type of compressor, location, adaptations like ventilation, gas/leak
detection)
To HCs
To HFCs
a
b
What would be the implications for the workshops if they shift from CFCs
to HCs? (income, technical training, clients, equipment)
SOCIAL ASPECTS

Number of employees
Micro enterprises
<10
Small
<20
Medium
<100
Large
>101
Micro enterprises
Small
Medium
Large
b
c
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c
d

Energy efficiency
Safety
Practices
Consumers
Performance
And HFC technology?
Micro enterprises
Small
Medium
Large
Energy efficiency
Safety
Practices
Consumers
Performance
How are these enterprises organised?
What type of schooling/training institutions for refrigeration service people are

there in your country? (on the job, vocational, tti, universities, specific
courses)
c
d
What organizations and institutions work in the field of consumer awareness

Is the public/are consumers aware of the fact that cooling equipment is being
charged with HC?
TECHNICAL ASPECTS
Retrofit process
a
b
c
d

f
g
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e
f
Safety
country?
Can transport and stock of Hydrocarbons pose any safety risks to anybody?
service, consumer)
b
c
How is the performance of the refrigeration equipment before and after

retrofitting?
Energy consumption
Components
Oil
Are there any changes in the Energy efficiency of HC charged refrigerators compared
a
b
c

Is there an organization that deals with these issues?
b
c
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Annex D Questionnaire Spanish
ASPECTOS AMBIENTALES
Proteccin de la capa de ozono
Cules organizaciones, instituciones o grupos, trabajan en el campo de la proteccin de

la capa de ozono?
1
2
3
4
Cul es la relacin entre stas?
Cmo se financian?
1
2
3
4
b
c
Eliminacin de los CFCs
a
b
c
d
Cul es la cantidad de CFC en su pas?

Cuntos CFC son utilizados en el sector de servicio? Domestico y comercial
Est funcionando en su pas una red de recuperacin y reciclaje de PNUD?
Cmo funciona?
ASPECTOS ECONOMICOS
Hidrocarburos como refrigerantes
a
b
Cunto HFC es utilizado en su pas? Domestico y comercial

Cunto HC es utilizado en su pas? Domestico y comercial
Cul es la calidad del HC no importado disponible?
(pureza, mexcla de HCs, contaminacin, agua)
Puede mejorar la calidad del HC no importado disponible?
De ser as, cmo?
Existe alguna regulacin de producto sobre los HC como refrigerantes?
Quin pone estas regulaciones?
Quin ejecuta el control?
c
d
e
f
g
h
i
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Cul es el costo de los HC, el LPG y los HFC en comparacin con los CFCs por unidad?
CFC
HFC
LPG
HC
Conversin de sistemas de mayor escala
d
e
Cree usted que es una opcin viable el convertir sistemas de mayor escala de CFCs a
HCs? (a partir de 2 kg)
Y a HFCs?
Cules seran las caractersticas de un sistema para realizar tales conversiones?
(pruebas de fuga, tamao, tipo de compresor, ubicacin, adaptaciones como ventilacin,
deteccin de fugas/gas)
A HCs
A HFCs
Generacin de ingresos/empleo
a
b
Cules seran las implicaciones para los talleres si estos cambiaran de CFCs a HCs?
(ingresos, entrenamiento tcnico, clientes, equipo)
Y un cambio de CFCs a HFCs?
ASPECTOS SOCIALES
Asistencia a pequeos talleres
Cuntos talleres en refrigeracin trabajan en el rea de servicio?

Nmero de empleados
Micro empresas
<10
Pequea empresa
<20
Mediana empresa
<100
Gran empresa
>101
Cuntos talleres de servicio aplican la tecnologa de los hidrocarburos?
Micro empresas
Pequea empresa
Mediana empresa
Gran empresa
Por qu aplican HC?
Seguridad
Prcticas
Clientes
Desempeo
b
c
c
d
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f
g
Y HFCs?
Micro empresas
Pequea empresa
Mediana empresa
Gran empresa
Por qu aplican HFC?
Seguridad
Prcticas
Clientes
Desempeo
Cmo estn organizadas estas empresas?
Entrenamiento y educacin
Qu tipo de instituciones de educacin/entrenamiento existen en su pas para el personal

de servicio? (en el trabajo, vocacionales, institutos tcnicos, universidades, cursos
especficos)
Concientizacin y publicidad en el uso de los HC como refrigerantes
Qu organizaciones e instituciones trabajan en el campo de la concientizacin del

consumidor con respecto a aspectos ambientales del ozono y alternativas a las sustancias
que desgastan la capa de ozono?
Est el pblico/los consumidores concientes del hecho de que su equipo de refrigeracin
se est cargando (est cargado) con HCs?
Cul es su reaccin?
Cmo pueden ser informadas las personas que utilizan equipo de refrigeracin cargado
con HCs?
b
c
d
ASPECTOS TECNICOS
Proceso de cambio de refrigerante
a
b
c
d
Por qu cree usted que los tcnicos cambian el tipo de refrigerante en un equipo?
Cmo se efecta este tipo de cambio? (herramientas, consideraciones tcnicas)
Qu sucede con el CFC que estaba dentro del equipo?
Cules son los costos del uso inapropiado del HC como refrigerante en un equipo?
(uso de electricidad, reparaciones futuras, costos para el consumidor)
Cules son las experiencias del personal de servicio que ha realizado el cambio de
refrigerante? (cilindros, presin, clientes, medida de la carga)
Cul es su percepcin de la viabilidad del uso de la tecnologa de hidrocarburos en los
pases del Artculo 5?
e
f
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Seguridad
Cul es el nivel de educacin de los tcnicos de servicio de equipos de refrigeracin en su

pas?
Puede el transporte y almacenaje de HC presentar algn riesgo para las personas?
Existe algn reporte de accidentes relacionados con el uso de HC como refrigerantes?
(talleres, servicio, consumidor)
b
c
Calidad del equipo de refrigeracin
Cmo es el desempeo del equipo de refrigeracin antes y despus del cambio de

refrigerante?
Consumo energtico
Componentes
Aceite
Existe algn cambio en la vida til del los equipos cargados con HCs comparado con los
equipos a los que no se les ha cambiado el refrigerante?
Existe algn cambio en la eficiencia energtica de los equipos cargados con HCs
comparado con los equipos a los que no se les ha cambiado el refrigerante?
Es el consumo energtico de un refrigerador un aspecto discutido en su pas?
ASPECTOS REGULATORIOS Y DE DEMANDAS
Cules son las leyes y regulaciones en su pas con respecto a la tecnologa de

refrigeracin?
Cundo se da una pregunta sobre responsabilidad cmo se manejo esto?
Existe algina organizacin que trate estos aspectos?
b
c
b
c
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Annex E Reports of interviews Cuba

Date
Name
Address
Contact person
Repondents
Field of business
August 25 & 26
Calle 47 e/18a y 20 Miramar, Playa. C. Habana
Sr. Dr. Carlos Pablo Noland Empty, Specialist of the Ozone Unit
Technical Ozone Office of the Environmental Department of the CITMA
History of the Environmental organisation in Cuba

The first organisation that dealt with environmental aspects in Cuba was the Direction of Environment
and Natural Resources (DIMARCA in Spanish). From this, in 1981, emerged the Academy of Sciences,
the National Commission of Environment and Natural Resources and the Commission of Nuclear
Aspects.
With the Law of Environment from 1994 all of these organisations were disolved, and the Agency of
Environment (AMA) was created as a governmental institution. This organisation controls the
implementation of the Cuban Agenda 21 and the agreements of the Ro Convention (1992).
Inside the different governmental institutions there are also environmental commissions that control the
environmental aspects of these respective organisations.
There are also national commissions dealing with the implementation of international agreements like
the Montreal Protocol (Technical Ozone Office), Biodiversity agreements and the Vienna Agreement
among others.
Some non governmental organisations in Cuba:
Pronaturaleza,
The man and the nature
The Association of Zoologists
The Association of Botanics
The Cuban Academy of Sciences
International organisations working in Cuba or having joint projects with different institutions and
organisations in the country:
Green Peace,
UNDP (office in Cuba),
UNEP (office in Mexico),
UNICEF, (office in Cuba),
UNIDO, (office in Cuba),
FAO, (office in Cuba),
GEF, (project related to bio diversity)
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OMS (health related projects),

OMM.
Cuba has projects related to sports, culture and health. The projects are executed in co-operation with
several countries like Canada, through CIDA (Canadian International Development Organisation),
Spain, France, Sweden and Germany.
The industries have their own environmental problems, even though some of these problems are mainly
related to financial problems.
In 1998 the government will implement a law regarding the imports of CFCs as refrigerant, both stock
and in charged equipment, to comply with the regulations of the Montreal Protocol. The only CFC
permitted to be imported would be the CFC used in medicine like Salbutamol aerosols. The law is going
to include a regulation of the people working in refrigeration. Only those persons who have been trained
or are going to be trained in a certified training program are going to have the permit to work in
refrigeration. The ones who do not fulfil this aspect would have to be trained in the aspects needed to
receive their certificate.
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Date
Name
Address
Contact person
Repondents
Field of business
Date
Name
Address
Contact person
Respondents
Field of Business
August 25
Ministerio de Ciencia, Tecnologa y Medio Ambiente (CITMA);
August 26
Ministry of Internal Trade (MINCIN)
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Date
Name
Address
Contact person
Respondents
Field of business
August 26
UNISARCO Taller Provincial de Equipos de Aire Acondicionado y
Refrigeracion Comercial
Provincial Workshop for Air-conditioning and Commercial Refrigeration
Ciudad de la Habana
Sr. Carlos Pablo Noland Empty
Sr. Rafael Varella, Pricipal Engineer of the Technical Department
Sr. Rafael Hernndez, Production Manager
Sr. Michel Lpez, Director
Servicing workshop and 1 of the 6 UNDP Recovery and
Recycling Networks
This enterprise works in the field of commercial refrigeration and air conditioning and gives service to
the area of Havana and some other regions. The workshop also attends to the Ministry of Internal Trade,
military units, gastronomy organisations and hospitals. The workshop has a working force of 214
people, including 42 women. Unisarco works with R12, R22 and R11 for cleaning and they give
technical assistance to organisations that have systems charged with R11.
The workshop does not recycle much R12 because most of the equipment they service has open
compressors, so the recovered refrigerant doesnt have a high level of impurities. The refrigerant is
directly reused. The equipment they service has a refrigeration capacity higher to the 100 refrigeration
tons and air conditioning units charged with approximately 150 kg of refrigerant.
It was stated that the refrigerant recovery and recycling network is not working very well due to a lack
of promotion. Even though some organisations specifically ask for the R&RN service.
The amount of refrigerant used in the workshop is about 250 kg per week. This is charged in equipment
that has suffered some kind of leak. Some organisations buy their own refrigerant and hand it over to
UNISARCO for use. So, the amount UNISARCO handles for servicing equipment is higher than the
amount they purchase.
The prices of refrigerants have changed in the last 8 months. At the beginning of the year the price for
R12 was of $2.63/kg and for the R22 $4.30/kg though actually the prices are $4.70 and $8.16/kg
respectively. There are times when the refrigerant is very difficult to acquire, so some refrigeration
systems can not be serviced and are out of order until refrigerant is available.
The way UNISARCO charges for their work depends on the nature of the organisation. If they service
equipment of a governmental organisation then they charge the raw material plus 10% in US dollars,
and the work labour in Cuban currency. If the organisation is international then they charge everything
in US dollars.
There is a project with the Ministry of Internal Trade to service domestic equipment of the population.
The name of the project is M.A.I.S. (Industrial Articles and Services Market).With this project they
would assure quality and warranty and the costs are going to be covered in Cuban currency. The price
for the service would depend on the economic status of the client.
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The R134a is used for MAC and some new refrigerators. The refrigerant is not in the market, it has to
be demanded for in advance and it takes a rough 2 months to arrive. They only buy the R134a they need
for a specific project. The respondents see no problem in using R134a if they have the technical data
about the refrigerant.
The UNDP refrigerant recovery and recycling network has been working for more than 6 months. It
started at the end of 1996. Before it was implemented they recovered the refrigerant with hand made
recovery machines. These machines made the procedures of less quality. Now their work is improved
by the equipment given by the UNDP project. The only problem shown with this equipment is that some
times it drags the lubricant out of the system, so they have to charge the compressor with new lubricant.
The distributors of the recovery equipment also supply the lubricant because they are aware of this
problem. Sometimes they have to transport the recycling machine to the client, which at this moment
becomes a problem since they dont have a vehicle to do so.
Four of the technicians in UNISARCO were trained in the recovery and recycling technology as a part
of the R&RN project. These technicians introduced the technology to their colleagues. They have one
or two follow up trainings every year for internal and external technicians.
They dont work with HC, because of the type of equipment they service. They were involved in some
tests with LB12 on domestic refrigeration two years ago. Since they dont have technical data on LB12
they cant give their opinion about it.
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Date
Name
Address
Contact person
Repondents
Field of business
August 26
Instituto Nacional de Refrigeracon y Climatizacon
National Institute for Refrigeration and Climatecontrol
Ciudad de la Habana
Guillermo Cartaya, Researcher
Industrial Repair Centre for Refrigeration Equipment and Research;
research in the refrigeration area; production of commercial
equipment; distribution of air conditioning units; training of technicians
and service
This Institute is part of the Refrigeration and Boilers Industrial Group. The institute is reactivating the
research activity. The institute provides its services to all Cuba. Actually they are opening workshops in
other provinces. Their work force consists of 120 people, and have 25 years working in this area.
The type of refrigerants used in the institution are R12, R22, R11 for cleaning, R404, R502 and R134a.
The last one only for new equipment which has been designed for this refrigerant. They dont use LB12
because of the size of the equipment they service. Even though they have done some laboratory tests
with the LB12. The results were that the LB12 works well on equipment designed for R12, it is
compatible with the oil. The compressor works on a lower temperature, and the energy consumption is
reduced. From the knowledge of the properties they could tell if it consumes less than the R12.
The LB12, as a mixture of HC is seen as the first step into the use of pure HC. On the LB12 the acidity
and the amount of sulfur has to be controlled. This is supposed to be controlled in Santiago, by the
people in charge of the project.
The price of the R134a is between 10 and 20 US dollars. They buy very small amounts. The price of the
R12 is $3/kg with a tendency of increasing. The institute hasnt had a problem with the supply of this
refrigerant. They buy 4 ton of R12 and 4 ton of R22 per year.
They import equipment with R22, R404 and R12, and also assemble and produce equipment.
During servicing they recover the R12 when possible. When the system has humidity they dont recover
the refrigerant. They havent recovered refrigerant in the last 6 months. Most of the times when an
equipment is serviced it doesnt have refrigerant in it.
They have trained more than 200 technicians, on good refrigeration practices. They train the technicians
working with the MINCIN, on refrigeration and compressor recovery. The institute also reviews the
equipment bought by the MINCIN.
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Date
Name
Address
Contact person
Repondents
Field of business
Date
Name
Address
Contact person
Repondents
Field of business
August 27 / 28
Universidad de Oriente, Department of Mechanical Engineering,
Refrigeration Group
Ave. Las Americas y Calle L,CP, 90900, Santiago de Cuba
Sr. Ing. Rafael Quintero Ricardo, Researcher
Sr. Ing. Josu Imbert Gonzlez, Specialist
Sr. Ing. Inty Matos Briosa, Specialist
Sr. Ricardo Pratts Milans, Specialist
Sr. Alexnder Martnez Rodrguez, Specialist
Sr. Tec. Omar Fabars Salmn, Technical Assistant
University Group of Refrigeration, Research Group on LB12
August 27
Taller Provincial de Recuperacin de Motocompressores
de Refrigeracin Domstica
Santiago de Cuba
Sr. Oswaldo Laguna, Technician
Revision and Recovery of Compressors
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Date
Name
Address
Contact person
Repondents
Field of business
August 28
Taller Garzn
Santiago de Cuba
Recovery and service of domestic refrigerators
Taller Garzn is a municipal company with 29 employees. They had more than 100,000 refrigerators
assigned for repair. Around 40 refrigerators per day are received for repair. The refrigerators are
transported from the houses to the workshop by the owners or by the workshop itself depending on the
working orders. They repair the equipment according to the availability of the restored compressors
(from the Taller Provincial de Recuperacin de Motocompressores de Refrigeracin Domstica) and
drying filters. At the moment of the visit there was no production due to lack of drying filters. There was
a small stock of new (not of revised) compressors.
The workshop sells chilled fruit juice at the entrance as a side job to obtain an increased income. Not
only the income is important but also the profitability of the workshop profitable. If selling is high for
a semester the workshop could receive an award as well as additional funding for their efforts, the
Vanguardia Nacional. This money and the award motivates the employees.
The procedure of servicing starts when the workshops receives the refrigerators that have to be prepared.
These refrigerators are is analysed and distributed to the repair area depending on the mall-function. The
areas in the workshop are Electricity, Mechanical and Tin plate fixing. Most of the refrigerators come
to the workshop because of problems in the compressor. In the mechanical area the condenser is cleaned
with a hydrocarbon solvent (LR95 or LB11), then it is blown with nitrogen to dry the system. The used
solvent is recovered and used for other types of cleaning.
The condenser is installed in the equipment, the filters and some times the compressors changed. The
system is leak tested with nitrogen for 24 hours at 200 in Hg. The system is charged with LB12 in the
liquid phase, after shaking of the LB12 cylinder to ensure proper mixing of the product, at the high
pressure side through the drying filter. The refrigerant is charged by pressure and an average of
approximately 2 onz of gas is charged into the system. The pressure and temperature performance (-15
- -22 C) is checked with a simple thermometer. A sticker is applied to the back of the system, usually
at eye-high level, which states that the system cannot be soldered and the administration number of the
employee who serviced the equipment.
The recovered CFCs are stored and then send to the recycling centre. At this moment the workshop is
not recovering the refrigerant because of a mall-function of the recovery equipment.
The workshop keeps a control of the refrigeration equipment that enters the workshop. The level of
return of the serviced equipment is of approximately 2%, most of them because of problems in the
evaporator.
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Date
Name
Address
Contact person
Respondents
Field of business
August 29
EINPUD
Date
Name
Address
Contact person
Respondents
Field of business
August 29
Frio Clima
Appointement cancelled
ADDED MEETINGS
Date
Name
Address
Contact person
Repondents
Field of business
August 27
Universidad de Oriente, Principals Office
Ave. Las Amricas y Calle L,CP, 90900, Santiago de Cuba
Sr. Dr. Enrique Maran Reyes, Rector of University
Rector Sr. Dr. Enrique Maran Reyes, Rector of University
Sr. Dr. Pedro Beatn Soler, Dean of Research and Post-Graduates
Rector Universidad de Oriente
The rector of the Universidad the Oriente showed his interest in the Country Specific Survey in Cuba.
The development of the LB12 hydrocarbon refrigerant is still closely followed by the rector. Approx.
4100 students study in 25 different trades at the university.
The discussion held with the rector focussed on the ways in which co-operation with foreign institutes
and organisations could be established in order to further expand the Universitys international
activities.
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Date
Name
Address
Contact person
Respondents
Field of Buisiness
August 28
LB12 refrigerant plant, Meeting held at the Universidad de Oriente
Santiago de Cuba
Producers of LB12 Hydrocarbon refrigerant
The LB12 refrigerant plant started the production of LB12 in 1993. The LB12 plant is a part of the one
of the three national refineries of Cuba in Santiago de Cuba. The GoC decided on the location of the
LB12 plant. The LB12 plant was designed to produce the refrigerant for the pilot project and viability
analysis of the hydrocarbon refrigerant at the Universidad de Oriente. The research into and the
production of LB12 was organised through the National Forum on Science and Technology. Sr. Laercis
Daz, who is one of the two researchers and developers of LB12 at the Universidad the Oriente, was
assigned by the GoC as the Director of the LB12 plant. Sr. Daz is still connected to the Universidad de
Oriente as a joint professor. The plant has a staff of 12 persons, including the laboratory and relies on
the administrative structure of the refinery for the overall management, administration, infrastructural
services and of course the raw base product, the feed stock Actual production of LB12 for national use
started in 1996. Since than a total of 50 tons of LB12 have been produced.
The LB12 plant also produces a product called LB11, which is a replacement for solvents. Another
replacement for solvents is LR95 but this is produced in another factory. At this moment no LB11 is
being produced. The shortage is felt at the workshops in the province who are forced to delay their work
for this. The production of LR95 is high to prepare a stock, when this is fulfilled the production of LB11
will be started again. Sr. Daz stated that when the stock of both products is high enough the products
can be used for other purpose as well like welding.
The production of the plant is completely based on the capacity of the refinery: i.e. good and sufficient
feed stock. The production of the refinery relies on the possibility for the GoC to buy crude oil on the
world market. When the refrigerator workshops in the provinces need a provision of refrigerant input
they can apply for that with the GoC. The GoC orders the production at the plant who will start delivery,
or, if necessary, production. It does occur that there is a time lag between the demand put by the
workshops and the delivery of the product by the plant.
The product is distributed in tanks of 45 kg, which complies to the countries national standards for the
transport and storage of LPG. The tanks used are re-used LPG tanks. The tanks are cleaned, fitted with
new refrigerant valves and charged at the factory.
The norms and regulations used at this moment for the production, transport and storage of LB12, LB11
and LR95 comply with the national standards for the use of LPG. LPG is widely used as a cooking gas.
The Oficina de Nomalizacies and charged at the factorvelopment of the Cuban norms and regulations.
Every organisation in Cuba that deals with flammable substances has a Department of Fire that controls
the use of the substances. The norms are installed to ensure the functionality of the enterprise as such
The norms therefore apply especially to that specific organisation.
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The existing rules and regulations for flammable substances are being reviewed in order to extend them
for flammable hydrocarbon refrigerants like LB12. The Universidad de Oriente is involved in this
process. The new norms are based on national research and experience as well as on foreign information
and literature like the British Standard 4434 and the German DIN 7003.
Unfortunately it was not possible to visit the refinery nor the LB12 production plant due to
organisational reasons.
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Date
Name
Address
Contact person
Repondents
Field of business
August 28
Comision Provincial de Ciencia y Tecnologia
National Forum of Science and Technology
Santiago de Cuba
Sra. Soila Milet Rontillo, Energy Specialist
State assigned body for the identification and promotion of scientific ideas
The National Forum of Science and Technology is a state assigned body that co-ordinates and
implements scientific ideas that arise from research carried out in the Province of Santiago de Cuba. The
objective of the Forum is to disseminate and apply results and solutions that arise from scientific
research. The dissemination and application of the research into hydrocarbons as refrigerants, the
development of LB12, has been co-ordinated from the office of this Forum in Santiago de Cuba. The
Forum consists of a group of professionals and scientists who both organise and promote the
investigation, reviews and scientific solutions that are presented by the interested parties. The Forum is
assisted in its work by so-called Technical Information Groups of which there are 11 in the province of
Santiago de Cuba. It is a social non-governmental organisation. The CITMA has provincial
representation in the Forum: workers, municipalities and governmental enterprises are represented in
the Forum.
The working order of the Forum is regulated as follows. State institutes and enterprises that encounter
problems in their specific areas list and describe these problems. This is done for a specific period,
usually a year, and according to the objectives that were set for those institutes and enterprises.
The list is subsequently submitted to the Forum. The Forum than tries to find a reasonable and rational
solution. Many parties are involved in this solution seeking process, the opinion of private persons is
considered as important for the finding of a workable solution. The Forum mentioned that farmers also
participate in the discussions. When solutions have been found they are communicated to the State
Government. The approval from the State is than sent back to the Forum who applies the solution with
the institute that submitted the initial problem. The Forum co-ordinates the complete process of the
submission of the problem to the final implementation and the promotion of the solution.
As part of the forum there is a group whose work is dedicated to the area of refrigeration and climate
control. In this the Oriental University is represented by Mr. Reinaldo Guilln. The group evaluates
proposals and solutions to environmental and scientific problems in the area of refrigeration and climate
control. Every year there are two general meetings in which all representatives join.
The Forum gives awards every year to the best proposals and solutions presented. They promote the
solutions nationally and publish the results.
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Date
Name
Address
Contact person
Respondents
Field of Business
August 29
United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
Calle 18 no 110 entre 1ra. y 3ra, Miramar, Playa,
Ciudad de la Habana
United Nations Development Program
The United Nations Development Program in Cuba has been assisting the Government of Cuba with
the writing of the CP in 1993. The CP foresees in a number of projects. Until now two projects have
been submitted and approved by the MLF. For the coming year five more project proposals have been
submitted. These new projects are for the Purification of LPG, Second phase for the Recovery and
Recycling Network, IDM, for the provison of aerosols for medical purposes (salbutamol), NonMethylbromide demonstrations and training of trainers and MAC.
The two projects that were approved by the MLF are the institutional strengthening of national Ozone
Office (1) and the set up of a Recovery and Recycling Network (2). The UNDP has been directly and
actively involved in both these projects.
1
One of the focal points in the CP was the strengthening of the national Ozone Office. After the
signing of the MP by Cuba in 1993 the Ozone Office was then set up. The UNDP supports the
OTOZ not only with staff, the administration and office equipment but also with assistance in the
setting up of environmental campaigns and writing of proposals for non-ODS projects. The co-operation between staff of UNDP and OTOZ is considered good and productive. Following the CP the
contract for the OTOZ will end this year. This means that a solution has to be sought for funding if
OTOZ wants to continue its activities in the future. The GoC does acknowledge the importance of
a well functioning Ozone Office. The economical situation of Cuba will however restrict extended
possibilities for the GoC to finance such an institute. For that reason the UNDP is now working
together with OTOZ on a project proposal for a second phase for OTOZ.
The recovery and Recycling Network, which started operating at the end of 1996, comprises the
installation of 6 sets of recycling equipment, 70 recovery units and additional equipment for proper recovery and recycling. The people working with the equipment have been trained in proper
workshop practices and use of the equipment. There has already been an evaluation of the functioning of the network. This evaluation has been executed by the consultant that wrote and implemented the network, together with the UNDP. A second evaluation will take place early 1998. One
of the findings from the first evaluation was that recovery of CFCs from larger systems (hospitals,
offices etc) was a problem.
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Date
Name
Address
Contact person
Repondents
Field of business
August 29
Business Dinner
During the informal business dinner the preliminary results and findings of the survey in Cuba were
discussed.
The OTOZ representatives stated that the survey in Cuba has been beneficial for the Ozone Office. The
survey with the visits to and meetings with the representatives of the different organisations proved a
good opportunity for the OTOZ to meet with the different parties that participated in the survey.
Sr. Fajardo Moros expressed that scientifical data of the research on hydrocarbons as refrigerants should
indeed be made available for further (international) studies. It has however to be kept in mind that all
the research on hydrocarbons as refrigerants in Cuba was born out of need. It was not a direct expression
of environmental awareness as such. The fact that the availability of synthetic refrigerants in Cuba was
limited due to the various reasons described in this report, made it necessary to find a Cuban born
solution; a solution that would make and keep Cuba independent of international and economic
relations regarding the availability of refrigerants in the country.
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Annex F Terms of Reference

Objective:
countries.
Terms of reference:
Specific tasks are:

- the schedule must be consistent with making results from the study available to be used as partial input to the follow-up Montreal Workshop proposed for early September 1997.
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282
- the content of the specific questions will need to be customized to suit the situation and conditions prevailing in each particular country, e.g. only LPG available in Cuba;
survey.
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UNEP
Part III - Workshop Report

Montreal, Canada, 8 september 1997
Final version, amended in December 1997
Nikolaus Schall
Samuel Hess
Othmar Schwank
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Part III Workshop Report
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
Introduction ...........................................................................................................
287
1.1 Objectives...........................................................................................................
1.2 Workshop participants........................................................................................
1.3 Workshop procedure ..........................................................................................
287
287
287
Results of the Workshop.......................................................................................
289
2.1 Desk Survey and Country Surveys.....................................................................

2.2 Group work results .............................................................................................
2.3 Facilitators comments .......................................................................................
289
289
290
Conclusions ............................................................................................................
292
3.1 Results of the final panel discussion ..................................................................

3.2 Final conclusions drawn by the panel Chairman, Dr. L. Kuijpers .....................
3.3 Address by Dr Omar El Arini, Chief Officer MFS ............................................
292
292
294
ANNEXES
Annex A List of participants.......................................................................................
297
Annex B Workshop programme................................................................................
305
Annex C Results of the discussion groups................................................................
308
C1 Results of Group 1: Performance, energy consumption, reliability .........

C2 Results of Group 2: Safety, liability, cost and availability .......................
C3 Results of Group 3: Conditions for the implementation of HC-based
refrigerant replacements in Article 5 countries ........................................
308
312
Annex D MetaPlan methodology ..............................................................................
317
Annex E Composition of working groups................................................................
318
Annex F Opening address by Ed Norrena, Director General, Environment

Canada..........................................................................................................
319
Annex G Workshop presentations.............................................................................
321
G1
G2
G3
G4
G5
315
Prof. R.S. Agarwal, IITD, India................................................................

Marja Tummers, ECOZONE, The Netherlands .......................................
Marcela Velzquez, CEGESTI, Costa Rica..............................................
David Gibson, Dewpoint Ltd, UK............................................................
Dr Othmar Schwank, INFRAS, Switzerland............................................
321
335
345
349
357
Annex H Main points of internal review of process and workshop results

(9 September 1997) .....................................................................................
363
Workshop photographs...............................................................................................
364
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1. Introduction
1.1 Objectives
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) commissioned a Desk Survey and several
Country Surveys to investigate the potential for hydrocarbon-based refrigerant replacements (drop-in
and retrofits) in existing domestic and small commercial appliances. Most studies had been submitted
in draft form, and in order to assess the implications and the recommendations contained in these
studies, a Workshop was planned to be held at the Le Centre Sheraton, Montreal on 8 September 1997.
The objectives of the workshop were:
Presentation of the Desk Survey and the Country Surveys (UNEP studies):
Presentation of further relevant studies and material;
Provide the participants with an opportunity to discuss the studies;
Share the participants own experiences on matters raised in the various studies as well as collecting and disseminating additional country-specific know-how;
Assess and answer any additional open questions which the participants may have;
Define the next steps which could or should be undertaken;
The workshop was also designed to pursue a couple of indirect objectives. These included:
Bringing together the ozone officers, technicians and policy-level officers from Article 5 countries
(A5) together with experts from Article 2 countries (A2);
Provide a forum to share experiences, information and knowledge as well as to disseminate information regarding HC as a refrigerant for drop-in and retrofits in domestic and small-commercial
refrigeration.
By planning to hold the workshop back-to-back with the meetings and 10th Anniversary celebrations
of the Montreal Protocol, an opportunity was used during which many experts from both A5 and A2
countries were assembled in Montreal. The vicinity to the Multilateral Fund Secretariat also ensured
that an opportunity was afforded for high ranking members of the Secretariat to open and close the
workshop and to be informed about the proceedings.
1.2 Workshop participants
In order to be able to discuss the major facets of the problem, a mix of participants were invited to the
workshop, the majority coming from A5 countries. Since the target group for the workshop centred on
the ozone officers from A5 countries, they formed the largest group invited to attend. In total, some
eighty participants were invited, whereby some fifty-seven eventually took part.
1.3 Workshop procedure
Based on the objectives which have been outlined above, the workshop organisers had prepared an
agenda for the one-day meeting. After initial introductions and opening speeches time was provided for
the presentation of the Desk Survey and the Country Surveys. In addition to these reports, three other
presentations were included which were designed to provide additional information on HC refrigerant
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for drop-in and retrofits. The time provided for the presentations was quite short, the assumption being
that the participants could refer to these at a later stage and the presentation should only include the most
salient points and recommendations. After presenting the reports, a short period had been set aside in
order to clarify any issues which the participants had not fully comprehended during the presentations.
The intention was not to discuss the reports in detail since this task had been set aside for the group work.
Having intentionally restricted the presentation time and in view of the fact that most of the reading
material could not be distributed in advance of the workshop, a need existed to provide the participants
with additional condensed information on the studies and desk report. For this purpose, short statements
had been prepared by the consultants working on the reports, in collaboration with INFRAS. These
statements were read out to the workshop participants, whereby a refrigeration expert assisted in
clarifying issues which may arise as a result of presenting the statements. The input statements were
primarily designed to determine the topics and objectives of the three working groups which had been
proposed, as well as providing the entry point for the group discussions. After the participants had
reached a consensus that three working groups should indeed be formed and having given their consent
to the topics which the groups were to deliberate upon, the workshop facilitator gave a very brief
presentation on the objectives and methodology to be used by the group work (i.e. Metaplan system,
compare Table 10).
After the groups had deliberated upon the topics assigned to them, a presentation was carried out,
followed by a panel discussion. The panel discussion was designed to synthesise the conclusions and
recommendations drawn up by the working groups and to define general conclusions (compare 3.1).
The Chief Officer of the Multilateral Fund Secretariat, Dr Omar El Arini, made some final observations
from the viewpoint of the Secretariat.
The workshop planned to combine traditional presentation techniques with a participatory method
designed to involve all participants in the process. Rather than making them mere recipients of
information, the idea was to gain the full involvement of the workshop participants, thus a mix of
plenary and group work was used throughout the day. An incremental approach starting from presenting
the results of the Desk and the Country Surveys was mixed with sharing the experiences of the
workshop participants.
Continuous visualisation of the results throughout the workshop ensured that a step-by-step approach
to assessing the Desk and Country Surveys and sharing of results could be achieved. The Metaplan
system, the group work and the preparation of the information and methodology for the group work
meant that in the very short period of time set aside for the group work, as much information and knowhow as possible could be assimilated.
A small number of workshop participants met on the following day (9 September 1997) in order to
assess the workshop results, clarify open issues and assist in explaining the results of the group work so
that these could be properly documented
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2. Results of the Workshop

2.1 Desk Survey and Country Surveys
The results of the workshop have to be seen in conjunction with the extensive documentation presented
at the workshop which included the Desk Survey, country surveys and other relevant information on HC
refrigerants. Since most participants had, for reasons of time constraints, received this information at
registration for the workshop only, this information was highlighted during the morning presentations
(refer to Annex G). Desk and Country Surveys were the source of statements which were selected as an
imput for the group work. The working-groups had, in their discussions, made reference to evidence
presented in Desk and Country Surveys, including the additional presentations made for Africa by
David Gibson and for India by Othmar Schwank. Having these inputs documented separately, this short
report focuses on the results of the one day workshop which was conducted on 8 September only.
2.2 Group work results
The results of the group work have been encompassed in tables 1,2 and 3 and they are generally selfexplanatory. What only remains to be mentioned in a little more detail is the process which the groups
undertook to achieve the results depicted in the tables.
Group 1:
The entry point for the group discussion deviated a little from the initial approach suggested by the
workshop facilitator. The group decided to initiate the process by assessing questions which the
participants may have towards the whole approach of retrofitting with HC refrigerants (compare
Table 2). Thereafter, the group proceeded to assess the statements which had been compiled from the
studies and Desk Survey (Table 1). Modifications, changes, reformulation and additions and removal to
the list of statements was then undertaken by the group members. The two exercises were also weighted
by the participants in order to determine the relative importance the participants attached to any of the
statements. Within Table 1 and Table 2, the ranking which the participants undertook has also been
depicted. Finally, Group 1 assessed questions which remained unanswered. Reversing the logic, the
conclusion that can be drawn is that open questions in effect also define the next steps which the group
is suggesting should be undertaken. Once again, a ranking of these has been undertaken as contained in
Table 4.
Group 2:
Group 2 tackled the exercise slightly differently. The group members agreed to examine the initial
statements, modifying and changing these as they saw fit. The group then proceeded to cluster the
results according to logical criteria and also weighted the results (compare Table 5). The group spent a
considerable time deliberating over the statements, eventually agreeing on those which have been
documented in Table 5. Thereafter, the group was left with little time to rank the statements which they
had agreed upon. Although this exercise was undertaken at the very end of the session (the results of
which have been included in Table 5 to Table 7), Group 2 also assessed open questions which still exist
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and further mentioned some issues which they felt were geared towards the policy level. These have
been included in Table 6 and Table 7.
Group 3:
The topic selected for group 3 proved to be by far the most popular one amongst all the participants.
This resulted in a very large group size, despite the workshop facilitators efforts to ensure that balanced
group sizes were maintained (compare list of group work participants in Table 11). Group 3 also had to
deal with a highly politicised topic, a point which was not lost on the majority of workshop participants
who were ozone officers from A5 countries used to deal with policy-oriented issues.
Central emphasis of the group was to examine, modify and develop alternative statements compared to
those provided by the workshop organisers. It was interesting to note that the group struggled through
the extracted statements, often getting bogged down in the phrasing of the statements. This fact further
underlined the highly political and sensitive nature which the topic of HC as a refrigerant for drop-ins
and retrofits is. After having gone through the statements with great care, the majority were either
completely reformulated, revised, or new statements were written. With little or no time left for the final
part of the group work, a hastily planned and applied ranking system was applied in order to be able to
determine where the participants felt that action would have to be undertaken as soon as possible.
Conclusions were drawn during the final panel discussion, these were then summarised by the
Chairman of the panel discussion and have been documented (see Section 3.2).
2.3 Facilitators comments
Combining both information dissemination in the form of summarised presentations of the studies
together with group work in a single day proved to be quite a challenge. Despite being so ambitious, a
great deal of information was generated and the main objectives which had been set at the start of the
workshop were achieved. Given a little more time (eg two days for the Workshop alone) it would
perhaps have been possible to gain even more information in terms of quantity and quality.
The level of participation both during the plenary and especially in the group work was very
encouraging. Motivation levels were high, willingness to share information and to participate actively
were excellent, and the methodology used to conduct the group work was generally well-received. The
mix of presentation and group work was also well-liked by the majority of the workshop participants.
During the review of the workshop on the second day, the group facilitators reported very positively
about their experiences in the group, noting that the methodology also helped to bridge language gaps
and ensured that a transparent process which was results oriented was undertaken. The main findings of
the ex-post workshop assessment have been included in Annex H.
During the moment when the participants had to choose which working group to join it became
immediately apparent that the majority of the participants wanted to join group 3 (dealing more with
policy aspects). In order to maintain roughly equal group sizes, it became necessary to limit the
numbers. The workshop facilitator then suggested that the two technical groups could also examine
certain policy issues related to introducing the technical recommendations into the political and policy
process. This compromise proved acceptable to the participants who then felt that their desire to also
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deal with policies issues in relation to technical aspects of HC were met. The results of the two groups
partially reflects some of the groups deliberations on these policy issues.
If the workshop is viewed as part of an on-going process of information collection and dissemination,
then the results can be assessed in a very positive light. The fact that the whole topic of refrigerant
replacement with HC refrigerants (in fact: with any refrigerant) is quite a politicised issue may explain
the sometimes hesitant manner of some of the workshop participants. The importance of the workshop
in disseminating new information of HC refrigerant replacements to the ozone officers was important,
particularly in view of the many comments on the poor information dissemination currently on-going.
Many of the concerns of these ozone officers with regard to retrofitting with HC could also be tackled
during the workshop by the various technical experts who attended.
One basic question which the Workshop was examining was to assess whether HC as a refrigerant
would be a proven technology which can be actively promoted or, if this is not the case, what still
needs to be done in order to be able to get the technology proven. The main issues that still need to be
looked into have been listed in Dr. Lambert Kuijpers short summary which was derived directly from
the results of the group work and the panel discussion and included in 3.2.
One can then conclude that a further step was undertaken to make HC as a refrigerant replacement a
viable possibility in existing equipment. Since operating conditions of existing refrigeration equipment
do significantly differ between Article 2 and Article 5 countries, the demand for demonstration projects
which address the cost of safety (and, through this, prove or unprove HC refrigerants as a replacement
in one or the other market segments) was clearly addressed by Article 5 country participants.
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3. Conclusions
3.1 Results of the final panel discussion
The panel discussion was chaired by Dr Lambert Kujipers (UNEP-TEAP Co-chair). The group
moderators Jeffry Levy (Group 1: performance, energy consumption, reliability), Stephan Sicars
(Group 2: safety, liability, cost), Steve Gorman (UNEP-IE; Group 3: conditions for implementation),
and Keith Snelson (NRC; project leader) acted as panelists. After a first round of reviewing the
achievements in the working groups among panelists, the discussion was opened to the floor. The
facilitator took note of the key statements and opinions as they were tabled in chronogical order:
Information dissemination is needed: technicians, end-users, service people
Training needs: public awareness of technology, best practices / safety
Testing of performance is needed
Proven technology ? - link to next steps; see below
Is the information sufficient to make correct decisions? link to next steps; see below
Global / specific information needs. Globally suitable information can be given now; they are an
input for country-specific information following specific needs
Simple appliance designs in low-income countries generally means simpler needs
What needs to be done and by whom in order to gain proven technology status?
Liability has to be looked at more carefully
For agencies to approve funding, proven technology is needed
Know-how on HC properties is sufficient
More information is needed on appliance/compressor performance and on energy consumption
Reliable property data do exist
Performance testing vis-a-vis R12 and existing units has to be done
Performance testing is needed for domestic but not for small commercial appliances
TOC refrigeration has to agree whether or not HC is a proven technology
Need to follow up the UNEP studies and Workshop results by next TOC Refrigeration report
3.2 Final conclusions drawn by the panel Chairman, Dr. L. Kuijpers
The issue of retrofitting of small refrigeration appliances with hydrocarbons is a complex one. It is
difficult to resolve in a straightforward and general manner. First, one should define hydrocarbons in
this case as a mixture of propane and isobutane with a low level of contaminants (and not LPG or other
blends).
Why is it complex or difficult? Retrofitting involves a number of totally different aspects:
technical issues or engineering issues on a used product that is difficult to define
safety issues from a technical point of view including standards and regulations
safe handling and worker safety which includes training and awareness, and
costs that should be affordable.
In summary, one can say that the objective is widely accepted:
i. after retrofitting, product quality should be maintained (quality here means good performance
where it relates to food storage i.e. temperatures),
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ii.
furthermore, after retrofitting the product should be safe, while the retrofit should be carried out at
affordable costs for Developing Country consumers.
During this workshop it was often stated that there is a lack of information. This is true in so far as it
concerns detailed guidance on retrofit procedures. However, this does not imply that this information is
not available or can not be developed. Basic parameters of retrofit are established as per safety standards
for new products. For enhancing information levels there should be a flow back and forth between both
Developed and Developing Countries. Since the retrofitting is a country or region specific issue, it
implies that technical information and information on the existing types of products in a country,
including procedures and on the SME servicing background have to be made available.
How should one proceed at this stage? There is a need to resolve outstanding technical issues, which
maybe product specific and address handling and safety (and other issues which may have been
identified in the Desk Survey). Only once there is a general consensus that the technology is proven
(maybe only for certain ranges of products), can recommendations on training, technical and financial
support be made. Therefore:
some tests should be performed on refrigerant blend/lubricant interaction (which is not product
specific)
round robin testing of some different types of products regarding quality i.e. maintaining storage
temperatures, maybe needed and should be decided by experts from Developing Countries
training should address:
1. handling of refrigerants and products which are not country specific
2. decisions on which products to retrofit (lifetime and specific aspects of the product) which
is country specific and how to retrofit them.
The latter implies that training manuals should have a 60-80% global/general component, 20-40%
regional or country specific component. It would make the issue also more attractive, or receiving the
appropriate attention.
This is not different from the common practice of servicing refrigerator manufacturers with
multinational operations (read: different products) where many product types avail.
Design data i.e. thermodynamic property programmes, etc, are available. reliability of HC applications
in products is not an issue that needs to really be addressed at this stage. It relates to the storage
temperature/energy consumption and to costs related to safety, where some-more data is needed.
Within this context, the relatively simple one evaporator products (which can be found in many LVC
countries) are the first candidates and are the candidates for retrofit i.e. retrofit once the product breaksdown). This also holds for small commercial equipment, such as milk coolers. Retrofitting here could
be achieved at relatively short notice. However it requires that certain national standards are set, that
certain national recommendations are available. Only once there is a conviction in a country that
promotes these retrofits can one proceed. How will the development of country strategies in the form
of Refrigerant Management Plans stimulate this? It again emphasizes the development of country
specific issues, RMPs are training manuals and these are based upon the fact that technologies, in
certain circumstances, are proven, which goes back to the issue mentioned above.
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No doubt the biggest incentive or the most important driving force is the price. High priced CFCs and
not expensively available hydrocarbon mixtures will automatically cause a change, but guidance should
then be available.
The discussions will proceed and will have centred on whether the technology is proven. The above
outlines that additional efforts are involved. The TEAP and its TOC Refrigeration should address this
issue and present conclusions and/or give guidelines, at least Parties to the Protocol should be kept
informed about the progress (where this study and workshop discussions will be of much help and
could form a new starting point). This type of information will be needed by the Multilateral Fund once
activities of Implementing Agencies in this field are discussed. It will be investigated whether TEAP
and its TOC can further deal with this issue in the April 1998 progress report and/or the November 1998
assessment report.
3.3 Address by Dr Omar El Arini, Chief Officer MFS
Dr El Arini thanked the Workshop organisers, in particular for the participative methods used during the
Workshop which will be for the benefit of a better understanding of the issues at stake in the field of
hydrocarbon-based refrigeration within the Montreal Protocol framework. He then went on:
The Fund Secretariat has worked with the Implementing Agencies concerned on stream-lining the
incremental costs of safety associated with the conversion to the hydrocarbon technology, and is
continuing to do so. The goal is to come to an understanding on how safe is safe within the context of
the Multilateral Fund and the incrementality of the costs that it supports.
The new applications of the hydrocarbon technology discussed during this workshop represent a new
challenge to the Multilateral Fund. This challenge will have to be dealt with within the terms of
reference of the Fund, which inter alia include that the technologies to be supported by the Fund should
be proven, environmentally viable and represent the most cost-effective option.
In conclusion, the Multilateral Fund through its stakeholders has made the ascendancy of the
hydrocarbon technologies a reality as is manifested by the projects it supported in Article 5 countries to
comply with their Montreal Protocol commitments. The main challenge now is to speed up the
implementation of these technologies and to report back to the Executive Committee on the lessons
learnt. This will inform better decision making regarding the new applications of these technologies.
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ANNEXES
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Annex A List of participants

Names are in alphabetical order
Name
Organisation
Address
Country
1. REPRESENTATIVES OF ARTICLE 5 COUNTRIES

Mr Charles
Asare
Environmental Protection
Agency;
Programme Officer
P.O.Box M. 326
Accra
Tel. ++223 2166 4697 /8
Fax ++233 2166 7374 /2690
Ghana
Mr Alvaro
Brenes Vargas
Ministerio de Recursos
Naturales Energia y Minas
(MIRENEM);
Coordinator Comision
Gubernamental del Ozono
(COGO)
Apartado 7-3350-1000
P.O. Box 73350
San Jos
Tel. ++506 258 2621,
++506 257 8287
Fax ++506 233 1791
abrenes@meteoro.imn.ac.cr
Costa Rica
Mr Ronaldo
Cerdas
Inst. Nacional Apprendizaje
San Jos
Tel. ++506 232 44 22,
ext. 270/255
Fax ++506 232 0221
Costa Rica
Mr Zhang
Chongxian
National Environmental
Protection Agency of China
(NEPA);
Advisor, Senior Engineer
115, Nanxiaojie, Xizhimennei

Beijing 100035
Tel. ++86 10 6615 1927 /37
Fax ++86 10 6615 1776 /62
China
Mr John Vassili
Christoforou
Coldair Engineering
Company Limited
Technical Director
P.O. Box 804

Khartoum
Tel. ++24 911 330 482
Fax. ++24 911 330 975
++24 911 772 201
Sudan
Mr Dao Duc
Tuan
National Ozone Unit of

Vietnam
Coordinator
57 Nguyen Du Str.
Hanoi
Tel. ++84 4 822 8974
++84 4 825 3343
Fax ++84 4 826 3847 / 0779
d.d.tuan@bdvn.vnmail.vnd.net
Vietnam
Mr Ranjith
Wickrama
Dharmawardhana
Environment Division,
Ministry of Forestry
& Environment;
Technical Officer
6th Floor Unity Plaza Building

Colombo 4
Tel. ++941 592 927
Fax ++941 592 927
janakar@sri.lanka.net
Sri Lanka
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Mr Thomas
Djiako
Ecole Inter-Etats
dingnieurs de lEquipement Rural (E.I.E.R.);
Consultant Techn. Frigor.,
Professeur
03 BP 7023
Ouagadougou 03
Tel. ++226 30 71 16/17
Fax ++226 31 27 24
DJIKO@eier-univ-ouaga-bf
Burkina Faso
Mr Nelson
Espinosa Pena
Oficina Tcnica de Ozono,

Director General
Calle 47 e/18A y 20
C.P. 11300, Miramar, Playa,
Ciudad de La Habana
Tel. ++537 24 4155
++537 22 1592
Fax ++53 7 24 4255
Cuba
Ms Hilda del
Carmen
Espinoza Urbina
Ministerio del Ambiente y

Recursos:
Direccon General del
Ambiente de MARENA,
Directora de Actividades
Econmicas
Carretera Norte KM 12.5

Apartado 5123
Managua
Tel. ++505 2 632 599
Fax ++505 2 632 620
Nicaragua
Apdo. 10104
San Jos
Tel. ++506 257 5658
Fax ++506 222 4580
vicemi@sol.racsa.co.cr
Costa Rica
Mr Marco Antonio Vice Minister, Ministry of

Environment and Energy;
Gonzalez
ExCom Vice Chair, M.Sc.
Mr Reinaldo
Guilln Godn
Universidad de Oriente
Jefe Grupo Refrigeracin
Edificio No. 3, Apto. 1-D,

Garzon, Santiago de Cuba
Tel. ++53 226 42019, ext. 222
Fax ++53 226 32 689
guilln@fim.ud.edn.cu
Cuba
Mr David
Lesolle
Department of
Meteorological Services;
Senior Meteorologist
P.O Box 10100

Gaborone
Tel. ++267 35 62 81,
++267 35 62 84
Fax ++267 35 62 82
lesolle.dms@info.bw
Botswana
Mr J. Romano
Lopez
Ministry of Trade and

Industry
Tel. ++264 61 283 71 11,

ext. 7244
Fax ++264 61 259 676
Namibia
Ms Carmen
Mora Donayre
Ministerio de Industria,
Turismo, Integracin y
Negociaciones Comerciales
Internacionales: MITINCI;
Directora de Asuntos
Normativos y Jefa de la
Calle Uno Oeste No 050 Urb.

Corpac
Lima 27
Tel. ++51 1 224 3393
Fax ++51 1 224 3393 /3264
++51 1 225 5110
mitinci@ambien.gob.pe
Peru
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Mr Louis
Ndiaye
E.F.E.D.
Direction de
lEnvironnement
Rue 34x45 face, B.P. 6557

Dakar-Etoile
Tel. ++221 226 211 /210 725
++221 220 734
Fax ++221 226 212
direnvir@enda.sn
denv@telecommplus.sn
Mr Carlos Pablo
Noland Empty
Environmental Agency
(Ozone Unit);
Environment Specialist
Calle 20 Entre 18A y 47, Playa, Cuba

Ciudad de La Habana
Tel. ++537 24 4041/0798
Fax ++537 24 4041/0798
++537 33 8654
Mr Roberto
Peixoto
CETESB: Sao Paulo State

Environmental Agency,
Maua Institute of
Technology; Refrigeration
& Air Conditioning
Estrada das Lgrimas

2035 Sao Caetano do Sol
Sao Paulo 09580-900
Tel. ++55 11 741 3024
Fax. ++55 11 741 3041
robertope@cetesb.br
Brazil
Ms Laura
Roca
FONDOIN
Gerente de Proyoctos
Project Manager of
FONDOIN
San Bernardino, Av. Cecilio

Acosta Qta. Puchin No 55,
Planta Alta, Caracas
Tel. ++582 519 684
Fax ++582 519 684
fondoin.caracas@sprintel.sprint.com
Venezuela
Mr Frederick
William
Solesbury
Ministry of Trade and

Industry: Ozone Office,
Geotec - Applied
Geo-science
Ozone Officer
P.O.Box 90201
Windhoek
Tel. ++264 61 240 330
Fax ++264 61 240 330
Namibia
(Republic of)
23, rue Calmette

Dakar-Etoile
Tel. ++221 226 211
++221 210 725
Fax. ++221 226 212
direnvir@enda.sn
Senegal
Carrera 10 # 20-30, Of.608

Santaf de Bogota
Tel. ++57 1 282 4483,
++57 1 243 4952
Fax ++57 1 282 4483
Colombia
Mr Ndiaye Cheikh Ministre de

lEnvironnement et de la
Sylla
Protection de la Nature
Bureau Ozone;
Chef de Division
Mr Diego
Velasco
Ministerio del Medio

Ambiente
Unidad Tcnica de
Reconversin;
Ozone Coordinator
Senegal
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2. ARTICLE 2 COUNTRY GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVES

Ms Claire
Dodd
Department of the
Environment, Transport and
the Regions:
Global Atmosphere
Division;
Room B289, Romney House,

43 Marsham St
London SWIP 3PY
Tel. ++44 171 276 8196
Fax ++44 171 276 8285
claire@globatmo.demon.co.uk
United
Kingdom
Mr Blaise
Horisberger
Swiss Agency for

Environment, Forests and
Landscape (BUWAL);
Senior Officer
3003 Bern
Tel. ++41 31 322 90 24
Fax ++41 31 324 79 78
Blaise.Horisberger@buwal.admin.ch
Switzerland
40 Blackall St., Barton

Canberra ACT 2600
Tel. ++61 6 274 1481
Fax ++61 6 274 1172
annie.ilett@dest.gov.au
Australia
Ms Anne Elizabeth Environment Australia

Ozon Protection Section;
Ilett
Manager
Mr Jeffrey
Levy
USEPA Stratospheric
Protection Division
Mail Code 6205J

401 M Street, SW
Washington, DC 20460
Fax ++1 819 953 9029
levy.jeffrey@epamail.epa.gov
http://www.epa.gov/ozone/
USA
Mr Ed
Norrena
Environment Canada
Environment Technology
Advancement Directorate
Director General
Place Vincent Massey, 351 St.

Joseph Boulevard, 18th Floor
Hull, Quebec, K1A 0H3
Tel. ++1 819 953 3090
Fax ++1 819 953 9029
ed.norrena@ec.gc.ca
Canada
Mr Serge
Pannatier
Federal Office for Foreign

Economic Affairs
PO Box
Switzerland
3003 Berne
Tel. ++41 31 322 22 59
Fax ++41 31 312 53 72
serge.pannatier@bawi.admin.ch
Ms Josee
Portugais
Environment Canada
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0H3

Tel. ++1 819 997 7935
Fax ++1 819 953 4936
josee.portugais@ec.gc.ca
Mr Christoph
Rentsch
Swiss Agency for

Environment, Forests and
Landscape, Dr., Head of
Section of Environmentally
Hazardous Products
PO Box
Switzerland
3003 Berne
Tel. ++41 31 322 93 64
Fax ++41 31 324 79 78
christoph.rentsch@buwal.admin.ch
300
Canada
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Mr Peter
Strmer
GTZ / Proklima
Environmental Protection
and Conservation of Natural
Resources
Dag-Hammarskjold-Weg 1-5
Postfach 5180
65726 Eschborn
Tel. ++49 6196 79 2178/79
Fax ++49 6196 79 6318
proklima@gtz.de
Germany
Poland
3. REPRESENTATIVES OF CEIT COUNTRIES

Mr Janusz
Kozakiewicz
Industrial Chemistry
Research Institute;
Head of Ozone Layer
Protection Unit
Rydygiea 8
01-315 Warsaw
Tel. ++48 22 633 9291
Fax ++48 22 633 8295
Mr Marin
Kocov
Ministry of Urbanism, Civil

Engineering and
Environment
Ozone Unit
Macedonia
Skopska Crvena Opstina b.b.
(Republic of)
91000 Skopje
Tel. ++389 91 145 508 /110 290
Fax ++389 91 110 290 /135 065
4. MONTREAL PROTOCOL, MULTILATERAL FUND SECRETARIAT

AND IMPLEMENTING AGENCIES
Ms Cecilia
Corpus
EAP/SEED/UNDP
Montreal Protocol Unit,
UNDP;
Regional Programme
Coordinator
Room FF-9124, 304 East 45th st USA

New York, NY 10017
Tel. ++1 212 906 5005
Fax ++1 212 906 6947
cecilia.corpus@undp.org
Mr Steve
Gorman
UNEP IE OzonAction
Programme

75739 Paris Cedex 15
Tel. +33 1 44 37 14 70
Fax ++33 1 44 37 14 74
sgorman@unep.fr
France
Mr Tony
Hetherington
United Nations
Secretariat for the
Multilateral Fund for the
Implementation of the
Montreal Protocol
Deputy Chief Officer
1800 McGill College Avenue

Montreal Trust Building,
27th Floor, Montreal, Quebec
H3A 3J6
Tel. ++1 514 282 1122
Fax ++1 514 282 0068
tonyh@unmfs.org
Canada
Mr Lambert
Kuijpers
UNEP Technology Panel

Co-Chair
c/o Technical University

PO Box 513
NL.5600 MB Eindhoven
Tel. ++31 40 250 37 97 / 247
24 87
Fax ++31 40 246 66 27
lambermp@pi.net
The
Netherlands
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1818 H Street, N.W.

20433 Washington DC
Tel. ++1 202 458 27 07
Fax ++1 202 522 32 58
jpoppele@worldbank.org
Ms Jessica
Poppele
World Bank;
Global Environment
Coordination Division
USA
Mr Frank
Rittner
Global Environment Facility 1818 H Street, NW,

Washington, DC, 20433
Environmental Specialist
Tel. ++1 202 478 5044
Fax ++1 202 522 3240 / 3245
frittner@worldbank.org
Mr Sidi Menad
Si Ahmed
UNIDO Vienna
Montreal Protocol
Coordination Unit
Vienna International Centre

P.O. Box 300
1400 Vienna
Tel. ++431 211 31 3782
Fax ++431 211 31 6804
Sidi Siahmed@unido.org
Austria
Mr Valery
Smirnov
United Nations
Secretariat for the
Multilateral Fund for the
Implementation of the
Montreal Protocol
Programme Officer
1800 McGill College Avenue

Montreal Trust Building,
27th Floor, Montreal, Quebec
H3A 3J6
Tel. ++1 514 282 1122
Fax ++1 514 282 0068
Canada
USA
5. CONSULTANTS TO UNEP STUDY, TECHNICAL EXPERTS

Hauz Khas
110016 New Delhi
Tel. ++91 11 466 69 79,
ext. 3112
Fax ++91 11 686 2037
rsarwal@mech.iitd.ernet.in
Mr R.S.
Agarwal
Indian Institute of
Technology. New Delhi,
Professor
Mr Francesco
Castronovo S.
National Institute of Ecology Av. Revolucion 1425, level 30

Col. San Angel,
C.P. 01040,
Tel. ++525 624 3548 / 3549
Fax ++525 624 3627
Mr Ebel
Dijkstra
Ecozone BV
Frans Halsplein 8
2021 DL Haarlem
Tel. ++31 23 525 9557
Fax ++31 23 525 9526
ecozone@antenna.nl
http://www.yellowweb.co.cr/ecozone.html
302
India
Mexico, D.F.
The
Netherlands
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Mr Manfred
Egger
Swisscontact - SMEP
Malang
Tel. ++62 341 352 510
Fax ++62 341 352 509
Indonesia
Mr Rodolfo
Elizondo
Swisscontact Fundacin
Suiza de Cooperacin para el
Desarrollo Tcnico Asesor
Tcnico EcoIndustria
Calle 34, Avenida 5. De la

Toyota, Paseo Coln 300 Nte,
100 Este, Apdo. 341-1007
San Jos
Tel. ++506 221 4044
Fax ++506 255 0593
proecore@intercentro.com
Costa Rica
Mr David
Gibson
Dewpoint Ltd.
Managing Director
United
132 College Road
Kingdom
London NW 10, 3 PE
Tel. ++44 181 969 66 05
Fax ++44 181 969 66 05
101471.3523@compuserve.com
yv38@dial.pipex.com
Mr Samuel
Hess
INFRAS Consulting Group

for Policy Analysis and
Implementation
Senior Consultant
Gerechtigkeitsgasse 20
8002 Zurich
Tel. ++41 1 205 95 95
Fax ++41 1 205 95 99
shess@infras.ch
http://www.infras.ch
JI. Gegerkalong Hilir

Desa Ciwaruga
Mechanical Engineer, Head PO Box 6468 BDCD
of Department Refrigeration Bandung 40162
Tel. ++62 22 213789,
& Air Conditioning
ext. 259
Fax ++62 22 213889
Mr Arda Rahardja Institut Teknologi Bandung

Politeknik
Lukitobudi
Switzerland
Indonesia
Mr Reinhard
Radermacher
University of Maryland
Center for Environmental
Energy Engineering
(CEEE), Professor and
Director
3137 Engineering Classroom

Building
College of Engineering
College Park, MD 20742-3035
Tel. ++1 301 405 5286
Fax ++1 301 405 2025
RADER@ENG.UMD.EDU
USA
Mr Hidetoshi
Sagawa
The Japan Refrigeration and

Air Conditioning Industry
Association
Vice Director of Engineering
& International
Kikai Shinko Bldg. 201,

3-5-8 Shibakoen, Minato-Ku
Tokyo 105
Tel. (03) 3438 0308
Fax (03) 3432 1671
Japan
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Mr Nikolaus
Schall
Consultant, Workshop
Facilitator
Neue Strasse 19
61250 Usingen
Tel. ++49 6081 686 490
Fax ++49 6081 686 492
Nikolaus.Schall@t-online.de
Germany
Mr Othmar
Schwank
INFRAS: Consulting Group

for Policy Analysis and
Implementation
Managing Director, PhD
Gerechtigkeitsgasse 20
8002 Zurich
Tel. ++41 1 205 95 95
Fax ++41 1 205 95 99
oschwank@infras.ch
http://www.infras.ch
Switzerland
Mr Stephan
Sicars
Consultant, Dipl. Ing.
Gabelsbergerstrasse 6
30163 Hannover
Tel. ++49 511 39 29 52
Fax ++49 511 39 40 142
106164.2450@compuserve.com
Germany
Mr Keith
Snelson
National Research Council

Canada, Thermal
Technology Center
Director
Tel. ++1 613 993 4892

Fax ++1 613 954 1235
Keith.Snelson@nrc.ca
http://www.ttc.nrc.ca
Canada
Ms Marja
Tummers
Ecozone BV
Frans Halsplein 8
2021 DL Haarlem
Tel. ++31 23 525 9557
Fax ++31 23 525 9526
ecozone@antenna.nl
The
Netherlands
http://www.yellowweb.co.cr/ecozone.html
Ms Marcela
Velzquez
CEGESTI
Apartado 1082-2050
San Pedro
Tel. ++506 255 32 33
Fax ++506 233 40 54
cegesti@sol.racsa.co.cr
Costa Rica
http://www.yellowweb.co.cr/cegesti.html
6. NGOs
Mr John
Mate
304
Greenpeace International;
Ozone Issues Coordinator
5106 Walden Street

Vancouver, BC V5W2V7
Tel. ++1 604 327 0943
Fax ++1 604 322 55 67
jmate@sfu.ca
Canada
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Annex B Workshop programme

Overall facilitation of workshop: Nikolaus Schall
Time
Session title / Topic
Chair / Speakers
08.30
Registration
09.00
Plenary session I
09.00
Inaugural session
Steve Gorman, UNEP IE, Paris
09.00
Welcome address
Chair
09.10
Address
Marco Antonio Gonzalez, ViceMinister, Vice-Chairman of the

Executive Committee of the
Multilateral Fund, Costa Rica
09.20
Address of host country
Ed Norrena, Director General,

Environmental Technology
Advancement Directorate,
Environment Canada, Canada
09.30
Introduction to Workshop programme
Facilitator
09.40
Plenary session II
09.40
UNEP study and related presentations
Keith Snelson, NRC, Canada
09.40
Introduction
Chair
09.45
Desk Survey
Prof. Radhey S. Agarwal, IIT

Delhi, India
Country Specific Surveys

10.05
Indonesia
Marja Tummers, Ecozone,

The Netherlands
10.15
Cuba
Reinaldo Guilln Godn,

Universidad de Oriente, Cuba
10.25
Costa Rica
Marcela Velzquez, CEGESTI,

Costa Rica
10.35
Demand perspectives in French speaking West Africa
David Gibson, Dewpoint Ltd.,

United Kingdom
10.45
Safe drop-in conversion of commercial refrigeration

appliances in India based on a manual
Othmar Schwank, INFRAS,

Switzerland
10.55
Policy guideline for financing of commercial

refrigeration user conversions
Jessica Poppele, The World Bank,

Washington
11.05
Clarification of issues, questions
Chair
11.20
Tea / coffee break
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11.40
Plenary session III
11.40
Identification of key issues for group work
Prof. R. Radermacher,
University of Maryland, College
Park, USA & Nikolaus Schall
Joint assessment of relevant issues

Establishment of three working groups, for example:
WG1
Performance, energy consumption, reliability
WG2
Safety, liability, cost
WG3
Conditions for the implementation

of hydrocarbon-based refrigerant
replacements in Article 5 countries
Introduction to group work
12.30
Concurrent sessions I
12.30
Working groups
Facilitator
Augmentation of inventory of statements as reported

in studies and presentations
Working group 1
Jeffrey Levy, USEPA, Washington

DC, USA
Working group 2
Stephan Sicars, Consultant,

Germany
Working group 3
13.00
Lunch break (buffet, hosted by the Government of Canada)
14.00
Concurrent sessions II
14.00
Working groups, contd.

Discussion of relevant issues, based on presentations
and on own experiences; identification of points of
agreement and disagreement; identification of
missing information; identification and discussion
of possible next steps; preparation of presentation
in plenary
Working group 1
Jeffrey Levy, USEPA, Washington

DC, USA
Working group 2
Stephan Sicars, Consultant,

Germany
Working group 3
15.30 ca. Individual break (as decided by working groups)

15.50 ca. Working groups, continued
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16.45
Plenary Session IV
16.45
Discussion of findings, wrap-up
Lambert Kuijpers, Co-Chair

TEAP, Technical University,
Eindhoven, The Netherlands
16.45
Rapporteurs present findings of working groups
Rapporteurs
17.30
Plenary and panel discussion
Session chairs, working group

facilitators
18.00
Wrap-up
Chair
18.05
Observations
Dr. Omar El-Arini, Chief Officer,

Multilateral Fund Secretariat,
Montreal
18.15
Word of thanks
18.20
Close
Facilitator
18.30
Finish
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Annex C Results of the discussion groups

C1 - Results of Group 1: Performance, energy consumption,
reliability
STATEMENTS
In general the OEM defined storage temperatures (minimum achievable temperature, thermostat
controllability) of a domestic appliance with HC blends are not guaranteed
HC blends used in compressors designed for CFC-12 do not negatively impact the reliability
(reliability = length of useful life
Significant number of domestic appliances ave been converted to HC blends and haven been
operation for years (controversial) without noticeable effect on the reliability (years = big amount
not; more than one year)
HC lends are mature service refrigerants, however, with certain limitations to the equipment being
serviced
Without product adaption, the application of HC blends can lead to an energy consumption penalty
HC blends, mineral oil and the materials typically used in refrigeration circuits are mostly
compatible
Sufficient property data on HC blends is exists but not always accessible (thermodynamic,
flammability, toxicity, etc.)
Literature on the use of HC as refrigerant is often repetitive without contributing additional,

scientific.
The minimally required purity level of HC refrigerants for retrofit use is not well defined
HC blends exhibits a temperature glide which maybe problematic for some products
Comparative performance data between HC blends and CFC 12 following standardized test
procedures is limited
Domestic refrigerator manufacturers address a number of aspects when qualifying a ceratin service
refrigerant for their products, for HC blends the information on these aspects is only available
fragmentally
The permissable amount of HC refrigerant charge differs from conventional refrigerants
Refrigeration equipment should function properly, no matter what the refrigerant
The conclusion matrix of Desk Survey is more comprehensive than the above points
Table 1: Statements which were either agreed upon or at least not disagreed with
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QUESTIONS ASKED
Performance in system:
8 Dots
Performance of compressors -> HC blends
Tests on changes of lifetime?
Thermodynamic performance information is inconclusive for HC blends
How is the temperature glide handled
Modification of energy consumption
Tests of retrofitting of old equipment
Evaluate life tests and calorimeter test results of HIC blends compressors
from India
For appliances prevailing in A 5 countries (service) missing performance data

are not relevant (controversial card)
Refrigerant properties:
4 Dots
Drop in with HC concentrate replacement blend to CFC 12 (thermodynamic

P/H diagram
Therm. data of HC blends
Which is the difference in thermodynamic properties of HC as compared

to CFC 12
Technician training:
3 Dots
Develop lowest denominator technician training
Develop minimum information package for technician training in conversion
Funding:
Ranking
1 Dot
Make demonstration of HC based conversion of small equipment eligible

for funding
Acceptable risk standard:
5 Dots
General purpose guidelines are needed for HC implementation (risk)
Which modifications are needed in conversion of refrigerator from CFC12 to HC
Number of dots distributed to each participant = 3 dots

Table 2: Questions asked by the participants
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Information:
Technicians in Africa do not know how to address safety of HC refrigerant
Information is not widely available in the developing countries
The information which is available in TOC/TEAP studies is not widely available
More efforts need to be undertaken to make information available to A5 enterprises
Performance:
Retrofit performance depends on blend and specific design of models/ units
Any application in existing equipment is limited by the properties of that specific equipment
not just specification
Wide differences reported in energy consumption and pull down times
Properties:
HC blends data 50/50 : R290/ R600a web page
REFPROP should ensure most of the property issues
Training:
Have training manuals, conversion, recovery & recycling (Costa Rica)

Table 3: Participants own experiences
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SUGGESTED STEPS
Ranking
Training:
Develop general training guidelines for conversion and use of HC
6 Dots
Training of trainers in Latin America, Africa and Asia
1 Dots
Invite technicians / trainers from A5 countries to workshops on HC like

this one (Senegal)
2 Dots
Promote training projects for service technicians in A5 countries (e.g Senegal)
3 Dots
Phase out ODS from service sector needs, more non-investment projects
1 Dot
Purity:
Establish minimum purity requirements
1 Dot
Generate funding for minimum purity investigation
0 Dot
Testing and experimental evidence:
Pilot project on retrofitting on a controlled area
2 Dots
Organize worldwide test matrix (tasks, models, fluids, participants)
4 Dots
Do round robin type test where performance can be compared on same units
2 Dots
Make specific tests on old converted equipment; test performance
0 Dot
Develop guidelines to predict performance w/HC, verify
4 Dots
Information response:
Package information on HC replacements matching A5 conditions
3 Dots
Research and development network for the transfer of information
3 Dots
Other:
Need for measurement equipment for the workshops (in the field)

Table 4: Next steps proposed
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C2 - Results of Group 2: Safety, liability, cost and availability

STATEMENTS
Safety:
The safety aspects during servicing of small refrigeration circuits using

hydrocarbons can be adequately dealt with by proper training and equipment
Information is often contradictory as well as being repetitive
During a retrofit with HC refrigerants, replacement of electric components may

be required
Compressor manufacturer as well as equipment manufacturer generally does

not assume liability for HC retrofit and the liability issue of a product
retrofitted with HC refrigerants is not defined. Furthermore, appliance serviced
with HC refrigerants require proper labelling
Question posed is whether a technician would be liable?
What are the safety requirements for retrofits?
What are the safety requirements for new HC equipment
Identification of features which would prevent retrofitting with HC
Costs:
Costs of HC retrofitting -> alternatives A6 countries
The market forces within the framework of international agreements will dictate
what refrigerant will be used in the future
HC refrigerants means they are easily available at the same or similar price and in
the same quantities as CFCs
The costs and availability of HC blends in the quality grades suitable for
refrigeration systems is currently a problem in many countries
Supply infrastructure for HC refrigerants not satisfactory (availability in A5

countries)
Use of HC depends on cost as dictated by taxes
For reasons of cost and availability, R12 is often used to re-charge HFC 134a
refrigerators
134a can be replaced by HC as well
What would be cost-effectiveness of HC retrofitting?
Purity:
Blend of HC should be formed from pure fractions to achieve optimal

thermodynamical properties
Use of technical grade HCs may cause the failure if a refrigerant system
312
Ranking
30 Dots
18 Dots
7 Dots
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Production:
0 Dots
Production of HC required grade is not technically or economically viable in the

majority of A5 countries
Production - not much knowledge there to form an opinion
Production of HC refrigerants not patented (controversial card)
Storage:
0 Dots
Training is needed in storage and transportation of HC
Production/storage of HC is related to industrial policies of A5 countries
Because of the flammability of HC, refrigerant storage and distribution requires

special safety precautions
General:
0 Dots
The actual state of the art in safety may vary between the different countries
Need for a common knowledge standards (was considered to be dreaming)

STATEMENTS
Ranking
Public awareness should be considered in order to contribute to the necessary

public education
9 Dots
Is it possible to develop very compact yet informative literature that will reflect
all issues dealt with in this workshop for technical users?
2 Dots
Training is not the only solution in Africa. Governments must help or oblige
workshops to buy some equipment
2 Dots
Many French speaking countries in Africa use French normalisation -> its a
problem with HC
2 Dots
How can you assume that experts/ consultants are presenting all alternatives
including HC to their clients?
6 Dots

Table 6: Open questions
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STATEMENTS
Ranking
Training projects should include HC retrofitting
10 Dots
MF support for projects on HC training, demonstrations, etc is needed
11 Dots
MLF should reconsider policy on safety cost for commercial refrigeration
1 Dot
Bodys of the MF should recognize retrofitting needs with HC and should

provide the means
2 Dots

Table 7: Policy matters
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C3 - Results of Group 3: Conditions for the implementation

of HC-based refrigerant replacements in Article 5
countries
STATEMENTS
Ranking
These policy issues will influence the use of HC as a replacement option when
technically proven
7 Dots
CFC-12 scarcity and high price are the main driving forces for the use of HC
and HFC blends
11 Dots
HC use will be driven, in most cases, by economics and availability, adapt I.S.
to country specific needs as soon as possible
11 Dots
Attentions HC receive in the scientific or political community should be reflected

in field studies (to determine application feasibility)
12 Dots
Additional HC blends should be service / retrofitting options with HCFC /HFC

blends once proven
2 Dots
The low cost of drop-in servicing of HC blends could drive the motivation
for retrofitting appliances in A5 countries once proven
9 Dots
When is the appropriate time for retrofitting domestic and small commercial
appliances (at servicing?)
0 Dots
Recovery and possible recycling of HC should be considered based on local

economic and environmental conditions
0 Dot
To support HC use there is a need for training on retrofitting and best service
practices, including safety issues
4 Dots
Why create something so technically complicated as R134a?
11 Dots
Possible answers to this statement include:
Identify constraints and solutions to technical penetration.
Design appropriate technical training programmes
Develop refrigerant management plans
The Governments should give some policy guidelines on refrigerants
For most of the consumers of A5 countries the need for fulfilment of basic needs
exceeds concern for any refrigerant.
Investigate and establish public awareness as a tool
The minimal level of basic knowledge of entrepreneurs in A5 countries prohibits

proper dissemination of HC technology
1 Dot
The problem of HC technology is not technical, but political (controversial card)
2 Dots
16 Dots
3 Dots
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Organisation of refrigeration entrepreneurs in associations is desirable.
Assess the impact of action of A2 countries and producers on A5 countries
19 Dots

HCs acceptance in developed countries.
Influence of developed countries attitudes to HCs
Policy = Formal and informal influence of other countries policy
Article 2 pressure / influence
Are all technical aspects of HCFSs and HFCs resolved?
Constraints to HC technology in developing countries
HC technology ought to be supported scientifically, technically, politically and commercially
Availability of cheap ODS refrigerant makes
It is important to resolve outstanding HC technical issues
Technical problems for servicing sector with 134a should be investigated
Assess the impact of continued subsidies through project
Government policy framework has to ensure best practices
Customise policy ?
Table 9: Issues which were raised for further discussion but due
to lack of time could not be dealt with
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Annex D MetaPlan methodology
Objectives of visualisation
Participatory process
Democratic
Focus on main issues
Widening scope of issues
Results are seen immediately
Result-oriented
Question-driven
Everybody takes part
Visible participation
Balancing of interests
Consensus-driven
Basic requirements
Trust and oneness
Discipline
Objectivity
Neutrality
Generosity
Commitment
Concentration
Understanding
Participation
Willingness to listen to others
Ability to reflect on ones own ideas

and arguments
Material requirements
Pin-boards and brown paper
Felt pens
Different coloured & shaped cards
Coloured dots
Flip-charts
Glue sticks
Pins
Need to make effective and imaginative

use of space for ordering and sorting
cards and ideas
Visualisation rules
Effective use of brainstorming /no

monologues)
Immediate visualisation
One idea per card (many ideas = many cards
Clear handwriting, maybe block text

(legible from approx. 6 meters)
Clear statements e.g. Provide comparative

assessment of lifetime cost
Use different shaped and/or coloured cards

and space for effective structuring and
presentation of ideas
Structure ideas according to well defined

principles
Group work procedures
Agree on the three working group titles and headings
Individually reflect upon the statements presented during the workshop
Decide upon which group to join
Use the guiding matrix and guidelines provided
Use brainstorming technique wherever possible
Maintain group discipline
Be result-oriented
Complete required tasks in the required time
Nominate a person to present the results in the plenary

Table 10: Main MetaPlan principles
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Annex E Composition of working groups

Group 1:
Jeffrey Levy (group facilitator)

Keith Snelson
Marcela Velzquez
Reinhard Radermacher
Othmar Schwank
Reinald Guillen Godin
Nelson Espinosa Pena
Arda Rahardja Lukitobudi
Louis Ndiaye
Lambert Kuijpers
USA
Canada
Costa Rica
USA
Switzerland
Cuba
Cuba
Indonesia
Senegal
Netherlands
Group 2:
Stephan Sicars (group facilitator)

Ebel Dijkstra
David Gibson
Carlos Pablo Noland Empty
Thomas Djiako
Janusz Kozakiewicz
Cecilia Corpus
Valery Smirnov
Laura Roca
Diego Velasco
Peter Strmer
Ranjith Dharmawardhana
Ronaldo Cerdas
Germany
Netherlands
UK
Cuba
Burkina Faso
Poland
UNDP
Canada
Venezuala
Columbia
Germany
Sri Lanka
Costa Rica
Group 3:
Steve Gorman (group facilitator)

Zhang Chongzian
Tuan Dao Puc
Hilda del Carmen
David Lesolle
Roberto Peixoto
Frederick Solesbury
Ndiaye Cheikh Sylla
Josee Portugais
Marin Kocov
Jessica Poppele
R. Agarwal
Marja Tummers
John Mate
Francesco Castronovo
Tony Hetherington
Manfred Egger
Alvaro Vargas
John Christoforou
Christoph Rentsch
UNIDO
China
Vietnam
Nicaragua
Bitsawana
Brazil
Namibia
Senegal
Canada
Macedonia
World Bank, Washington DC
India
Netherlands
Canada
Mexico
MFS, Canada
Indonesia
Costa Rica
Sudan
Switzerland
Table 11: Working groups composition

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Annex F Opening address by Ed Norrena,

Director General, Environment Canada
On behalf of the Government of Canada, I would like to extend to you all a warm welcome to Canada
and to Montreal, and in particular, to this workshop being hosted by the United Nations Environment
Programme on the Potential for Hydrocarbon Refrigerant Replacements. This workshop effectively
represents the first official event in the Tenth Anniversary Celebrations of the Montreal Protocol on
Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer.
The Tenth Anniversary theme encourages all of us gathered here over the next ten days to renew our
commitment to the protection of the ozone layer while also celebrating our progress. Indeed, where
better to celebrate our progress than where it all began 10 years ago! There is no doubt that we have
much to be proud of ... the success that has been achieved to date in rehabilitating and in working to
protect the stratospheric ozone layer has been the result of unprecedented international cooperation and
the development of a common global commitment in response to a global environmental concern.
This has entailed an unprecedented sharing of information, expertise and technological know-how
around the world, which has in turn resulted in the creation of a wealth of new and innovative
technologies and industrial processes.
All told, we can definitely be proud of our collective success. However, our work is far from over. There
remain major hurdles to still be overcome. This is where the idea of renewing our commitment enters
the picture.
In this respect, the focus of todays workshop presents a very timely topic of discussion. When one
considers the numerous and ambitious revisions which the Protocol has undergone over the last ten
years, including the tightening of controls, the acceleration of phase-out schedules and the inclusion of
additional substances, it is clear that we cannot just maintain the status quo. We must continue to
intensify our work on the development of ODS alternatives.
Hydrocarbon technology provides such an alternative. Historically, the use of hydrocarbon or
flammable refrigerants was restricted to large facilities, such as in the petrochemical industry, that were
properly equipped to handle large quantities of products which, as the name suggests, were highly
flammable. However, as the search for CFC and HCFC substitutes intensified, flammable refrigerants
began to emerge as a viable alternative. The reason is simple .... hydrocarbons have a zero Ozone
Depleting Potential (ODP), they posess the necessary properties required from refrigerants and, they
have a low Global Warming Potential (GWP).
At present, the use of hydrocarbon refrigerants as CFC and HCFC substitutes is limited primarly to the
domestic refrigeration market, namely in Northern and Central Europe, but their use is gaining favour
in other areas of the world as well. Given their high level of enery efficiency, they are also gradually
being considered as an alternative in other refrigeration sub-sectors, namely in commercial refrigeration
and in some air-conditioning systems.
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Emphasis in this sector has focussed primarly on the design of new units but retrofitting is also
beginning to gain acceptance. Retrofitting provides an interesting alternative, particularly for
Article 5 (1) countries where the cost of manpower involved in repair is dwarfed in comparison to the
high costs of new appliances.
It strikes me that hydrocarbon refrigeration replacements, used safely and properly, constitute a viable
green technology which we should be exploring to their fullest potential. This is what you are here to
do.
I wish you success in your deliberations on this subject, which need not remind you, contribute
significantly to a renewal of the commitments of the Montreal Protocol.
Thank you.
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Annex G Workshop presentations

G1 - Prof. R.S. Agarwal, IITD, India

REPLACEMENTS IN DOMESTIC AND SMALL
COMMERCIAL REFRIGERATION APPLIANCES
PART I - DESK SURVEY
Radhey S. Agarwal
I.I.T. Delhi, India
Martien Janssen
Re/genT, Netherlands
SCOPE OF STUDY
Review of all existing literature available on experience with
hydrocarbon (Hcs) and mixtures of hydrocarbons when used as
replacements for CFCs in domestic or small commercial refrigeration equipment. In this case replacement is intended to
cover so called drop-in and retrofit situations
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SPECIFIC TASKS
DEVELOP A CHECKLIST TO ITEMIZE THE STAGES OF
DEVELOPMENT APPLIED IN THE DETERMINATION OF THE
ACCEPTABILITY OF A NEW SERVICE REFRIGERANT
this will address issues such as regulations, safety, health, reliability,
efficiency, cost, etc.
PREPARE A MATRIX IN ORDER TO COMPARE
INFORMATION DERIVED FROM THE SEARCH WITH THE
ELEMENTS OF THE CHECKLIST
ANALYZE DATA FROM THE MATRIX, AND MAKE

RECOMMENDATIONS REGARDING:
-
viability of the HC technology option in this application
any further investigations required to explore unresolved issues
any follow-up actions which may increase level of acceptance

of HC refrigeration technology
PREPARE A DRAFT FINAL REPORT AND TRANSMIT TO

PROJECT MANAGER AND UNEP IE
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ACCEPTABILITY OF A RETROFIT REFRIGERANT

FOR DOMESTIC AND SMALL COMMERCIAL
REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS
REFRIGERANT INFORMATION
MATERIAL COMPATIBILITY DATA AND LUBRICANT/
REFRIGERANT INTERACTION
APPLIANCE PERFORMANCE
RELIABILITY
SAFETY OF REFRIGERANT AND THE PRODUCTS
STANDARDS AND REGULATIONS
COST AND AVAILABILITY
SERVICING PROCEDURE
CRITERIA TO ACCEPT HYDROCARBON AS

POSSIBLE DROP-IN OR RETROFIT
REFRIGERANTS
REFRIGERANT INFORMATION
- thermodynamic & thermophysical properties
- flammability
- toxicity data (exposure limits)
- data on purity of the refrigerant
- environmental data
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REFRIGERANTS
MATERIAL COMPATIBILITY DATA AND LUBRICANT /
REFRIGERANT INTERACTION
- compressor material compatibility with retrofitting refrigerant
- refrigerant-oil compatibility
- compatibility of retrofit refrigerant with refrigeration circuit
material
- solubility & miscibility of refrigerant with compressor lubricant

REFRIGERANTS
APPLIANCE PERFORMANCE
- storage temperature at different ambient temperature
- the energy consumption of the appliance
- starting characteristics of the compressor
- pull down behavior
- effect of retrofit refrigerant on the noise level
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REFRIGERANTS
RELIABILITY
- compressor life test with retrofit refrigerant
- information on were characteristic of components and degradation
of lubricant & refrigerant
- influence on compressor starting behavior
- reliability data on complete appliance performance

REFRIGERANTS
SAFETY OF REFRIGERANT AND THE PRODUCTS
- safe handling of refrigerant
- safety during servicing /retrofitting
- safety of product after retrofitting
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REFRIGERANTS
STANDARDS AND REGULATIONS
- for handling of refrigerants
(storage, transportation)
- for limit the use of quantity of refrigerant
- for safety of refrigeration systems

REFRIGERANTS
COST AND AVAILABILITY
- availability of refrigerant to the servicing personnel
- rules and regulations for transportation
- refrigerant costs
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REFRIGERANTS
SERVICING PROCEDURE
- step by step servicing procedure
- safe servicing practices
- need for training of servicing personnel
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
AUTHORS ACKNOWLEDGE THE HELP AND SUPPORT
PROVIDED BY THE INDUSTRY ENGAGED IN THIS AREA
FOR REVIEWING AND PROVIDIING VALUABLE SUGGESTION
IN DEVELOPING THE CHECK-LIST
THE HELP AND SUPPORT PROVIDED BY NRC - THERMAL
TECHNOLOGY CENTRE AND UNEP-IE/PAC IN CARRYING
OUT THE STUDY IS SINCERELY ACKNOWLEGED.
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SOURCES OF INFORMATION
SCIENTIFIC JOURNALS
PROCEEDINGS OF CONFERENCES / SEMINARS / WORKSHOPS
TEAP AND TOC REPORTS
TECHNICAL DATABASES IN THE PUBLIC DOMAIN
LIMITED DISTRIBUTION REPORTS
PUBLICATION FROM FIELD TESTS AND CASE STUDY
REFRIGERATION EQUIPMENTS MANUFACTURERS WHO
HAVE TESTED AND USED HCs
INTERNET
CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

FROM DESK SURVEY
ASPECT : REFRIGERANT PROPERTIES
Sufficient information available
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Recommendations
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FROM DESK SURVEY
ASPECT: MATERIAL COMPATIBILITY AND LUBRICANT ISSUES
Recommendations
In general a good material

compatibility is concluded for
hydrocarbon/mineral oil
combinations and common
materials in a refrigeration circuit
(also the compatibility with
several other types of lubricants is
positive).
Solubility data for some pure
hydrocarbons and different
lubricants are available. Specific
solubility data of hydrocarbon
mixtures is missing.
Solubility data of selected

hydrocarbon blends with mineral
oil should be obtained. The effect
of the solubility on the viscosity
of the lubricant in practical
systems should be investigated.
A possible concern on
composition change of
hydrocarbon blends due to
solubility differences of the
components needs to be
addressed.
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FROM DESK SURVEY
ASPECT: APPLIANCE PERFORMANCE
Recommendations
In general the performance of

hydrocarbon blends when applied in a
drop-in mode leads to increases in
energy consumption from 0 to 30 %
compared to CFC-12 based domestic
appliances. The exact figure depends
on the type of appliance and the
composition of the blend chosen.
Two temperature appliances with two
evaporators in series are known to
suffer from the temperature glide
while single evaporator refrigerators
typically exhibit a reasonable
performance when blends are applied.
Improvement in energy consumption
can be achieved by adjusting the
capillary tube where a reduction in
flow capacity is required (longer
capillary).
For a retrofit in general a small

energy consumption increase is
acceptable, which means that from
energy consumption performance a
retrofit to hydrocarbon blends is
acceptable on most single evaporator
type of appliances. Two evaporator
type of appliances (serving two
compartments) will show a significant
drawback in energy consumption and
storage temperatures in the
refrigerator.
For small commercial appliances

better energy efficiencies are reported
which may be attributed to a relative
better performance of the hydrocarbon
mixture at elevated evaporation
temperatures. Apart from some pull
down test, relatively little information
is supplied on the cooling capacity,
i.e. whether high ambient temperature
specifications of the product are still
being met
330
The influence of the blend on the

cooling capacity (especially at high
ambient temperatures) will need
additional study.
Detailed compressor performance
studies (taking temperature glides
into account) will give additional
information of the performance of the
blend compared to CFC12.
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FROM DESK SURVEY
ASPECT: RELIABILITY
Recommendations
Some life time tests have been

reported with hydrocarbon (mixture)
refrigerants on compressors and
appliances.
General reliability tests are not

further required. It remains to be
evaluated whether equipment
manufacturer specifications
(especially low voltage starts) are
still being met with hydrocarbon
blends.
In general a good reliability is

demonstrated. This is also confirmed
by current and past production of
hydrocarbon based domestic
appliances although this is not
completely comparable to a retrofit
or drop-in situation.
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FROM DESK SURVEY
ASPECT: SAFETY
Recommendations
A large number of publications

discuss the safety issues related to
the application of hydrocarbons in
domestic and small commercial
systems. The discussions vary from
simply ignoring any safety aspect, to
detailed discussions how to properly
deal with all possible events leading
to hazardous situations.
Guidelines for adapting appliances to

hydrocarbon refrigerants are being
developed but needs to be further
detailed (what modifications must be
applied, when and how).
Following the practice of

hydrocarbon based appliance
manufacturers, products have been
considered inherently safe enough
(e.g. foamed in evaporators) or
product design changes have taken
place (e.g. thermostats placed
externally). This kind of information
is currently being integrated in
guidelines to be used when
retrofitting or servicing appliances
with flammable refrigerants.
332
Liability issues with respect to

appliances being retrofitted with
flammable refrigerants are not
resolved.
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FROM DESK SURVEY
ASPECT: REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS
Recommendations
A large number of standards deal

with safety of domestic and
commercial appliances. Several of
these standards do not address the
use of flammable refrigerants which
has led to amendments which are
currently being negotiated.
Studies into the existing regulations

and standards are required (per
country or region). The evaluation
must be performed taking into
account the specifics of each
product.
The fact whether the application of a

flammable refrigerant in a
retrofitting situation violates existing
standards or regulations must be
studied on a national (or local) level.
It needs monitoring as well, since
standards and regulations are
continuously being updated.
Details of safety aspects can be
found in amendments for
electrotechnical standards.
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FROM DESK SURVEY
ASPECT: COSTS AND AVAILABILITY
Recommendations
The information available reveals

that future availability of
hydrocarbons should not be a
problem, this at moderate costs
(comparable to or lower than current
CFC-12 prices). Current availability
and prices may be prohibitive in
some countries.

FROM DESK SURVEY
ASPECT: SERVICING PROCEDURES
Recommendations
Some practical guidelines for

servicing domestic appliances and
small commercial equipment have
been developed. These guidelines list
safety measures to be taken, both to
the product and to protect service
technicians.
Existing guidelines and manuals

need to be improved with respect to
the safety measures to be taken. The
guidelines should also be more
product specific indicating which
products may be converted under
which condition.
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G2 - Marja Tummers, ECOZONE, The Netherlands

Presentation of the country-specific survey in Indonesia
Address
Thank you chairman.

Ladies and gentlemen,
First of all I would like to welcome you to this workshop.
Id also like to thank all the speakers of this morning for their introduction and especially Professor
Agarwal for the presentation of the Desk Survey.
My name is Marja Tummers and I work for Ecozone, The Netherlands. Ecozone is a consultancy
company mainly working in the field of the application of hydrocarbons as replacement refrigerants in
existing domestic and small commercial refrigeration appliances.
I will start my presentation by giving you some background information on the Part two of the UNEP
Study; the Country Specific Surveys.
After that I will start with the presentation of the findings of the Survey carried out in Indonesia
following the
1.
methodology
2.
the Montreal protocol and the Indonesia Country Program
3.
and the main findings of the Survey classified by using the 5 main subjects of the questionnaire.
The country specific surveys

The second part of the UNEP studies that are being presented today are the Country Specific Surveys.
Three countries were chosen to be included in this survey, each one because of their specific knowledge
with hydrocarbon replacement technology.
The three countries are Costa Rica and Cuba in Central America and Indonesia in Asia.
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Sheet 1
The Country Specific Surveys
COSTA RICA
CEGESTI CONSULTANTS, SAN JOSE
Marcela Velzquez
CUBA
THE OZONE TECHNICAL OFFICE, HAVANA
Nelson Espinosa Pena
Carlos Noland Empty
and
Cegesti, Marcela Velzquez
Ecozone, Marja Tummers
INDONESIA
SWISSCONTACT - SMEP, MALANG
Manfred Egger
and
Ecozone, Marja Tummers
In Costa Rica the Consultancy firm Cegesti joined in several hydrocarbon technology projects.
One of these projects was the so called Technology Packages Investment Program in which 40 micro
refrigeration entrepreneurs were given the opportunity to buy, at a largely subsidised price, a set of
equipment for proper recovery and recycling of ODS.
The package included imported hydrocarbon refrigerant as a replacement for the ODS recovered from
the systems to be serviced.
The survey in Costa Rica has been executed by a consultant from Cegesti, Mrs. Marcela Velzquez who
will present the findings from Costa Rica.
In Cuba a locally produced hydrocarbon refrigerant is being used by a great number of workshops since
several years.
The Ozone Technical Office assisted in the Cuba Survey.
The hydrocarbon refrigerant has been developed by scientist from the Universidad de Oriente.
Sr. Reinaldo Guillen, who is the head of the refrigeration group of this university will give a presentation
on this locally produced hydrocarbon refrigerant, LB12.
He will be assisted by Sr. Carlos Noland Empty for translation.
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The Indonesia survey

The survey in Indonesia was carried out by Manfred Egger from SWISSCONTACT - SMEP, the Small
and Medium Enterprise Promotion and Ecozone.
SC-SMEP has been working in the field of Ozone Protection through several projects that were
executed in co-operation with international partners.
All the contacts with the respondents who participated in the Indonesia Survey were made through the
SWISSCONTACT - SMEP secretariat.
In two weeks time a total of 19 official interviews were held, ranging from interviews with
representatives of ministries to refrigeration micro entrepreneurs.
An additional and informal 6 meetings were held. The information obtained from these meetings was
included in the report.
All the results of the three Country Specific Surveys that will be presented here this morning are
preliminary results.
The reports written on basis of the Surveys held are draft reports, and by no means give a complete and
final picture of the situation of Hydrocarbons as replacement refrigerants.
Methodology
The Country Specific Surveys are qualitative studies carried out by using a set of questions.
The questions served as the basis for open interviews with respondents.
Quantitative data derived from other surveys have been included in the results of the report.
For the Indonesia Survey, the questionnaire, as it was agreed upon by the Project team in March of this
year in Germany, was to be used.
During the first interviews however it became clear that a strict following of the questionnaire would
not generate the information we were looking for.
The decision was made to focus during the interviews on the specific field of profession and knowledge
of the respondents.
The questionnaire used for the survey was divided into 5 main groups.
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Sheet 2
The subdivison of the questions

A
1
2
Phase out of CFCs
ECONOMIC ASPECTS
1
2
3
SOCIAL ASPECTS
1
2
3
TECHNICAL ASPECTS
1
Retrofit process
2
Safety
3
Montreal Protocol and the country program

Following the Montreal Protocol, which was signed by Indonesia in 1993, the date for the phase out of
the import of ODS was set at the end of this year, December 31, 1997.
The Country Program as it was presented by the Indonesian Government foresees in a support program
for the manufacturing industries to achieve this date.
The service sector has not been taken into account in the Country Program.
Respondents stated, the statements sometimes following a discussion, that the figure of 60 - 70% of all
the ODS in country is actually being used by this service sector.
The questionnaire
I will now discuss with you some of the major findings of the survey, following the subdivision of the
questions, as you can see them on the sheet.
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I will conclude with some general remarks and observations.
Environmental aspects
The Country program, and specifically the date of the ban of the import of ODS by the end of this year,
is not generally known.
Respondents state that this date is most likely too soon, and that a ban on import will only provoke
smuggling.
It is reported that, in view of the date of the ban of import, companies have started to buy and put on a
stock of CFCs.
The exact amount of the stock of CFCs in the country is not exactly known.
SC - SMEP has, on basis of figures available, calculated the stock of CFCs in the country.
The data can be found in one of the annexes of the Indonesia report you will find in your binder.
Phase-out of CFCs
Several ministries and national as well as international organisations and institutions are working in the
field of protection of the Ozone Layer.
In this respect an initiative of the Ministry of Environment, where the Ozone Office is seated, has to be
mentioned.
The Ozone Office has set up the so called Ozone Unit. This Ozone Unit comprises representatives of
150 different companies in Indonesia that work in any application of ODS.
The core group of this Ozone Unit is formed by approximately 15 representatives who meet on a regular
basis.
The core group assisted, in several ways, the Government of Indonesia in the writing of the Country
program.
There is no ODS recovery and recycling network functioning in the country. The Government is of the
opinion that all users of ODS shall take care of the problems themselves.
A private initiative of an Australian company foresees in a mobile air-conditioning recovery and
recycling project, mainly geared at training of technicians.
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Economic aspects
The proposed alternative refrigerant for the most commonly used CFC, R12, is R134a.
Some respondents did not now this, and were wondering what would happen after the stock of R12
would be finished.
Indonesias state Oil and Gas Company, PERTAMINA, produces LPG which is used as a cooking gas
and as fuel for cars.
It would not be economically interesting for PERTAMINA to produce, from the feed stock, a
hydrocarbon refrigerant, because the total amount of hydrocarbon refrigerant needed for the country
would not be economically interesting.
At this moment it is also technically not possible to produce a hydrocarbon refrigerant form the available
feed stock, because the necessary equipment for this purification is not available in the country.
There are now two companies interested in importing hydrocarbon refrigerant from abroad.
Two other Indonesian companies are interested in buying the necessary equipment for purification and
start production of hydrocarbon refrigerant themselves.
A significant number of respondents stated that the conversion of a larger system to hydrocarbons would
be a viable option, provided that the safety standards would be taken into account.
Positive reactions on the use of hydrocarbons as replacement refrigerants for larger systems, prevail over
the possibility of using R134a.
The opinion on hydrocarbons for mobile air-conditioning varies widely. The problems mainly referring
to safety aspects.
The availability of hydrocarbons in the market for a competitive price compared to other refrigerants,
would dictate a shift in employment or income. When hydrocarbons are freely available for a good price
no major changes have to be expected.
A change to for instance R134a however would definitely have implications for a number of smaller
workshops. The turnover of these workshops is usually too low to be able to make al the necessary
investments for the conversion to R134a.
These problems are mentioned to be lower for the mobile air-conditioning sector because simple and
relatively cheap adapters are available.
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Social aspects
So far smaller workshops are the only ones applying Hydrocarbon replacement technology.
Using hydrocarbon replacement technology for mobile air-conditioning is still a very controversial
issue.
There are several training and education institutes in the country. For this information I refer to the
reader.
Awareness and publicity
It has been stated that until the welfare level will rise consumers will not be concerned with what kind
of refrigerant their refrigerator is charged.
Since the welfare level is rising consumer might become more aware of their involvement in
environmental issues, though this is considered not very likely for the near future.
Technical aspects
Retrofit
Until now only those technicians that have been trained in one of the SWISSCONTATC - SMEP
workshops are applying the hydrocarbon replacement technology, even though there is hardly a
financial incentive for them to do so.
Those entrepreneurs that apply the hydrocarbon replacement technology find no technical problems
whatsoever.
The problems that were found were mostly due to inproper refrigeration practices, like charging a
system with hydrocarbon refrigerant form the liquid phase.
Safety
Until now no accidents have been reported.
The entrepreneurs applying hydrocarbon replacement technology are, so to say, not afraid of the
flammability of the hydrocarbons.
They carry out test showing the problems one would have with igniting hydrocarbons that stream out
of a cylinder.
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Page 342
Some respondents stated that they just charged the systems with hydrocarbons but would not tell the
customers.
Performance
The converted equipment functions well ; the energy consumption is lower, the pull down time is shorter
and the cooling capacity higher.
Results from a test on the consumption of energy of a converted bulk milk cooling tank will be made
available shortly.
Regulatory and liability aspects

There are no laws, rules or regulations applying to the use of hydrocarbons as refrigerants as yet.
The rules that exist apply to the production, transport and storage of hydrocarbons as fuel only.
These rules could however be modified to include hydrocarbon refrigerants.
The Government of Indonesia is at this moment not considering a change or addition to these existing
rules.
Whenever hydrocarbon technology would become an approved technology the Government will adjust
the legal framework.
If market forces would dictate that hydrocarbon refrigerants will be used in Indonesia the Government
will follow by adjusting the law.
Until that time any company or entrepreneur applying hydrocarbons as refrigerants is personally
responsible for a proper application.
General remarks and observations

Some preliminary conclusions that can be derived from this fact finding mission on the hydrocarbon
replacement refrigeration technology can be summarised as follows:
1.
hydrocarbons are considered by all but one respondent a viable alternative in existing domestic and
small commercial refrigeration equipment
2.
for this more and more intensive safety training for those people who want to apply hydrocarbon
refrigerants is needed
3.
the dissemination of information to entrepreneurs, companies as well as consumers on the subject

has to be increased.
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Page 343
4.
a legal framework for the use of hydrocarbon refrigerants will have to be produced.
5.
it is most likely that market forces will dictate the further introduction of hydrocarbon as
replacement refrigerants in Indonesiaif hydrocarbons as refrigerants are to become the alternative
solution for the refrigeration sector it is important that first of all the the converted refrigerators are
thoroughly tested is necessary.
Also the locally produced hydrocarbon refrigerant will have to be tested.
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G3 - Marcela Velzquez, CEGESTI, Costa Rica
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347
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348
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G4 - David Gibson, Dewpoint Ltd, UK
CFC Refrigerant Phaseout in

Small Article V Countries
David Gibson
DewPoint Consultants Ltd.
Service Sector - Situation

In November 1996 UNIDO undertook a mission
to prepare Recovery & Recycling Schemes in
a number of small W. African Countries
In Gambia, Guinee, Benin, Senegal & Burkina Faso
had key features in common
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Workshop Flushing
Most
Compressor Number of Any
Possess Possess Part. in Would
Common Life
technicians? Mechanics Vacuum Leak
Training you Buy
Fault
Trained? Pump? Detector? Course Subsidised
Tool Kit?
Porto Novo
7
R-11
Burnout 2-4
leaks
(evap)
blockage
1
1
N
10
(apprentice)
(apprentices)
R-11
Blockage 4-5
burnout
1
0
2
(apprentices)
??
R-11
Leaks
R-22 (0.5kg) burnout
YP
10
R-22
YP
5 max.
Burnout i) 5
Blockage ii) 1
leaks
Survey of Beninois Service Centres

Workshop Flushing
Most
Compressor Number of Any
Possess Possess Part. in Would
Common Life
technicians? Mechanics Vacuum Leak
Training you Buy
Fault
Trained? Pump? Detector? Course Subsidised
Tool Kit?
Cotonou
1
Meth.
Burnout 1
Chloride
leaks
R-22 (0.5kg) blockage
YP
R-22
TCA/petrol Burnout
1-2
R-11/R-22
Burnout
YP
R-22
Burnout 4-5 (new

3
comp.
compressor
stuck leaks only)
blockage
YP
R-11
Burnout
leaks
YP
350
Burnout
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Refrigerant Prices to End Users

Burkina Faso
Gambia
Guine
Benin
Sngal
Burkina Faso
Inform
Formel
Inform
Formel
Inform
Formel
Inform
Formel Inform
Formel
CFC-12
6.0
9.6
6.1
15
5.6
10-16
6-8
11
6.2
9.7
CFC-11
??
5.7
7.4
12.0
13.1
R-502
n/a
n/a
??
HCFC-22
8.9
HFC-134a
20.1/25
8.9
28*
30/37
17
25
6-8
12
50
29.3
12
7.4
10.6
18-24
n/a
20.9
* Imported directly by end user. Landed cost (CIF).

_ $ 10/kg on the informal market if purchased by kg.
$ 2.4 kg in Lagos.
Common Factors
Poorly equipped and trained service sector

CFC-12 widely available at $5-6 US/kg
Erratic power supply (150-270V)
High ambient temperatures and humidity
Prevalence of small hermetic systems
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Result
High rate of compressor failures (life of 1-2 years)
- Because technicians are badly trained and
equipped and Supply Voltage fluctuates
Large amounts of CFC-12 and/or CFC-11

are used
- Lack of vacuum pump means flushing is the only
(very in-adequate) means of removing humidity
High Failure x Large Usage

per Repair
=
High Annual Consumption
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Page 353
Refrigerant Recovery and

Reclaim?
Can in theory work quite well because motor
burnout is major fault, but:
Must be treated in a central reclaim facility too expensive for most countries
Infrastructure is poor. Makes collection &
delivery of reclaimed refrigerant problematic
R/R schemes will reduce consumption but cannot
eliminate ODS refrigerant use
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Retrofit?
Could lead to a fast phaseout, because:
- Every time a compressor is replaced the system
can be retrofitted to an non-ODS refrigerant
- ODS consumption of each system ceases
forever after retrofit
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Page 355
What is the Ideal Retrofit Fluid?

Should be a true drop-in, i.e. compatible
with Mineral Oil, elastomers, etc.
Be as cheap (or cheaper) than current local
CFC-12 price ($5-6 US/kg)
Give as good (or better) energy efficiency and
equipment lifetime
And (very important) be safe in domestic
conditions of country concerned
What Fluids Satisfy these Criteria?

Refrigerant
GWP
ODS
Drop-In
Efficiency
Safety
Price
HFC-134a
0.3
Zero
Same
Yes
High
R-22 Based
Blends
Low
Low
Same
Yes
Very high
R-134a/600a
Blends
Negligible
Zero
Same
Yes
High
R-152a/600a
Blends
Negligible
Zero
Slightly
Better?
flammable
Same as
CFC-12
Hydrocarbon
Blends
Negligible
Zero
Slightly
Better?
Highly
flammable
Very low?
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Page 356
Clear that Hydrocarbon blends are ideal in

every respect except Safety
IF safety is manageable, then HCs have a
great deal to offer small Art. V countries
- Rapid phaseout in the highest ODS use sector
- Phaseout at the lowest cost
- Possible further gains (comp. life; efficiency)
Does this Apply only to

Developing Countries?
No. Applies also to Former Communist
countries where:
- Cash is very short
- There is (currently) an abundant supply of
cheap CFC-12
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G5 - Dr Othmar Schwank, INFRAS, Switzerland
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Annex H Main points of internal review of process

and workshop results (9 September 1997)
There were some 56 participants, with 10 working in group 1, 15 in group 2 and 22 in group 3
Good participation for all the group work
Written form (Metaplan) allowed for good and transparent participation, especially for the
non-English speaking participants who could use the cards and write in their language and
have the text translated. The transparent process was well received
Presentation in the morning was too much. In light of the time constraints, the World Bank
presentation could have been left away as it did not really correspond with the main topic of
the Workshop (HCs).
More time could have been given for presentations, perhaps 15 minutes each
The mix of participants (i.e. ozone officers versus technicians) was good in view of the
objectives of the workshop
Metaplan process helped to provide method for limiting and focusing discussions on HC
The statements used as entry points for the work groups worked well, it organised peoples
thoughts, provided a good framework, helped discipline the groups in their work, helped the
process
Problem was a time constraint, too little time for the work required
There has been a political in-direct sanctioning of the workshop through the attendance of
high ranking people, the fact that the workshop took place and the high level of attendance
The workshop was generally perceived as being a success, it has reached its objectives
The metaplan methodology and the group work approach was well received by both the
participants and the group facilitators
A general feeling existed that a little more time would have been very good and would have
rounded-off the workshop better
Table 12: Brief review of process and workshop results
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Workshop photographs
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365
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366
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UNEP
Page 367
About the UNEP DTIE

Nations around the world are concerned about the emissions of man-made CFCs, halons, carbon
trachloride, methyl chloroform, methyl bromide and other ozone-depleting substances (ODS) that
have damaged the stratospheric ozone layer a shield around the Earth which protects life from
dangerous ultraviolet radiation from the Sun. Over 167 countries have committed themselves
under the Montreal Protocol to phase out the use and production of these substances. Recognizing
the special needs of developing countries, the Parties to the Protocol also established a Multilateral
Fund and appointed implementing agencies to provide technical and financial assistance to enable
the developing countries to meet their commitments under the treaty. UNEP is one of the Funds
implementing agencies; the others are UNDP, UNIDO and the World Bank.
Since 1991, the UNEP DTIE OzonAction Programme in Paris has been strengthening the capacity of
governments (especially National Ozone Units) and industry in developing countries to make
informed decisions on technology and policy options that will result in cost-effective ODS phaseout activities with minimal external intervention. The Programme accomplishes this by delivering
a range of need-based services, including:
Information Exchange
To enable decision makers to take informed decisions on policies and investments. Information and
management tools already provided for developing countries include the OzonAction Information
Clearinghouse (OAIC) diskette and World Wide Web site, a quarterly newsletter, sector-specific
technical publications for identifying and selecting alternative technologies, and policy guidelines.
Training and Networking
That provide platforms for exchanging experiences, developing skills, and tapping the expertise of
peers and other experts in the global ozone protection community. Training and network
workshops build skills for implementing and managing phase-out activities, and are conducted at
the regional level (support is also extended to national activities). The Programme currently
operates eight regional and sub-regional Networks of ODS Officers comprising 95 countries, which
have resulted in member countries taking early steps to implement the Montreal Protocol.
Country Programmes and Institutional Strengthening
That support the development of national ODS phase-out strategies and programmes, especially
for low-volume ODS-consuming countries. The Programme currently assists 79 countries in the
development of their Country Programmes and implements Institutional-Strengthening projects
for 67 countries.
For more information about these services please contact:

UNEP Division of Technology, Industry and Economics
39-43 quai Andr Citron
France
Email: ozonaction@unep.fr
Tel: +33 1 44 37 14 50
Fax: +33 1 44 37 14 74
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Page 368
About the UNEP Division of Technology, Industry and Economics

The mission of the UNEP Division of Technology, Industry and Economics is to help decision-makers
in government, local authorities, and industry develop and adopt policies and practices that:
are cleaner and safer;
make efficient use of natural resources;
ensure adequate management of chemicals;
incorporate environmental costs;
reduce pollution and risks for humans and the environment.

The UNEP Division of Technology, Industry and Economics (UNEP TIE) located in Paris, is composed
of one centre and four units:
The International Environmental Technology Centre (Osaka), which promotes the adoption and
use of environmentally sound technologies with a focus on the environmental management of
cities and freshwater basins, in developing countries and countries in transition.
Production and Consumption (Paris), which fosters the development of cleaner and safer
production and consumption patterns that lead to increased efficiency in the use of natural
resources and reductions in pollution.
Chemicals (Geneva), which promotes sustainable development by catalysing global actions and
building national capacities for the sound management of chemicals and the improvement of
chemical safety world-wide, with a priority on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) and Prior
Informed Consent (PIC, jointly with FAO).
Energy and OzonAction (Paris), which supports the phase-out of ozone depleting substances in
developing countries and countries with economies in transition, and promotes good
management practices and use of energy, with a focus on atmospheric impacts. The UNEP/RIS Collaborating Centre on Energy and Environment supports the work of the Unit.
Economics and Trade (Geneva), which promotes the use and application of assessment and
incentive tools for environmental policy and helps improve the understanding of linkages between
trade and environment and the role of financial institutions in promoting sustainable
development.
UNEP TIE activities focus on raising awareness, improving the transfer of information, building
capacity, fostering technology cooperation, partnerships and transfer, improving understanding of
environmental impacts of trade issues, promoting integration of environmental considerations
into economic policies, and catalysing global chemical safety.
For more information contact:

UNEP Division of Technology, Industry and Economics
France
Tel: 33 1 44 37 14 50; Fax: 33 1 44 37 14 74
E-mail: unepie@unep.fr; URL: http://www.unepie.org
368
Couv UNEP Study
7/07/99 11:33
Page 1
Study
on the Potential for
Hydrocarbon
Replacements
in Existing Domestic
and Small Commercial
Refrigeration Appliances
Developing countries face an important and
unique challenge under the Montreal Protocol
to Protect the Ozone Layer: what should be
done with the millions of existing domestic
and commercial refrigerators and freezers that
use ozone-depleting CFC refrigerants? Can
appliance owners in developing countries
continue to use their existing refrigerators and
freezers but at the same time protect the
ozone layer by retrofitting the equipment to
use non-CFC refrigerants?
By way of a desk survey, technical research,
country field experiences, and workshop results,
the Study on the Potential for Hydrocarbon
Replacements in Existing Domestic and Small
Commercial Refrigeration Appliances helps
decision-makers in developing countries weigh
the positive and negative aspects of this
retrofitting option. The report was developed
as part of UNEPs Work Programme under the
Multilateral Fund for the Implementation of
the Montreal Protocol, with the collaboration
and support of six bilateral agencies and three
Printed in France
countries.

Division of Technology, Industry and Economics
39-43, quai Andr Citron
75739 Paris Cedex 15 - France
Tel.: (33.1) 44 37 14 59
Fax: (33.1) 44 37 14 74
Email: ozonaction@unep.fr
ISBN 92-807-1765-0

Hydrocarbon Replacement

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1-DOC Prface

Study on the Potential

United Nations Environment Programme

Multilateral Fund for the Implementation

Reproduction of this document

UNITED NATIONS PUBLICATION

A Message from UNEPs Executive Director

Mr. James S. Curlin

The document was written by:

Costa Rica Country Study

Quality review of specific sections of this document was done by:

SYNTHESIS REPORT .........................................................................................

PART I - DESK SURVEY .....................................................................................

PART II - COUNTRY SPECIFIC SURVEYS............................................................

Costa Rica ........................................................................................................

PART III - WORKSHOP REPORT .........................................................................

About the UNEP DTIE OzonAction Programme .......................................................

About the UNEP Division of Technology, Industry and Economics ..........................

Study on the Potential for Hydrocarbon Replacements

Study on the Potential for Hydrocarbon Replacements

Study on the Potential for Hydrocarbon Replacements

2. PURPOSE AND SCOPE

Refrigerant properties data

3.2 Part 2 - Country Specific Survey

Study on the Potential for Hydrocarbon Replacements

Refrigerant Properties Data

Material Compatibility and Refrigerant/Lubricant Interaction

Study on the Potential for Hydrocarbon Replacements

Safety of refrigerant and equipment

Study on the Potential for Hydrocarbon Replacements

assessment indicates a very low probability of a fire-event. Furthermore it is mentioned that

Standards and regulations

Availability and costs

Study on the Potential for Hydrocarbon Replacements

4.2 Part 2 - Country Specific Survey

Study on the Potential for Hydrocarbon Replacements

5. RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FURTHER INVESTIGATIONS

Study on the Potential for Hydrocarbon Replacements

Study on the Potential for Hydrocarbon Replacements

Part I - Desk Survey

Study on the Potential for Hydrocarbon Replacements

Mr. W. Keith Snelson

Part I Desk Survey

2. Acceptability of a retrofit refrigerant for domestic and small

3. Refrigerant property data ....................................................................................

3.1 Thermodynamic and thermophysical properties ................................................

4. Material compatibility and refrigerant/lubricant interaction ..........................

4.1 Material compatibility and refrigerant stability ..................................................

5. Appliance performance ........................................................................................

5.1 Performance of domestic appliances ..................................................................

6.1 Components ........................................................................................................

7. Safety aspects of hydrocarbon refrigerants ......................................................

7.1 General considerations .......................................................................................

Regulations and standards ..................................................................................

8.1 Mechanical standards .........................................................................................

9. Availability and costs of hydrocarbon refrigerants ...........................................

9.1 Availability ................................................................................................................

Study on the Potential for Hydrocarbon Replacements

10. Servicing and drop-in conversion of R-12 appliances to hydrocarbon blends

11. Conclusions and recommendations ....................................................................

List of References ........................................................................................................

Part I Desk Survey

Study on the Potential for Hydrocarbon Replacements