Preparing for the HCFC Phase-Out

摘要

The Montreal Protocol, an international treaty designed to protect the ozone layer, was amended last fall to accelerate the phase-out of hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs). The refrigerants used in chillers, commonly referred to as HCFC-123 and HCFC-22, were targeted because they contain chlorine and have ozone-depletion potential (ODP). In the new schedule for developed countries, HCFC-22 will be phased out of new equipment starting in 2010 and won't be produced or exported as of 2020 (with a 0.5-percent service tail to 2030). HCFC-123 will be phased out in 2020 (with a 0.5-percent service tail), but won't be produced or exported as of 2030. The biggest recent change to this schedule is a 2015 review to determine if the service tails are necessary after 2020. If the timeline is shortened, all equipment using HCFC refrigerants will rely on reclaimed refrigerant as of 2020.