Approved R600A Containers; Storage, Handling, And Transportation Of R600A - Whirlpool R600A Service Manual

Introduction
Whirlpool is introducing R600a as a new refrigerant for new
production household refrigerators and freezers. R600a is
a hydrocarbon with the benefits of zero ozone depletion
potential (ODP) and a very low global warming potential
(GWP) as compared to other refrigerants. An important
characteristic of R600a --a hydrocarbon is it's flammability.
This Manual details the procedure for performing sealed system
work on refrigerators and freezers utilizing R600a hydrocarbon
refrigerant. Special attention is given to mitigating flammability
concerns.
Hydrocarbons
Hydrocarbons are flammable organic compounds made up of
hydrogen and carbon.
Hydrocarbon refrigerants are desirable because they have zero
ozone depletion potential (ODP) and a very low global warming
potential (GWP) compared to other refrigerants.
Hydrocarbon (HC) refrigerants have been used extensively
in household refrigerators and freezers for over 15 years in
countries such as Germany, the United Kingdom, Australia, and
Japan.
The EPA is updating the safe handling requirements under
Section 608 that currently applies to ozone depleting
refrigerants and extending them to substitutes like
hydrofluorocarbons
(HFCs). These changes strengthen the existing program, in
particular, by requiring a number of industry best practices.
Link to the EPA testing and regulations:
section608/revised-section-608-refrigerant-management-
regulations
Isobutane is a hydrocarbon approved for use by the EPA
as a refrigerant in household refrigerators and freezers.
As a hydrocarbon, the EPA has exempted R600a from the
requirement to recapture used refrigerant. This service manual
covers the procedure for venting R600a to atmosphere.
Link: https://www.epa.gov/snap/snap-regulations
R600a is the designation given to refrigerant grade isobutane by
the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air
Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE). ASHRAE categorizes R600a in
the A3 safety group. The A3 safety group is reserved for
refrigerants with lower toxicity, and higher flammability.
National Refrigerants, INC. Safety Data Sheet Link; www.
refrigerants.com/pdf/SDS%20R600a%20%20Isobutane.pdf
Other uses for Isobutane Link: http://www.cosmeticsinfo.org/
ingredient/isobutane
R600a
https://www.epa.gov/
Introduction

Approved R600a Containers

This is a Example of a Charging kit from Vulkan (Figure K). Follow
all handling instructions listed on the cylinder or provided by the
supplier. Quantity of R600a transported should be limited to one
420 gram cylinders.
The use conditions are:
1) R600a can only be used in new equipment designed
specifically and clearly identified for the refrigerant.
2) Refrigerators or freezers using R600a must meet all
requirements listed in Supplement SA to UL 250.
3) A 150 gram charge size limitation is imposed.
4) Refrigerators and freezers must meet labeling requirements.
5) Identifying Refrigerators Containing R600a
To implement the proper safety precautions, it is necessary to
identify refrigerator using R600a refrigerant.
Check the Model and Serial Number tag inside the refrigerator
compartment. This tag lists the type and quantity of refrigerant
used.

Storage, Handling, and Transportation of R600a

It is the responsibility of the Service Company and Service
Technician to understand and comply with all Federal, and local
laws.
Technicians must:
¾ Pass a certification EPA exam offered by an approved
technician certification program in order to maintain, service,
repair, or dispose of appliances containing ODS or substitute
refrigerants.
¾ The certification exam will be updated to reflect the new rules
and new refrigerants prior to this date.
¾ Keep a copy of their certificate at their place of business.
¾ Maintain a copy of their certificate until three years after no
longer operating as a technician.
¾ Link; https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2016-09/
documents/608_fact_sheet_technicians_0.pdf
GENERAL INFORMATION
(Figure K)
Use Conditions
Technician Certification
R600A Sealed System 2017 1-3
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