Bacharach Inc, a manufacturer of refrigerant gas leak detection and monitoring instruments, has added R514A to its gas library of detectable refrigerants as chiller applications within the refrigeration industry demand refrigerants with low GWP (global warming potential).
The firm’s proprietary NDIR (Non-Dispersive Infrared) technology allows its instrumentation to measure levels as low as 1 ppm of refrigerant, while maintaining high accuracy and enabling early detection of refrigerant leaks.
“The calibration curve for R514A has now been added into the software for our Multi-Zone and Single Zone continuous refrigerant monitors as well as our portable spot leak detection devices,” said Tom Burniston, product manager, fixed instruments.
“Our proprietary sensor technology allows us to create these curves quickly to keep up with the development of new and better refrigerants,” he said. “This enables the precise measurement of all refrigerants, including the new products like R514A, to maintain the high standards expected from Bacharach’s market-leading sensor technology. Bacharach’s NDIR sensors allow for fast response times, long sensor life, high accuracy, repeatability, minimal maintenance and no cross sensitivity.”
R514A is a refrigerant with a very low GWP of under 2 and is targeted as a replacement for R123 in centrifugal chiller applications. It is a blend of HFO 1336mzz(Z) (74.7%) with trans-1,2-dichloroethene (25.3%), a gas not previously used in refrigerants.
ASHRAE 34 classes R514A as a “B1” refrigerant, meaning that it is not flammable, but is classed as having higher toxicity, with on OEL (Occupational Exposure Limit) of 323 ppm. This highlights the importance of early detection of refrigerant leaks that could be harmful and reduce refrigeration system efficiencies.
Access www.mybacharach.com for full details.
