Propane (R290) as a Refrigerant - Safety Regulations and Requirements

R290 (Propane) is a refrigerant of safety group A3, and due to its high flammability, it is associated with special safety precautions.
When installing and operating heat pumps, chillers, and refrigeration systems, safety zones must be observed. Freestanding systems require a distance of at least one meter from ignition sources, while in corners or niches, a protection zone of 2.5 meters in front must be maintained.

The ATEX Directive (2014/34/EU) is relevant when planning and operating such systems, especially in areas where explosive atmospheres might arise due to leaks. Additionally, the use of leakage detection systems is recommended, particularly in closed rooms or larger systems. Adequate ventilation is crucial to keep the concentration of R290 below the lower explosive limit (LEL). In some cases, emergency ventilation systems are required to ensure safety.

Refrigerant Charge Quantities

The IEC 60335-2-89 standard defines clear limits for the maximum charge of flammable refrigerants. For separate condenser units, a maximum of 150 g of R290 can be used per refrigeration circuit. For larger systems requiring higher charge amounts, the refrigerant circuits must be subdivided accordingly. If the charge exceeds a certain threshold, the devices can only be installed in rooms with a specified minimum floor area. This area is calculated based on the refrigerant’s lower flammability limit (LFL).

Requirements for Machine Rooms

Machine rooms in which R290 systems are operated must meet specific safety requirements. Adequate ventilation is essential to minimize the risk of combustible gas accumulation in case of a leak. Depending on the room size and refrigerant charge, additional measures such as the installation of emergency ventilation systems may be required. Compliance with ATEX regulations is also mandatory.

Requirements for Personnel

The safe operation of R290 systems requires qualified personnel trained in handling flammable refrigerants. Maintenance technicians must be aware of the specific risks and properties of R290 and strictly adhere to the relevant safety regulations. Only trained professionals are permitted to work on the refrigerant circuit to ensure operational safety and compliance with legal requirements.

Summary

The use of R290 in heat pumps, chillers, and refrigeration systems requires comprehensive safety measures and qualified personnel. Compliance with safety regulations, combined with regular maintenance and training, ensures safe and efficient operation. Despite the high requirements, R290 offers a very low global warming potential (GWP = 3) and is an environmentally friendly alternative to other refrigerants.