The Hidden Risks and Impact of Refrigerant Leaks

Refrigeration systems are vital in the maritime industry for preserving goods and ensuring onboard comfort, but refrigerant leaks can lead to serious safety, and operational challenges. Effective leak detection and prevention are essential to minimising these risks and ensuring regulatory compliance. Here are some practical solutions to help your vessels improve energy efficiency, maintain safety, and avoid costly downtime.

Wilhelmsen insights | 18. Sep 2024
Francis Lai, Head of Product Management - Refrigeration

Introduction

In the maritime industry, refrigeration systems play a critical role in preserving perishable goods, maintaining onboard comfort, and supporting various operations. However, refrigerant leaks pose significant challenges, safety risks, and financial losses. Therefore, implementing effective leak detection and prevention measures is essential for enhancing efficiency, safety, and regulatory compliance in maritime refrigeration systems.

The Importance of Leak Detection and Prevention

Refrigerants, such as hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), significantly impact the environment, contributing to global warming and ozone layer depletion when released into the atmosphere. Minimising leaks is essential in reducing the maritime industry’s environmental footprint. Additionally, certain refrigerants pose safety risks due to their toxicity, flammability, or potential to cause asphyxiation, making prompt leak detection critical for protecting crew members.

Leaks also reduce system efficiency, increase energy consumption, and compromise cooling capacity, so proactive detection and repair are vital for optimising performance and minimising operational costs. Furthermore, stringent regulations such as the EU F-Gas Regulation and the Montreal Protocol mandate the phase-out of high-GWP refrigerants, requiring regular leak monitoring and reporting to ensure compliance, avoid penalties, and meet industry standards.

How to Tackle the Refrigerant Leaks Onboard Your Vessel?

1. Monitor the Refrigerant Leaks:

For existing ships considering installing a new fixed refrigerant leak monitoring system, our Refrigerant Leak Monitor Kit can accommodate your needs. The Refrigerant Leak Monitor Kit 6CH offers an ideal solution for multi-point surveillance of machinery rooms and walk-in freezer rooms where refrigerant gases may be present.

2. Conduct Periodic Leak Checks:

Utilise a handheld detector able to detect all halogen refrigerants (CFC, HCFC, HFC, HFO). The Refrigerant Leak Detector UNIRX-1A is one of the most sensitive refrigerant leak detectors in the industry.

3. Locate Any Hidden Leaks:

The Unitor Refrigerant Leak Detection U.V. Tracer Kit is an effective tool
for pinpointing the invisible refrigerant leaks (tiny or intermittent leakages
hidden in inaccessible areas) in the systems.

Manage your Refrigerant Leaks Today

By integrating these solutions, vessels can enhance energy efficiency, reduce refrigerant loss, and prevent expensive downtime. Our leak detection solutions comply with major international regulations, offering ship owners peace of mind while promoting responsible refrigeration practices.