Replacing F-gases with ammonia

Atmosphere 2009 in BrusselsReplacing F-gases with ammonia or why ammonia was never replaced by synthetic refrigerants

Atmosphere 2009 in Brussels

Atmosphere 2009 in BrusselsFacts about ammoniaAmmonia occurs naturally in the enviroment, e.g. human beings produce about 6 kg/year, a cow 1.000 kg/yearAmmonia is one of the first refrigerants, used since 1872It is the most efficient refrigerant available


Atmosphere 2009 in BrusselsAmmonia in refrigeration systemsAmmonia is not consumed, but recirculated in the refrigeration systemIt can be estimated today about 5% of the available ammonia is stored in refrigeration systemsOnly about 0,5% of the produced ammonia is used for refrigeration systemsThe price of ammonia is only fraction of the price for common synthetic refrigerantsTrading ammonia is not big businessLobby work for ammonia is not very attractive


Atmosphere 2009 in BrusselsAmmonia drawbackFlammable, although only at a certain concentration (15 to 28%)Explosive, although nearly impossible due to required concentration and very high ignition temperature (651C)Toxic, but smell will prevent harmful influence as long as persons can run away (smell of ammonia is regognized at 20 ppm, but becomes life threatning > 1.000 ppm)


Atmosphere 2009 in BrusselsIs ammonia safe?Accidents, particularly lethal accidents, do not occur more frequently than with synthetic refrigerants. Ammonia has a good safety record!Accidents occur mainly during maintenance work within the close vicinity of the machinery room when safety regulations were disregardedHowever, due to the characteristic smell of ammonia, information about a leak will travel around the world fastWhen used by trained personnel and according to regulations ammonia is at least as safe as any synthetic refrigerant!


Atmosphere 2009 in BrusselsLeak tight systemsUnpleasant and penetrating smell will ensure ammonia leaks are not toleratedLeakage rates of most synthetic refrigerants until today were determined to be more than 20%, because it is difficult (or nearly impossible) to detect synthetic refrigerantsLeak tight systems are a general requirement, (e.g. according to the F-gas regulation), not just a requirement for ammonia systems!


Atmosphere 2009 in BrusselsAmmonia - requirementsSafety analysisLeak tight installation - welded steel pipe is the best choice.Installation according to technical standards Leak detection and proper ventilation Proper training of the staff requiredThis is not different from any refrigeration system using synthetic refrigerants, installed correctly!


Atmosphere 2009 in BrusselsSafe ammonia applicationsFor more than 130 years ammonia is used in industrial refrigeration systems, e.g. for food, chemical, pharmaceutical industryAmmonia is particularly suitable for heat recovery and heat pumps In recent years numerous ammonia systems for public buildings have been installed, e.g. for airports, hospitals, exhibition centers, govermental buildings, banks, universities, sport facilities, distric cooling, space craft and space station, to name just a few


Atmosphere 2009 in BrusselsLondon Heathrow, Terminal 5


Atmosphere 2009 in BrusselsZrich airport, Switzerland


Atmosphere 2009 in BrusselsHomerton hospital, London


Atmosphere 2009 in BrusselsRoche DeeWhy, Australia


Atmosphere 2009 in BrusselsEast railway station, Berlin


Atmosphere 2009 in BrusselsDesign buildings with ammonia chillersO2 sport arenaBerlin, GermanyTreptowersBerlin, Germany


Atmosphere 2009 in BrusselsCurling rink, Aberdeen


Atmosphere 2009 in BrusselsEVO heat pump, Germany


Atmosphere 2009 in BrusselsInternational Space Station (ISS)


Atmosphere 2009 in BrusselsWhy was ammonia always used?The specific enthalpy is 6 7 times higher than common synthetric refrigerants making it the most efficient refrigerant available

Wherever energy efficiency is important ammonia remains to be first choice - provided legislation will not prevent its use!


Atmosphere 2009 in BrusselsLegislation concerning ammonia?EN378 is a harmonised regulation that specifies all requirements to produce and install ammonia refrigeration systemsUnfortunatelly operation of refrigeration system is still the responsibility of each member state and regulations differ widely

For example it is fairly easy to take advantage of efficient ammonia systems in UK, but it is nearly impossible to do so in France


Atmosphere 2009 in BrusselsAmmonia - outlookAmmonia will gain - and has already gained importance - not only for industrial applications, but also in other sectors, when energy consumption is of increasing concern!

The full potential of ammonia has not been fully used until today!


Atmosphere 2009 in BrusselsAbout eurammonOur objectives:Providing a platform to share information about natural refrigerants.Increase awareness and acceptance of natural refrigerants.Promote natural refrigerants as environment-friendly, energy-efficient, future-proof, cost-effective and safe solution.Support sustainability in refrigeration technology.


Atmosphere 2009 in Brusselseurammon is a joint initiative of companies, institutions and individuals who advocate an increased use of natural refrigerants. delivers specific project experience for users and planners of refrigeration projects. contributes to the development of progressive solutions in refrigeration as a partner to business and politics. is committed to sustainable solutions at international level. has a worldwide network with around 70 members from nearly 30 countries.


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Replacing F-gases with ammonia