UPDATED REFRIGERATION AGENTS AND THEIR APPLYING ON THE MARITIME TRANSPORT

Abstract

The article examines the main groups of refrigerants and their impact on the environment. Ensuring the correct and safe technical use of refrigerants and preventing their negative impact on the environment is a very important task for preserving the Earth’s atmosphere at a natural level. The main types and properties of refrigerants used in ship refrigeration systems from the moment of their introduction to the present day are considered. Particular attention is paid to the requirements for refrigerants of the freons group and their impact on the environment. The main requirements of the International Convention in Vienna in 1985 and subsequent protocols, amendments and agreements enshrined in international legislation are given. As a result of many scientific developments and experiments by world scientists and scholars, it was determined that the most negative impact on the ozone layer that protects the Earth’s atmosphere is exerted by chlorine-containing refrigerants of the freons group. Information is provided on the developed and successfully implemented for application modern refrigerants that are safe for the environment. The analysis of the latest research and publications of domestic and foreign leading specialists and scientists in the field of refrigeration technology is taken into account. Refrigeration units used in maritime and river transport operate in difficult conditions and therefore special requirements are also imposed on them by the International Maritime Classification Societies (Register of Shipping). The necessity and possibility of retrofit ship refrigeration units designed, manufactured and installed in previous years to approved “ozone-safe” refrigerants is determined. The process of ensuring and implementing such a retrofit using the necessary equipment and modern technical means and devices is considered in detail. The necessity is proven and a method for conducting a leak test of the refrigerant system in ship conditions is proposed. Today, the production of artificial refrigeration is constantly being improved. Researchers and engineers are working to improve the efficiency of refrigeration machines, installations and cooling systems. Particular attention is paid to environmentally safe working fluids, which are refrigerants. In addition, active developments are underway regarding the most effective and safe refrigerants with a view to their use in the near future. The article identifies practical recommendations for retrofit of ship refrigeration systems to modern approved refrigerants, taking into account scientific research in this area, as well as many years of practical experience in practical operation