Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/326847
R inks around the country will need to become more environmentally friendly in the future, thanks in large part to the Montreal Protocol and R-22 phaseout. But like with any change, it comes with some confusion. We asked STAR vendor members Peeter Nielander of Berg Chilling Systems, and Dave Wescott of All Star Arenas some common questions that rink operators have about the R-22 phaseout. What is the Montreal Protocol? Peeter Nielander: The Montreal Protocol is an international treaty designed to protect the ozone layer by phasing out the production of numerous substances that are responsible for ozone depletion. R-22, a commonly used refrigerant in the ice rink industry, is such a substance. Dave Wescott: Every country in the world is a party to the protocol and it has successfully phased out or is in the process of phasing out several key classes of chemicals, including chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), hydro chlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), and halons. The transition away from CFCs and HCFCs provides major ozone-layer protection benefits, but the unintended consequence is the rapid current and projected growth of climate- damaging HFCs. What happens in the year 2020 in the U.S. with regards to the Montreal Protocol? PN: In 2020, production and importing of R-22 will be banned. DW: The Montreal Protocol requires the U.S. to reduce its consumption of HCFCs by 99.5 percent below the U.S. baseline. Refrigerant that has been recovered and recycled or reclaimed will be allowed beyond 2020 to service existing systems, but chemical manufacturers will no longer be able to produce R-22 to service existing air conditioners and heat pumps. Can I build a new refrigeration system using R-22 now? PN: Although refrigeration system components for R-22 can still be found, a new R-22 refrigeration system cannot be built today. 2010 was the last time a new R-22 system could be built, per the Montreal Protocol. If I do all the required and recommended maintenance on my R-22 system, can I still operate it past the year 2020? PN: Yes. Refrigerant that has been recovered and recycled or reclaimed will be allowed beyond 2020. If I can buy R-22 after 2020, what do you predict the price will be? PN: The price may increase enough to look at replacing your ice rink chiller. But only time will tell what the price will be. DW: There is really no way to predict the price. The phaseout is already going quicker than anticipated, and if shopped, R-22 can still be found for under $15 per pound. The goal of the phaseout of the gas is to make it more practical to replace the equipment rather than buy the gas, so you can expect the price to keep rising. If I have R-22 in my rink, do I have to convert to an alternate refrigerant in 2020? PN: As an environmentally conscious company, it is strongly suggested that an R-22 chiller would be replaced. PHOTOS: DAVE WESCOTT MYTH or ? , Continued on page 26 , This is an example of a system that was converted from R-22 to Genetron 422D. R-22 Phaseout: TRUTH , Large buildings with interior mechanical rooms will need to use R-22 or similar refrigerant due to their location. by JESSI PIERCE 24 / MAY.JUNE.2014 RINKMAGAZINE.COM