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About F-Gas

About F-GAS

These compounds are used in various industries due to their unique properties.

Fluorinated gases or synthetic fluorinated gases, also known as fluorocarbons or halocarbons, are organic compounds containing carbon and fluorine atoms. These gases are created by combining carbon atoms with fluorine atoms and, in some cases, with hydrogen atoms or other elements. They were developed to replace chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), chemicals that contributed to the deterioration of the ozone layer in the atmosphere and the phenomenon of ozone depletion (also known as the “ozone hole”).

The main use of fluorinated gases is in refrigeration and propellant aerosols

replacing CFCs and other substances harmful to the ozone layer. Fluorinated gases do not contain chlorine, which makes them less harmful to the ozone layer. A common example of a fluorinated gas is hydrofluorocarbon (HFC).

However, although F-gases do not contribute to the depletion of the ozone layer, they present their own challenges in terms of their environmental impact. Although they do not directly contribute to the formation of ozone holes, fluorinated gases are strong greenhouse gases and can contribute to global warming if they are emitted in large quantities into the atmosphere. Consequently, it is important to manage and reduce emissions of fluorinated gases to minimize their impact on climate change.

Over time, research and technology have continued to evolve, and researchers and industry are constantly looking for more sustainable and environmentally friendly solutions for refrigeration and other applications. This includes developing greener alternatives to fluorinated gases and adopting more responsible practices in their use. The regulations on fluorinated gases in the European Union are established mainly by means of Regulation (EU) no. 517/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council, also known as the Regulation on fluorinated greenhouse gases (F-gases). This regulation replaced and extended previous legislation on fluorinated gases.

The main provisions of Regulation (EU) no. 517/2014 include:

Control of the production, import, export and use of fluorinated gases, including equipment and products containing such gases. The regulation establishes a series of prohibitions and restrictions on the use of certain types of fluorinated gases and equipment containing them. Implementation of a certification system for personnel handling fluorinated gases or equipment containing them. Operators and personnel responsible for the installation, maintenance, repair and dismantling of equipment containing fluorinated gases must obtain specific certification. Introducing a reporting and monitoring system for fluorinated gas emissions. Operators and producers are obliged to report annually the quantities of fluorinated gases placed on the market, used, recycled or destroyed. Appropriate labeling and information of equipment and products containing fluorinated gases. This includes the inclusion of clear warnings and information on the proper use, handling and disposal of these substances. Establishing a timetable for phasing out certain fluorinated gases that have a high global warming potential. This means that some fluorinated gases are being phased out or replaced by greener and less harmful alternatives to the environment.

Regulation (EU) no. 517/2014 introduced strict measures to control and reduce the impact of fluorinated gases on the environment and climate change. These regulations target both manufacturers, importers and exporters of fluorinated gases, as well as end users and personnel who handle these substances.

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